Yes, you can renew your Alabama driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
Alabama allows online renewal through its website, but not everyone qualifies. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you have not had certain violations in the past few years. If you fall outside these limits, you will need to renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
The online process takes about 15 minutes and costs $28.50. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. The state mails your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical holds or recent violations.
- The online renewal costs $28.50 and takes about 15 minutes to complete through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.
- You will need your current license number, email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person from an online renewal.
Who can and cannot renew online
Alabama's online renewal system has specific restrictions. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have an active medical suspension, or if you have been convicted of certain traffic violations within the past three years. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended for unpaid child support or unpaid traffic fines.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, you can check your license status on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website before starting the renewal. This takes a few minutes and tells you whether you are may be able to access to proceed online or must visit an office in person.
Steps to renew online
Start by going to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and finding the driver's license renewal section. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system verifies your information against state records.
Next, you review your current license information and confirm or update your address if you have moved. You then choose your payment method — debit card or credit card — and pay the $28.50 renewal fee. After payment processes, you receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this number for your records.
You do not need to upload a photo or take a new one for online renewal. The state uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office instead.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once your payment is confirmed, the state processes your renewal. You will receive a confirmation email with your renewal number. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address you provided during renewal, arriving in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
While you wait for your new license, your current license remains valid. You can continue to use it for identification and driving until your new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new license arrives and your current license is expired, you may want to renew in person at an examiner's office instead, since in-person renewals sometimes process faster.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit a Driver License Examiner's Office with your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken.
If you have a medical suspension or certain traffic violations on your record, in-person renewal is required so an examiner can review your case. The same applies if your license was suspended for unpaid child support or traffic fines — you must resolve those issues and renew in person. You can find the nearest examiner's office and its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.
Cost and payment methods
Online renewal costs $28.50, which is the standard Alabama driver's license renewal fee. This fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. The state accepts debit cards and credit cards for online payment. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash through the online system.
If you are renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the examiner's office. Some offices may have different payment options, so check with your local office if you plan to renew there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended for any reason — medical, traffic violations, unpaid fines, or child support — you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. The office can tell you what steps are needed to lift the suspension before you can renew.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
You can update your address during the online renewal process. Enter your new address when prompted, and it will print on your new license. Make sure you have your new address ready before you start the renewal, since you cannot save and return to the form later.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This does not include weekends or holidays. If you need your license sooner, you will need to renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office, though in-person processing times vary by location.
Can I get a new photo during online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. You can bring a photo you have taken elsewhere, or the office will take one for you.
What if my payment fails during online renewal?
If your payment does not go through, the renewal will not complete. Check that your card number, expiration date, and security code are correct, and try again. If the problem continues, contact your bank to make sure the card is not blocked, or try a different card. You can also renew in person at an examiner's office instead.