What You Need Before You Start

Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website if your license is still valid or expired no more than five years ago. You will need your current or expired license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The online renewal costs $28.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, plus a $1.50 processing fee.

Before you begin, check that your address on file is correct. If you have moved since your last renewal, you will need to update your address through the mail or in person at an ALEA office — the online system will not let you change it. You also cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to renew a commercial driver's license (CDL).

The online renewal process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. 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 while you wait for the new one to arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired no more than five years ago, and you do not have a suspension or revocation on your record.
  • The online renewal costs $28.50 for four years or $48 for eight years, plus a $1.50 processing fee, and you pay by credit or debit card.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally on your current license until it arrives.
  • If your address has changed, you must update it in person or by mail before renewing online, because the online system does not allow address changes.

Step-by-Step: The Online Renewal Process

Go to the ALEA website at alea.gov and look for the driver's license renewal section. Click on the online renewal link and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and your date of birth to pull up your record.

Review the information on your license — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is wrong other than your address, stop and contact ALEA before continuing, because the online system will not let you correct it. If everything looks correct, proceed to the payment screen.

Choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. Enter your payment information and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number by email and on screen. Save or print this confirmation; you may need it if there is a problem with your renewal.

What Happens After You Submit

ALEA will process your renewal within one business day. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods or if there are postal delays.

You do not need to do anything while you wait. Your current license remains valid for driving 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 legal.

If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 or visit alea.gov to check the status of your renewal. Have your confirmation number ready.

When You Cannot Renew Online

You must renew in person at an ALEA office if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need to change your address. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago — in that case, you will need to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing in person.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you can renew online, but you will need to bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to an ALEA office within 30 days of receiving your new license to have it corrected on your record.

Renewal by mail is also an option if you prefer not to renew online. You can request a renewal process by calling ALEA or visiting an office, fill it out, and mail it back with payment and a copy of your current license. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 3 to 4 weeks — but does not require a credit card.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If the system says your license number or date of birth does not match, double-check that you entered them correctly. License numbers are printed on the front of your license; make sure you did not confuse the number with your Social Security number. If you still cannot log in after a second attempt, your record may have an issue. Contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 to verify your information before trying again.

If your payment is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to make sure the card is not blocked for online transactions. ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover; other card types will not work. If you have trouble with the payment system itself, try again in a few minutes or use a different browser.

If you receive a message that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it usually means your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years ago. You will need to renew in person at an ALEA office. Call 334-242-4437 to find out why you are not may be able to access and what you need to do next.

Where to Find an ALEA Office If You Need One

ALEA has driver's license offices in most Alabama counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting alea.gov and using the office locator tool, or by calling 334-242-4437. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices require you to make an appointment; check the website or call ahead before you go.

If you need to renew in person, bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address as well. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online: $28.50 for four years or $48 for eight years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at an ALEA office. You will need to take a written test and vision test in addition to paying the renewal fee. Contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 to find an office near you.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. Update your address in person at an ALEA office or by mail before you renew online. If you renew online with an old address, your new license will be mailed to that address, and you will need to contact ALEA to have it corrected.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Delivery can take longer during busy periods or due to postal delays. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If it does not arrive within 14 business days, contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 to check the status.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at an ALEA office. You will need to pass a written test and vision test. Contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 to find an office and schedule an appointment if required.

What should I do if my payment was declined during online renewal?

Try a different card or contact your bank to make sure it is not blocked for online transactions. ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If the payment system itself is not working, wait a few minutes and try again, or use a different web browser.