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. Before you go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, gather these items: your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). You'll also need an email address where ALEA can send your confirmation.
The online renewal works best if your address hasn't changed and your name is the same as it appears on your current license. If either has changed, you may need to renew in person at a driver's license office instead. ALEA's website will tell you during the process if your situation requires an office visit.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired within the last five years, and your address and name haven't changed.
- The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $36.75 for an eight-year renewal.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after ALEA processes your renewal.
- You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a debit or credit card to complete the renewal.
- If your license expired more than five years ago or your personal information has changed, you must renew in person at an ALEA office.
How to renew step by step
Go to the ALEA website and look for the driver's license renewal section. Click on the online renewal option. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record. ALEA will show you the information they have on file and ask you to confirm it's correct.
Review your address, name, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If everything matches what you see in your records, select the renewal period you want — four years or eight years. Then enter your payment information. ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
What happens after you submit
ALEA typically processes online renewals within one to two business days. Your new physical license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after processing, though it can occasionally take longer depending on your location.
While you wait for your new license to arrive, your old license remains valid. You can continue to use it for identification and driving. If you need to check the status of your renewal, log back into the ALEA website or contact your local driver's license office with your confirmation number.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system won't let you complete a renewal. You'll need to visit an ALEA driver's license office in person and bring documents proving your identity and residency. The same applies if your name or address has changed — ALEA requires in-person verification for these updates.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances. CDL renewals always require an in-person visit. The same is true if your license has medical restrictions or if you need to add or remove endorsements like motorcycle or hazmat.
Cost and payment details
An online renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license. These are the only fees — there are no additional charges for processing or mailing. ALEA accepts payment by debit card or credit card only; they do not accept cash, check, or money order through the online system.
The fee is non-refundable once you submit your renewal. If you change your mind after paying, contact ALEA's customer service to discuss your options, though refunds are not may provide.
What to do if something goes wrong
If your renewal is rejected during the process, ALEA will tell you why — usually because your license has been expired too long, your information doesn't match their records, or your personal details have changed. Read the error message carefully, as it will direct you to either fix the information and try again or visit an office in person.
If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, or if you lose your confirmation number, contact the ALEA driver's license section. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. They can tell you whether your renewal was processed and when your license was mailed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The online system will reject your renewal if there are any holds, suspensions, or revocations on your license. You must resolve these issues at an ALEA office before you can renew. Contact your local driver's license office to find out what steps you need to take.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You'll need to visit an ALEA driver's license office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. Bring your current license and a valid form of identification.
How long is my new license valid once I receive it?
Your new license is valid for either four or eight years from the date it's issued, depending on which renewal period you chose. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license.
Can I renew online if my name has changed since my last license?
No. Name changes require an in-person visit to an ALEA office. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and a valid form of identification.
What if the online system says my license number is invalid?
Double-check that you've entered your license number correctly — it's on the front of your physical license. If you've entered it correctly and the system still rejects it, your license may have been cancelled or there may be a technical issue. Contact ALEA's driver's license section to verify your information.