What to bring when you renew in Alabama

To renew your Alabama driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama residency. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the time of renewal. The exact documents that count as proof depend on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has expired.

Alabama allows you to renew by mail if your license hasn't been expired for more than five years and you meet a few other conditions. If you renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office, the staff will check your documents on the spot and tell you right away if something is missing. If you renew by mail and send the wrong documents, the Alabama Department of Public Safety will return your process and you'll have to start over.

Key Takeaways

  • Your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Alabama residency are required for every renewal.
  • Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full SSN printed on it.
  • Proof of residency must show your current name and address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you renew by mail, you must include a completed Form DL-44 and a check or money order; if you renew in person, you'll pay the fee and take a vision test at the office.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must go to a Driver License Examiner's Office in person.

Proof of your Social Security number

Alabama accepts four types of documents as proof of your Social Security number. Your actual Social Security card is the most straightforward option. If you don't have the card itself, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a recent pay stub that shows your full Social Security number printed on it.

The document must show your complete nine-digit SSN — a partial number or a document that lists only the last four digits will not work. If you're renewing by mail, make a copy of whichever document you choose and send it with your process. If you're renewing in person, bring the original document so the examiner can see it.

Proof of your Alabama address

You need a document that shows both your current name and your current Alabama address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or an insurance policy.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a notarized letter from the bill holder stating that you live at that address, along with a copy of the bill. If you're renewing by mail, send a copy. If you're renewing in person, bring the original or a certified copy.

Renewing in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office

Bring your current license, your proof of Social Security number, and your proof of residency to any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama. You'll also need to bring a completed Form DL-44, which is the renewal process. You can read and print this form from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website before you go, or you can fill it out at the office.

At the office, you'll pay the renewal fee (the amount depends on how long your new license is valid for), take a vision test, and have your photo taken if your license has expired or if you request a new photo. The examiner will review your documents and tell you when ready if anything is missing or incorrect. Most people receive their renewed license in the mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail only if your current license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You'll need to send the Alabama Department of Public Safety a completed Form DL-44, a copy of your current license, a copy of your proof of Social Security number, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the Form DL-44 instructions. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks. You will not take a vision test when you renew by mail, so your new license will have the same vision restrictions as your current one. If anything in your process is incomplete or unclear, the department will return it to you and you'll need to resubmit.

If your license has been expired for more than five years

You cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than five years ago. You must go to a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Bring the same documents you would for an in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and a completed Form DL-44.

Because your license has been expired for a long time, the examiner may ask additional questions about your identity or your driving history. You'll take a vision test and have a new photo taken. Processing time is the same as for other in-person renewals — usually two to three weeks.

What happens if you're missing a document

If you renew in person and you're missing a document, the examiner will tell you what you need to bring back. You can return to the office with the missing document and complete your renewal. If you renew by mail and your process is incomplete, the Alabama Department of Public Safety will return your packet with a letter explaining what's missing. You'll need to gather the correct documents and resubmit your entire process.

Don't send original documents by mail if you can avoid it — send copies instead. If you do send originals and your process is returned, you'll have to wait for them to arrive back to you before you can resubmit. Keeping copies of your documents at home also helps if you need to renew again in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I changed my name?

Yes, but you'll need to bring proof of your name change along with your other documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. If you're renewing by mail, send a copy of the name change document with your process.

What if my current license is damaged or lost?

You cannot renew a lost or severely damaged license by mail. You must go to a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. The office will issue you a replacement license, which is different from a renewal but uses the same documents.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Some Driver License Examiner's Offices in Alabama accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website to find the office nearest you and see whether you need to schedule ahead. Appointment availability varies by location and time of year.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

No. You must pick up your renewed license in person at the Driver License Examiner's Office where you applied. Bring your receipt or confirmation number. If you renewed by mail, your license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process.