Alabama lets you renew your driver license online if you meet certain conditions
You can renew your Alabama driver license through the state's online system without visiting a Driver License office, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $31.50, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
Not everyone can use the online renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, if you're renewing a commercial driver license, or if you've had certain violations or medical suspensions, you must visit an office in person. The online system also won't work if your name has changed since your last license was issued.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your Alabama driver license expired less than two years ago and you have no address changes or violations on your record.
- The renewal costs $31.50 and takes about 10 minutes to complete on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.
- You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the fee.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a Driver License office.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website to renew. You'll need your current driver license number — it's on the front of your card. You'll also need your Social Security number and a valid payment method. Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic checks drawn from a U.S. bank account.
Check your license expiration date before you begin. If it expired more than two years ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You can find your expiration date on the front of your license, usually in the lower right corner. If you're unsure whether you're within the two-year window, calculate from today's date backward.
Step-by-step process on the Alabama DPS website
Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and look for the Driver License Renewal section. Click the link to renew online. The system will ask you to enter your driver license number and your date of birth to pull up your record.
Review the information the system displays — your name, address, and license details. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot complete the online renewal; you'll need to visit an office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Enter your payment information and confirm the $31.50 fee. The system will show you a confirmation number once the payment processes. Write down or screenshot this number for your records. You'll receive an email confirmation as well.
What happens after you submit
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time — it remains valid until your new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state or use your license for identification before the new one arrives, your current license is still acceptable.
If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether the license is still in processing or if there was a problem with the mailing address.
When you cannot renew online
The online system will reject your renewal if your license expired more than two years ago. In that case, you must visit a Driver License office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address.
You also cannot renew online if you have an active medical suspension, a commercial driver license, or a suspended license due to violations. If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Address changes also require an in-person visit. Bring a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Finding an Alabama Driver License office
If you need to renew in person, the Alabama Department of Public Safety website has a list of all Driver License offices by county. Each office has its own hours, which vary — some are open Monday through Friday, while others have limited weekend hours. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because wait times can be long during peak hours.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available. Bringing an appointment confirmation can reduce your wait time significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is currently suspended?
No. If your license is suspended for any reason — traffic violations, unpaid fines, medical issues, or other causes — you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver License office in person. The office staff can tell you what's required to lift the suspension before you can renew.
What if I entered the wrong payment information?
If the payment was declined, the system will ask you to enter a different payment method. If the payment went through but you used the wrong card, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. They can help you resolve the issue, though refunds may take several business days to process.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. The office will take a new photo during your visit.
Can I renew online if I'm renewing early?
Yes. Alabama allows you to renew your driver license up to six months before it expires. The online system will process an early renewal the same way as a regular renewal, and your new license will have a new expiration date six years from the renewal date.
What if my new license arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number and a description of the problem. They can issue a replacement license. Replacement fees vary depending on the issue — some replacements are free, while others may have a small fee.