Alabama driver's license renewal costs $31.25 for a standard eight-year license

The renewal fee for a standard Alabama driver's license is $31.25. This covers an eight-year license valid from your renewal date. If you renew online or by mail, you pay only this fee. If you renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office, the fee remains the same — there is no additional charge for choosing an office visit.

The $31.25 fee applies whether you are renewing a license that has expired or one that is still valid. Alabama allows you to renew up to one year before expiration, so you can pay the fee early if you prefer. The fee does not change based on your age, driving record, or how many times you have renewed before.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Alabama driver's license renewal costs $31.25, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires without paying an early renewal penalty.
  • If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, the cost is the same $31.25 — there is no separate REAL ID fee for renewal.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses cost $20, which is less than a full renewal.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal channel: online renewals accept credit and debit cards, while mail and in-person renewals may have different payment options.

When you renew online versus in person

Online renewal through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website costs $31.25 and requires a credit or debit card. You can complete the entire process from home, and the fee is charged when ready when you submit your renewal. Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other may be able to access requirements the website will confirm before you pay.

Renewing by mail also costs $31.25. You send your current license, a completed renewal form, and a check or money order to the address provided by the Department of Public Safety. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but avoids a trip to an office. In-person renewal at a Department of Public Safety office costs the same $31.25 and is processed when ready, though you may wait in line depending on the office and time of day.

REAL ID and other license types

A REAL ID-compliant Alabama driver's license costs the same $31.25 to renew as a standard license. REAL ID is a federal security standard required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in 2025. If you want a REAL ID license during renewal, you bring additional documents (such as proof of citizenship and residency) to an in-person appointment, but the renewal fee does not increase.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the cost is $20 instead of $31.25. A replacement does not extend your license expiration date — it keeps the same expiration as your original license. If your replacement license is also REAL ID-compliant, the cost remains $20.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Alabama driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which involves taking a written test, vision test, and photograph at a Department of Public Safety office. A new license costs more than a renewal and requires in-person attendance. Check the Department of Public Safety website or call your local office to confirm the current fee for a new license process.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it using the standard $31.25 renewal process, even though it is past the expiration date. The renewal fee does not change based on how long ago your license expired.

Payment methods and what to expect after you pay

Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The charge appears on your statement when ready. By mail, you can send a check or money order — the Department of Public Safety will cash it when they receive your renewal packet. In-person renewal at an office typically accepts cash, check, or card, though payment methods may vary by location, so call ahead if you have a preference.

After you pay, your new license is mailed to the address on file. Online and mail renewals typically arrive within two to three weeks. In-person renewals are processed the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license valid until your plastic card arrives by mail. Keep the temporary license with you while you wait for the permanent one.

Fees you might encounter beyond the renewal cost

If you need to change your name, address, or other information during renewal, there is no additional fee — the $31.25 renewal cost covers these updates. However, if you need a duplicate license mailed to a different address or want expedited processing, some offices may charge extra. Contact your local Department of Public Safety office to ask about any additional services and their costs.

If you renew in person and do not have all required documents, you may be asked to return another time. This does not result in an extra fee, but it does mean a second trip. Bringing the correct documents the first time — your current license, proof of residency, and any other documents required for your situation — avoids this delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if it expired more than five years ago?

No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires visiting a Department of Public Safety office in person to take a written test, vision test, and photograph. Contact your local office for the current new license fee.

Is there an extra charge for a REAL ID license?

No. A REAL ID-compliant license costs the same $31.25 to renew as a standard license. You will need to bring additional documents proving citizenship and residency to an in-person appointment, but the fee does not increase.

What if I renew online but do not have a credit or debit card?

Online renewal requires a credit or debit card for payment. If you do not have one, you can renew by mail with a check or money order, or visit a Department of Public Safety office in person to pay with cash, check, or card.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I pay?

Online and mail renewals typically take two to three weeks for delivery. In-person renewals are processed the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Do I have to pay the renewal fee again if I renew early?

No. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and you pay only the standard $31.25 fee. There is no penalty or extra charge for renewing early.