Alabama lets you renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you're not changing your address
Alabama's online renewal system, called AVIS (Alabama Vehicle Information System), handles standard renewals for people whose circumstances haven't changed. You can renew up to one year before your license expires or up to five years after it expires. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24.50, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot use online renewal if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions (corrective lenses, hearing aid, or other conditions), if you need to change your address, if you're under 18, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. In those cases, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety driver's license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through AVIS works only if your license status is clear, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
- The renewal costs $24.50 and you pay by credit or debit card during the online process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it for travel or identification.
- If you're unsure whether you're may be able to access, the AVIS system will tell you during the first step — it checks your record before asking for payment.
What you need before you start
Have your current Alabama driver's license number and your Social Security number ready. You'll also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the $24.50 renewal fee. The AVIS system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
If your license has been lost or stolen, you cannot renew online — you must go to a driver's license office and report it. If your license expired more than five years ago, online renewal is not available; contact your local office about the steps to restore it.
The step-by-step process on AVIS
Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and look for the AVIS link under driver's license services. You'll enter your driver's license number and Social Security number. The system checks your record and tells you when ready whether you're may be able to access to renew online.
If you're may be able to access, you'll confirm your personal information (name, date of birth, address). Review it carefully — if your address is wrong, stop and visit a driver's license office instead, because changing your address requires an in-person visit. Once you confirm your information is correct, you'll enter your payment card details and complete the transaction.
After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if the system says you're not may be able to access
The AVIS system will reject your renewal if it detects a suspension, revocation, medical restriction, or address change. It will tell you which issue is blocking you. If you believe the information is wrong — for example, if you think a suspension was lifted — contact your local Alabama Department of Public Safety driver's license office to verify your record before trying again.
If you have a medical restriction that you no longer need (for example, you no longer require corrective lenses), you must visit an office in person to have it removed. Once removed, you can renew online on your next renewal cycle.
Tracking your new license and what to do while you wait
The confirmation email you receive after payment includes your confirmation number but does not include tracking information. The Alabama Department of Public Safety does not offer a way to track your license in the mail. If you don't receive it within 14 business days, contact your local driver's license office with your confirmation number.
Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you need to travel or use your license for identification before the new one arrives, your old license and the confirmation email together serve as proof that you've renewed. Some businesses and agencies will accept this combination as temporary proof.
Renewing before your license expires versus after
You can renew online up to one year before your license expires or up to five years after it expires. Renewing early is useful if you know you'll be traveling or if you want a fresh license before the expiration date. There is no penalty for renewing early, and your new license's expiration date will be eight years from the date you renew (Alabama driver's licenses are valid for eight years).
If your license has already expired, you can still renew online as long as it expired fewer than five years ago and you meet all other may be able to access requirements. An expired license that you renew online becomes valid again once your new license arrives.
When you must visit an office in person instead
Visit a driver's license office if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have or need medical restrictions, if you're changing your address, if you're under 18, if you're renewing a commercial license, or if your license was lost or stolen. You'll need to bring your current license (or a police report if it was stolen), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease, for example).
Alabama has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Many offices operate by appointment only, so check before you go. Walk-in hours vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. The AVIS system will reject your renewal if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a driver's license office in person. If you believe your suspension was lifted, contact your local office to verify your record before attempting to renew.
What if I move to a different address before my new license arrives?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. If you move, you must visit a driver's license office to update your address. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file at the time you renewed, so if you move after renewing online, contact the office to update it before your license ships.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The Alabama Department of Public Safety states 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within 14 business days, contact your local driver's license office with your confirmation number. Do not assume it's lost before the 14-day mark.
Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you need to travel or use your license for identification before the new one arrives, your old license and your confirmation email together serve as proof of renewal for most purposes.
What if I need my license to expire on a specific date?
Your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, and you cannot choose a different expiration date through online renewal. If you need a specific expiration date for work or other reasons, visit a driver's license office to discuss your options.