What you need before you start
Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The state does not accept checks or money orders for online renewals.
Before you begin, check that your address on file with the Alabama Department of Public Safety is correct. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address, you should do that first — either online through the same system or by mail. The renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, so getting it right now saves you a trip later.
You will also need to know whether your license requires a new photo. If your license was issued more than eight years ago, Alabama requires a new photograph, which means you cannot renew online — you will need to visit a driver's license office in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired within the last five years, and was issued within the last eight years.
- The Alabama Department of Public Safety's online renewal system is at alabamadmv.gov, and you will need your license number, Social Security number, and a payment card.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how many years you are renewing for, and you pay it by credit or debit card at the time you submit your process.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file with the state, so verify your address before you submit your renewal.
- If your license was issued more than eight years ago or is expired more than five years, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
Step-by-step: completing your online renewal
Go to alabamadmv.gov and look for the online services section. Select the option for driver's license renewal. The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and your date of birth to pull up your record.
Once your information appears on screen, review every field carefully. Check your name, address, height, eye color, and any restrictions or endorsements listed on your license. If anything is wrong, you can correct it during this step. If you spot an error you cannot fix online — such as a name change due to marriage or a medical condition that affects your driving — you will need to visit an office in person.
Answer the vision and medical questions honestly. Alabama asks whether your vision meets the state standard and whether you have any medical conditions that would make you unsafe to drive. If you answer yes to any medical question, the system may require you to visit an office or provide a medical form from your doctor.
Enter your Social Security number and review the fee. The cost depends on how long you want your new license to be valid — typically one, four, or eight years. Pay with your credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number; you may need it to track your renewal or if you have questions later.
How long it takes and what happens next
After you submit your renewal online, the Alabama Department of Public Safety processes the request. Most renewals are processed within one to two weeks, though during busy periods it may take longer. You will not receive a temporary license by mail or email — you should assume your old license is still your valid license until your new one arrives.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery usually takes five to seven business days after the state mails it, though this varies by location. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old one is still valid, you can use your old license.
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks of your submission, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not let you renew. You must visit a driver's license office in person. The same applies if your license was issued more than eight years ago and needs a new photo.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances. CDL renewals must be done in person at a driver's license office, and you may need to pass a written test or medical examination depending on your endorsements.
If you are renewing a license that has restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — you can still renew online as long as those restrictions do not need to change. If you want to add or remove a restriction, you must visit an office.
Updating your address at the same time
If you have moved since your license was issued, update your address before you renew. You can do this through the same online system at alabamadmv.gov under address change, or you can update it during the renewal process itself. Either way, your new license will reflect your current address.
If you do not update your address before renewing, your new license will be mailed to your old address on file. You would then need to contact the state to request it be reissued to your correct address, which takes extra time.
Fees and payment
Alabama charges a renewal fee based on the validity period you choose. The state does not publish a single flat rate; instead, the fee structure depends on whether you are renewing for one, four, or eight years. When you enter your information on alabamadmv.gov, the system will show you the exact fee for each option before you pay.
You must pay by credit card or debit card. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. There is no option to pay by check, money order, or cash when renewing online.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the online system will not accept your information, double-check that you have entered your driver's license number and date of birth exactly as they appear on your license. Even a small typo will cause the system to reject your entry. If you still cannot log in after checking twice, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437 during business hours.
If you submitted your renewal but your confirmation email did not arrive, check your spam folder first. If it is not there, contact the state with your driver's license number and they can confirm whether your renewal was received.
If you paid but the system showed an error before you could submit, your payment card may have been charged but your renewal may not have gone through. Check your card statement and contact the state if you see a charge but no confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or in person until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
What if I need to change my name on my license?
The online renewal system does not allow name changes. You must visit a driver's license office in person with proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Bring your current license and the required documents.
Will I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
No. Alabama does not issue temporary licenses for online renewals. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives by mail. If your old license is expired, you should not drive until your new license arrives.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes. The online renewal system does not require you to be in Alabama. As long as your license meets the requirements — still valid or expired less than five years, issued within the last eight years — you can renew from anywhere with internet access.
What happens if my new license arrives with an error?
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your new license and explain the error. Depending on what is wrong, they may issue a corrected license by mail or ask you to visit an office in person. Do not attempt to correct the license yourself.