What You Need Before You Start
Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online through the state's Department of Public Safety website, but only if you meet specific conditions. 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 any address changes since your last renewal. If any of those do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office instead.
Before you go to the website, gather your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need a valid payment method — Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for the renewal fee. The online renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license.
Have a recent photo ready if you want to upload a new one. Alabama will use your existing photo from your current license unless you choose to submit a new digital image. The photo must be a clear headshot taken against a plain background, at least 200 pixels wide and 240 pixels tall, and saved as a JPG or PNG file.
Key Takeaways
- You can only renew online if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical holds or address changes since your last renewal.
- The online renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card.
- You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the process.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
- If your license expired more than five years ago or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
Steps to Renew Online Through the Alabama DPS Website
Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and locate the online driver's license renewal portal. The portal is labeled "Online Driver License Renewal" and is separate from the general DPS homepage. Click the renewal link and you will be taken to a login page.
Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, then click "Continue." The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to verify that your name, date of birth, and address are correct. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot proceed online — you will need to visit an examiner's office in person.
Review your license class, restrictions, and endorsements. These should match what is on your current license. If anything looks wrong, stop and contact the Driver License Section at 334-242-4437 before continuing. Once you confirm everything is accurate, you will move to the payment screen.
Choose your license term — four years or eight years — and review the fee. Enter your credit or debit card information and complete the payment. You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot, as you may need it to check your renewal status later.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal
After payment is processed, your renewal enters the approval queue. The system will send you a confirmation email with your transaction number. This email is your receipt and proof that you submitted your renewal. Keep it until your new license arrives.
Most renewals are approved within one to three business days. Once approved, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date it ships. You should have your new license in hand within two weeks of submitting your renewal.
Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving. There is no gap in your driving privileges when you renew online. If you need to check the status of your renewal, return to the online portal and enter your license number and Social Security number again — the system will show you whether your renewal is pending, approved, or shipped.
When You Cannot Renew Online and Must Go In Person
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 Social Security number, and proof of residency. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot or within a few days.
If you have any medical suspensions, restrictions, or holds on your license, the online system will reject your renewal. This includes suspensions for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or medical conditions. You must clear the suspension or restriction first by contacting the Driver License Section or paying what you owe. Once cleared, you can try the online renewal again.
If your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot complete the online process. The system will flag the address mismatch and require you to visit an office in person with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
Finding a Driver License Examiner's Office If You Need In-Person Service
Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Alabama DPS website and using their office locator tool. Enter your county name or zip code and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation for your local office.
Call ahead before you go. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some require appointments, especially for certain services. The phone number for your local office is listed on the DPS website. Ask whether you need an appointment and what documents to bring.
Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency if your address has changed. If you are renewing after a suspension or restriction, bring proof that it has been cleared, such as a letter from the Driver License Section or a receipt showing payment of fines.
Understanding Your License Options and Fees
Alabama offers two renewal terms: a four-year license for $24.50 and an eight-year license for $36.75. Both are valid for driving and identification. The eight-year license costs more upfront but spreads the renewal fee over a longer period, so your annual cost is lower. Choose based on your preference and budget.
Your license class and any endorsements (such as a commercial driver's license or motorcycle endorsement) remain the same during renewal unless you request a change. If you want to add an endorsement or change your class, you cannot do that online — you must visit an examiner's office.
Alabama does not offer a REAL ID-compliant license through online renewal. If you need a REAL ID license for federal purposes such as air travel, you must renew in person at an examiner's office and bring documents that meet REAL ID requirements, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
No. If you have unpaid traffic fines or other financial holds, the online system will reject your renewal. You must pay the fine or resolve the hold first. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the Driver License Section to find out what you owe and how to pay it. Once cleared, you can try the online renewal again.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
You cannot change your address online. The system will reject your renewal if your address has changed since your last license was issued. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
Most renewed licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved. Approval itself usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Your current license remains valid while you wait, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.
Can I upload a new photo when I renew online?
Yes. You can submit a new digital photo if you want to update your license photo. The photo must be a clear headshot against a plain background, at least 200 pixels wide and 240 pixels tall, and saved as a JPG or PNG file. If you do not upload a new photo, Alabama will use your existing photo from your current license.
What if my renewal is rejected by the online system?
The system will tell you why your renewal was rejected — usually because your license is expired by more than five years, you have a medical hold, or your address has changed. Once you resolve the issue, you can either try the online renewal again or visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Contact the Driver License Section at 334-242-4437 if you are unsure how to fix the problem.