What You Need Before You Start
Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed since your last renewal. 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 state also requires you to have a valid email address on file. If you are not sure whether your license qualifies for online renewal, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website has a tool that checks your status before you commit to the process. This takes about two minutes and saves you from starting an process you cannot finish.
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you have any medical restrictions or suspensions, you must renew in person at a county probate office. The same applies if you need to change your address, name, or organ donor status — those changes require a visit.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card during the online process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days after approval, so plan ahead if you need it for travel.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a county probate office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
Step-by-Step: Completing Your Online Renewal
Go to the ALEA website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will land on a page that asks you to enter your driver's license number and Social Security number. This is how the system pulls up your record and confirms you are may be able to access to renew online.
Once the system confirms your may be able to access, you will be asked to review your current information — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If any of this is wrong, stop here. You cannot correct it online. You will need to visit a probate office instead, where staff can update your record before issuing a new license.
If everything is correct, you will choose your license type: a four-year license for $28.50 or an eight-year license for $48.50. Then you will enter your payment information. Alabama processes the payment when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes seven to ten business days. You will receive an email when it ships. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can still use it for identification during that time.
What Happens If Your process Is Rejected
The most common reason an online process is rejected is that the system detects a medical suspension or restriction you were not aware of. This can happen if you failed a vision test at your last renewal, or if the state received a medical report from a doctor or the Department of Public Health. You will see this rejection message before you pay, so you will not lose the fee.
If your process is rejected, you must visit a county probate office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and any medical documentation that clears the restriction — for example, a letter from your eye doctor confirming your vision now meets the standard. The probate officer will review this and either clear the restriction or explain what additional steps you need.
Rejections also happen if the system cannot verify your identity — for instance, if your Social Security number does not match the state's records. Call the ALEA driver's license section at 334-242-4437 to confirm your information is correct before trying again.
How to Check Your Renewal Status
After you submit your online renewal, you can check the status by returning to the ALEA website and entering your driver's license number and confirmation number. The system shows you whether your process is pending, approved, or rejected. This usually updates within 24 hours of submission.
If your status shows approved but your license has not arrived after ten business days, contact the ALEA driver's license section. Occasionally mail is delayed, and staff can reissue or confirm the mailing address. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
When You Must Renew in Person Instead
Visit a county probate office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a medical suspension or restriction, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add or remove organ donor status. You will need your current license and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Probate offices are open during regular business hours, usually 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Processing takes about 15 minutes. Your new license is issued on the spot, though you can request it be mailed if you prefer. In-person renewal costs the same as online: $28.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years.
Preparing Your Proof of Residency
If you do renew in person, bring a document that shows your current address and was issued within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill. The document must have your name and address printed on it — a printed email or screenshot does not count.
If you recently moved and your documents have not caught up, bring two documents: one showing your old address and one showing your new address, such as a change-of-address confirmation from the post office. This proves the move is recent and legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, child support, medical reasons, or DUI — you cannot renew online. You must visit a probate office and resolve the suspension first. ALEA staff can tell you what is holding your license and what you need to do.
What if I moved and my address is wrong?
You cannot change your address online. You must visit a county probate office with proof of your new address. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The probate officer will update your record and issue a new license with the correct address.
How long does the new license take to arrive?
Standard mail delivery is seven to ten business days from the date your process is approved. You will receive an email when it ships. If it does not arrive after ten business days, contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 with your confirmation number.
Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your current license remains valid for identification and driving until your new license arrives. You do not need to do anything — just keep using it as normal.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
If you need a license urgently, you must renew in person at a probate office. In-person renewal is processed on the spot, and you can take the new license with you when ready. This is the only way to get a license the same day.