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'll need your current Alabama driver's license number, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The state also requires you to have a Social Security number on file with the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
Before you begin, check that your address is current. If you've moved since your license was issued, you'll need to update your address through the mail or in person — the online renewal won't let you change it. The same applies if your name has changed since your license was issued.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though processing can take longer during peak times.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Alabama license is still valid or expired less than five years ago.
- The online process requires your license number, email, and a debit or credit card, and takes about 10 minutes.
- If your address or name has changed, you must update those details by mail or in person before renewing online.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license is valid for — typically $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license.
Steps to renew online
Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You'll see a link labeled "Renew Your Driver's License Online." Click it to start the process.
Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file. Review it carefully — if anything is wrong, stop here and renew by mail or in person instead, because the online system won't let you make corrections.
Once you confirm your information is correct, you'll enter your email address and choose how long you want your new license to be valid. Alabama offers four-year and eight-year options. Select your choice and proceed to payment. Enter your debit or credit card details and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number — save this for your records.
When you can't renew online
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will reject it. You'll need to renew in person at your local Alabama Department of Public Safety office or by mail. The same applies if your address or name has changed — you cannot update those details online.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online under any circumstances. CDL renewals must be done in person at a Department of Public Safety office, and you'll need to pass a vision test and medical examination.
If your license was suspended or revoked, or if you have an outstanding ticket or court order, the online system will not process your renewal. Contact your local Department of Public Safety office to resolve the issue before attempting to renew.
What happens after you submit
After you complete the online renewal, the Alabama Department of Public Safety processes your request. You'll receive a confirmation email right away with your reference number. This email is not your new license — it's proof that you submitted the renewal.
Your new physical license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days, but during busy periods it can take up to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your old license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
If your new license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your reference number. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you where it is in the process.
Fees and payment
The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $24.50, and an eight-year license costs $36.75. These are the standard fees as of the most recent update, though fees can change — the Alabama Department of Public Safety website will show the current amount before you pay.
You can pay only by debit card or credit card during online renewal. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal. If your card is declined, the renewal will not go through, and you'll need to try again with a different card or renew by another method.
Renewing by mail or in person if online doesn't work
If you can't renew online, you have two other options. To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, fill it out, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks.
To renew in person, visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety office with your current license and payment. Bring a photo ID if your current license is expired. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is. Check the office's hours before you go — some locations have limited hours or are closed on certain days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person to resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact your local office to find out what steps are needed.
What if I don't receive my new license after two weeks?
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your renewal reference number. They can check whether your license was mailed and provide tracking information. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it or you can renew again.
Can I change my address during online renewal?
No. The online renewal system uses the address currently on file and does not allow you to change it. If you've moved, update your address by mail or in person before renewing online, or renew in person and update your address at the same time.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you renew in person, where you can request a new photo.
What if my card is declined during payment?
The renewal will not process. Try again with a different debit or credit card, or renew by mail or in person instead. Make sure your card has enough funds and that the billing address matches what your bank has on file.