Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Alabama driver's license in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and whether you have moved since your last renewal.
Before you go anywhere, gather your current driver's license, proof of Alabama residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail, you will also need a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ALEA website takes minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your current valid license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the fee.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you have changed your name or address.
- The renewal fee varies by license type and term length; standard passenger licenses cost less than commercial licenses.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
Renewing online through the ALEA website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to alea.gov, find the Driver License section, and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and address. If everything matches your records, you can pay the renewal fee and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal does not work if your license has already expired, if you have moved and need to update your address, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Renewing by mail if your license is still valid
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. You can use this method only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. Fill out the renewal form (available on the ALEA website or by calling the Driver License Section at 334-242-4437), include a copy of your proof of residency, and mail everything with a check or money order to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date ALEA receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least four weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back, though ALEA will destroy it if you do not request it.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you have moved and need to update your address. Find your nearest office on the ALEA website by entering your county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, Social Security card or document with your number, and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card — accepted methods vary by office, so call ahead if you are unsure). If you have changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent one is mailed to you.
Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Check the ALEA website for your specific office's policy. If appointments are required and none are available, you may be able to walk in during a designated time window, usually early morning or late afternoon.
Understanding renewal fees and license terms
The renewal fee depends on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year passenger license costs less than an eight-year license. Commercial driver's licenses cost more than passenger licenses. The ALEA website lists current fees by license class.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. This means if your license expires in December, you can renew it starting in June. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire in December, so you are not wasting time on the back end.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a few days ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, Social Security card, and payment.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary license (if you renewed in person) or your confirmation number (if you renewed online or by mail), but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. ALEA will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or if your license has been suspended for any reason. Contact the court or the agency that suspended your license to resolve the issue first, then renew.
What if I moved out of state and then moved back to Alabama?
You must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office and bring proof of your current Alabama residency. If you have been out of state for a long time, ALEA may require you to pass the written test again, so call ahead to ask.
Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an office.
How long does a temporary license last?
A temporary license issued at an office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before then. If it does not, contact ALEA to check the status.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew in person or submit the process yourself by mail or online. ALEA does not accept applications from a third party, even a family member or attorney.