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 valid payment method — Alabama takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The renewal fee is $36.25 for a four-year license or $54.25 for an eight-year license, paid at the end of the process.
Before you go to the website, check that your address on file with the state is correct. If you have moved and have not updated your address, you will need to do that first — either by mail or in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety office. The online renewal will send your new license to the address the state has on record.
You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, correct your date of birth, or update your photo. Those changes require an in-person visit to a driver's license office.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Alabama license is still valid or expired within the last five years.
- The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $36.25 for four years or $54.25 for eight years.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Alabama Department of Public Safety, so update your address first if you have moved.
- You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Step 1: Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety Website
Open your web browser and go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety's online services page. Look for the link labeled "Renew Driver's License Online" — it is usually on the main page under driver's license services. You can also search "Alabama driver's license renewal online" and the state website will appear at the top of the results.
Make sure you are on the official state website (it will have a .gov address). Do not use a third-party renewal service — those charge extra fees and are not necessary in Alabama.
Step 2: Enter Your Driver's License Information
The website will ask you to enter your current Alabama driver's license number and your date of birth. Double-check both before you continue — if either one is wrong, the system will reject your request. You will also enter your Social Security number. The system uses this information to verify your identity against state records.
After you submit this information, the system will confirm that your license is may be able to access for online renewal. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years ago, you will see a message telling you that you must renew in person at a driver's license office instead.
Step 3: Review and Confirm Your Information
The next screen will show your current information on file: your name, address, date of birth, and the license number. Read through this carefully. If any of it is wrong — especially your address — stop here and do not continue. You will need to update your information in person at a driver's license office before you can renew online.
If everything is correct, check the box confirming that the information is accurate and that you are renewing your license. You will also confirm that you meet Alabama's vision and medical requirements for driving. If you have a medical condition that has changed since your last renewal, you may need to renew in person instead.
Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee
Choose whether you want a four-year license ($36.25) or an eight-year license ($54.25). Then enter your payment information. Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV code.
After you submit your payment, the system will process it when ready. You will see a confirmation number on the screen — write this down or take a screenshot. Keep this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
Step 5: Wait for Your License to Arrive
Once your payment is approved, your renewal is complete. The Alabama Department of Public Safety will print your new license and mail it to the address on file. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete the renewal.
You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your old license remains valid until your new one is delivered. If you need to check on the status of your renewal, you can return to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and enter your confirmation number.
What Happens If Your Renewal Is Rejected
If the system rejects your renewal, you will see a message explaining why. The most common reasons are that your license is suspended or revoked, your license expired more than five years ago, or the information you entered does not match state records. If this happens, you will need to renew in person at a driver's license office.
To find the office nearest you, go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease agreement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Bring a payment method for the renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. The online renewal system only works if your license is still valid or expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. You will need to bring proof of residency and your Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
The Alabama Department of Public Safety usually mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. This does not include weekends or state holidays. You can drive on your current license while you wait.
What if I moved and my address is wrong?
You must update your address before you renew online. Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or visit a driver's license office in person to change your address. Once your address is updated in the system, you can then complete your online renewal and your new license will be mailed to the correct address.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended?
No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must visit a driver's license office in person. The office staff can tell you what you need to do to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.
What if my payment is declined?
If your credit or debit card is declined, the system will ask you to try again with a different card or payment method. Make sure your card information is entered correctly, including the expiration date and CVV code. If the problem continues, contact your bank to make sure the card is active and has available funds.