You can renew your Alabama driver's license online if your license is not expired by more than five years and you meet a few other requirements

Alabama's online renewal system lets you skip the visit to the Department of Public Safety office and complete most of the process from home. You'll upload a new photo, confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Not every driver can use the online system. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, if you have certain medical conditions flagged in your record, or if you're under 18. If any of those explore to you, you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your Alabama license expired within the last five years and you don't need to change your address or name.
  • You will need a valid email address, a photo you can upload (taken within the last 30 days), and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
  • The renewal fee for a standard driver's license is $28.50, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license is expired by more than five years, you have a medical condition on your record, or you're under 18, you must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you log into the renewal system. You'll need your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The state will use this information to pull up your record.

You also need a recent photo of yourself. It must be a color photo taken within the last 30 days, and it should show your face clearly against a plain background — no sunglasses, hats, or heavy shadows. The photo file should be in JPG or PNG format and no larger than 5 MB. If you don't have a digital photo ready, you can take one with your phone camera and upload it directly.

Finally, have a credit or debit card ready to pay the $28.50 renewal fee. Alabama does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for online renewals.

Step-by-step: how to renew online

Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and look for the online driver's license renewal portal. You'll see a link labeled "Renew Your Driver's License Online" on the main page. Click it to begin.

Enter your driver's license number and your date of birth to locate your record. The system will pull up your current information — your name, address, and other details from your file. Review everything carefully. If any information is wrong, stop here and renew in person instead, because the online system does not let you change your address or name.

Upload your new photo. The system will show you the photo requirements again and let you select a file from your device. Once you upload it, you'll see a preview. Make sure your face is clearly visible and the photo meets the requirements before you move forward.

Confirm your email address and phone number. The state will send you a confirmation email once your renewal is processed, so make sure the email address is one you check regularly. Enter your credit or debit card information and review the $28.50 fee. Click to submit your renewal.

You'll receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal status. The state will also send a confirmation email to the address you provided.

What happens after you submit

Your renewal enters a review queue. The Department of Public Safety typically processes online renewals within 3 to 5 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can check the status of your renewal by returning to the online portal and entering your confirmation number.

Once approved, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, so plan for up to two weeks total from the day you submit. If you don't receive your license within that window, contact the Department of Public Safety to confirm it was mailed.

Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving during the wait.

When you must renew in person instead

The online system will reject your renewal if your license expired more than five years ago. In that case, you've let your license lapse, and Alabama treats this differently than a standard renewal. You'll need to visit a Department of Public Safety office, bring proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and may need to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired.

You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name or address. If you've moved, you must go to an office in person and bring proof of your new address. The same applies if you've changed your name — bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

If you have a medical condition flagged in your record — such as a seizure disorder or vision problem — the state may require you to visit an office for a medical review before renewing. The online system will tell you if this applies to you when you try to start your renewal.

Drivers under 18 cannot renew online at all. Minors must renew in person with a parent or guardian present.

Finding a Department of Public Safety office near you

If you need to renew in person, the Department of Public Safety has offices in every county. Visit the state website and use the office locator tool to find the one closest to you. The tool shows hours, phone numbers, and whether you need an appointment.

Many offices now require appointments, especially after the pandemic. Call ahead or check online before you go. Bring your current license, proof of residency if you're changing your address, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. Bring a valid photo ID if your license is expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a digital photo ready?

You can take a photo with your phone camera right before you renew. Make sure you're in good lighting, against a plain background, and that your face fills most of the frame. Save it as a JPG or PNG file and upload it during the renewal process. The photo must be taken within 30 days of your renewal.

Can I renew online if I've moved to a different address?

No. The online system does not allow address changes. You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Once you update your address, your new license will be mailed to the new location.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

The state typically processes your renewal within 3 to 5 business days, and then mails your license, which takes another 7 to 10 business days. Plan for up to two weeks total. You can check your renewal status anytime using your confirmation number on the Department of Public Safety website.

What if my license expired more than five years ago?

You cannot use the online renewal system. Your license has lapsed, and Alabama requires you to renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office. You may need to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired. Call your local office to ask what documents to bring.

Can I pay the renewal fee with something other than a credit or debit card?

No. The online renewal system accepts only credit and debit cards. If you don't have a card, you can renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office, where they accept cash, checks, and cards.