What You Need Before You Start
Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired no more than five years ago. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or bank account for the fee, which is $36.25 for a four-year license or $54.25 for an eight-year license.
You also need a working email address, because Alabama will send your confirmation and receipt there. The state does not mail a physical license to your home; instead, you will receive a temporary digital license you can show on your phone while the actual card is printed and shipped, which takes about 7 to 10 business days.
Check your license before you begin. If it has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal, you will have to visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety office in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Alabama license is still valid or expired within the last five years.
- The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $36.25 for four years or $54.25 for eight years, paid by debit card, credit card, or bank account.
- You will receive a temporary digital license by email within minutes, valid while your physical card is mailed to you over 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license has been expired more than five years, or you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office.
Step 1: Go to the Alabama DPS Website and Find the Renewal Portal
Open your web browser and go to alabamapublicdps.com. On the home page, look for the section labeled "Driver License" or "Online Services." Click the link for "Renew Your Driver License Online" — it may also say "Online Driver License Renewal."
You will be taken to a page that explains what you need and confirms whether online renewal is right for your situation. Read through this page to make sure your license meets the requirements. If you see a message that your license cannot be renewed online, stop here and visit a local Department of Public Safety office instead.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Information and License Details
The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. Type these exactly as they appear on your license and your Social Security card — any mismatch will cause the system to reject your information.
Next, you will confirm your current address. If you have moved since your license was issued, update your address now. The system will use this address to mail your new physical license. Double-check the spelling and zip code before moving forward.
Step 3: Review Your Information and Choose Your License Term
The system will display all the information you entered. Read through it carefully — this is your final note to catch a typo before you pay. If anything is wrong, use the back button or the edit option to correct it.
You will then choose between a four-year license ($36.25) or an eight-year license ($54.25). The eight-year option costs more but means you will not have to renew again for eight years. Select the term you want and proceed to payment.
Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee
The system will take you to a find payment page. Enter your debit card, credit card, or bank account information. Alabama uses a third-party payment processor, so the page may look slightly different from the main website — this is normal and find.
After you submit your payment, wait for the confirmation page. Do not close your browser or go back until you see a message saying your payment was successful. This page will also give you a confirmation number — write it down or take a screenshot.
Step 5: read or Save Your Temporary Digital License
Once payment is confirmed, the system will generate a temporary digital license. You can view it on the screen, read it as a PDF, or have it emailed to you. Save this file or take a clear photo of it on your phone — you can show this to a police officer or use it for identification while your physical card is being mailed.
The temporary license is valid when ready and will work for most purposes while you wait for the physical card. Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) for a receipt and confirmation from Alabama DPS.
What Happens Next: Tracking Your New License
Your physical driver's license will be printed and mailed to the address you provided. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to arrive.
If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, or if you need to check on the status, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437. Have your confirmation number ready. If your license arrives damaged or with errors, call the same number to request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license 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 a Department of Public Safety office. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Call 334-242-4437 to find the office nearest you.
What if I need to change my name or address?
You can change your address during online renewal. If you need to change your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Visit a Department of Public Safety office with this document and your current license.
Can I use my temporary digital license to drive right away?
Yes. Your temporary digital license is valid as soon as you receive it by email. You can show it on your phone to a police officer if you are stopped. It works for most identification purposes until your physical card arrives.
What if my payment fails?
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and will not process your renewal. 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, then try a different payment method.
How long does the whole process take?
The online renewal itself takes about 10 minutes. You will receive your temporary digital license within minutes of payment. Your physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail, though it can take longer during peak times.