Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific requirements, but not all renewals may have access to

You can renew your Alabama driver's license through the state's online portal if your license is still valid or expired for fewer than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. The process takes place on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website and costs $31.50 for a four-year renewal or $47.25 for an eight-year renewal. You will need a valid email address, your current license number, and a payment method.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you have medical restrictions, or you have changed your name or address, you must renew in person at an ALEA driver license office. The same applies if you want to change your address or add a Real ID designation to your license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ALEA works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
  • The online process costs $31.50 for four years or $47.25 for eight years and takes about 10 business days to receive your new license by mail.
  • You will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card to complete the renewal online.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago or you have changed your name or address, you must visit an ALEA driver license office in person.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Gather these items before you go to the ALEA website: your current Alabama driver's license, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card for payment. You will also need to know your Social Security number, date of birth, and the address on your current license.

Check your license expiration date first. If it expired more than five years ago, the online system will not accept your renewal and you will need to visit a driver license office instead. The same applies if your license shows any medical restrictions or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal.

Steps to renew online through ALEA

Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and select the driver license renewal option. You will be directed to create or log into an account on the ALEA portal. Enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.

Review your current information on file. If any details are incorrect—such as your address or name—you cannot proceed online and must visit an office. If everything matches, confirm that you want to renew and select your license term: four years or eight years. Enter your payment information and submit your renewal request.

You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

When you must renew in person at an ALEA office

Visit a driver license office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have medical restrictions listed on your current license, or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal. You will also need to go in person if you want to add Real ID designation to your license or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 65.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. ALEA offices are located throughout Alabama; you can find the nearest one on the ALEA website.

How long the process takes and what to expect

Online renewals typically take 10 business days from submission to delivery. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. During this time, your old license remains valid and you can continue to use it for identification and driving.

If you do not receive your new license within 15 business days, contact ALEA using the reference number from your confirmation email. In-person renewals at an ALEA office usually take 30 to 45 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is produced.

Real ID and other license designations

Alabama's Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You cannot add Real ID designation through online renewal; you must visit an ALEA driver license office in person and bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your identity.

If your current license already has Real ID designation, online renewal will preserve it on your new license. If you are unsure whether your license has Real ID, check the upper right corner for the gold star or contact ALEA directly.

What to do if your online renewal is rejected

If the ALEA system rejects your renewal request, you will see a message explaining why. Common reasons include an expired license that is more than five years old, a name or address mismatch, or medical restrictions on your current license. Write down the reason provided and use it to determine your next step.

If the rejection is due to an expired license, a name change, an address change, or medical restrictions, you must renew in person at an ALEA driver license office. If you believe the rejection is an error—for example, if your address has not changed but the system says it has—contact ALEA before visiting an office to clarify the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The ALEA online system only accepts renewals for licenses that expired fewer than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ALEA driver license office and may need to retake the written test.

What payment methods does ALEA accept for online renewal?

ALEA accepts debit cards and credit cards for online renewal. You will enter your card information on a find payment page during the renewal process. The cost is $31.50 for a four-year renewal or $47.25 for an eight-year renewal.

Can I change my address during an online renewal?

No. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot use the online system. You must visit an ALEA driver license office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

What if I do not receive my new license within 15 business days?

Contact ALEA using the reference number from your confirmation email. You can reach ALEA through their website or by calling the driver license section. Have your reference number ready when you contact them.

Will my old license still work while I wait for my new one?

Yes. Your current license remains valid for driving and identification until your new license arrives. Once your new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid and should be destroyed or returned to ALEA if requested.