What You Can Renew Online in Alabama
Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired no more than five years ago. You cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information. You also cannot renew online if you are under 18 or if your medical certification status has changed.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.50. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your process is processed. During that time, you can still drive legally using your current license.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid or expired within the last five years, and you have no suspensions or address changes.
- The online renewal fee is $28.50, paid by debit or credit card at the time you submit your process.
- You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your current license until it arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety driver's license office in person.
Documents and Information You Need Before Starting
Gather these items before you go to the renewal website. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Have a valid debit or credit card ready to pay the $28.50 renewal fee.
Check your current license to make sure it has not been suspended or revoked. Look at the expiration date — if it expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online process. If you have moved, changed your name, or updated your medical information since your license was issued, you will need to renew in person at a driver's license office instead.
Steps to Renew Online Through the Alabama DPS Website
Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. Click the link for online renewal. You will be taken to a find form where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity.
On the next screen, review your current information — name, address, and date of birth. If any of this information is wrong, stop and renew in person instead, because you cannot correct it online. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment page. Enter your debit or credit card information and confirm the $28.50 charge.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email at the address on file with the state. This email serves as your receipt and proof that your renewal was submitted.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
The Alabama Department of Public Safety processes online renewals in the order they are received. Most applications are approved within 3 to 5 business days. You do not need to do anything while you wait — the state will print your new license and mail it to the address on your process.
Your new license will arrive by standard mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. During this time, your current license remains valid and you can continue to drive. If you need to travel by air or use your license for identification before your new one arrives, your current license is still acceptable.
If your process is denied or if the state needs more information from you, you will receive a letter or email explaining why. This usually happens if there is a discrepancy in your records or if the system cannot verify your identity. If this occurs, you will need to visit a driver's license office in person to complete your renewal.
When You Must Renew in Person Instead
You cannot use online renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, legal name, or gender marker. If your medical certification status has changed — for example, if you now need corrective lenses or have a new medical condition — you must renew in person so the state can update your restrictions.
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not accept it. Licenses that have been lost, stolen, or damaged also require an in-person visit. If you are under 18, you must renew at a driver's license office with a parent or guardian present.
To renew in person, find your nearest Alabama Department of Public Safety driver's license office on the state website. Call ahead to check their hours and current wait times. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee.
Payment and Fees
Online renewal costs $28.50, paid by debit or credit card only. The state does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for online renewals. The charge appears on your statement when ready after you submit your process, even if your renewal is later denied.
If your process is denied and you must renew in person, you will not receive a refund of the $28.50 online fee. You will have to pay the in-person renewal fee as well, which varies depending on your license type and how long you are renewing it for. To avoid this, make sure your information is correct and your license is not suspended before you start the online process.
Tracking Your New License
After your process is approved, the state does not provide a tracking number or tracking link for your new license. You will not be able to check the status online. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and there is no way to speed up this process.
If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received your license, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Have your confirmation number from your online process ready. They can tell you whether your license was mailed and help you investigate if it was lost in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?
No. The online system only accepts licenses that are currently 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. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
What if I moved since my license was issued?
You cannot renew online if you have a new address. The online system does not allow address changes. You must visit a driver's license office in person and bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. The state will take a new photo during your in-person visit.
What if my payment is declined?
If your debit or credit card is declined, the online form will show an error message. You can try again with the same card or a different card. Your process will not be submitted until payment is successfully processed. No charge will appear on your account if the payment fails.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended?
No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a driver's license office in person. Bring your license, proof of residency, and payment. The office staff can tell you whether the suspension can be lifted and what steps you need to take.