How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

What happens when you renew in Alabama

Alabama renews driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the process depends on whether you renew in person or by mail. Most people can renew by mail if their license is not expired and they have no medical restrictions, but you must appear in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your address, or if you want to change your photo. The state charges a fee based on how many years you are renewing for — typically five or eight years — and you will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks of approval.

Alabama does not currently offer online renewal for standard driver's licenses, though you can check the status of a mail renewal process on the DPS website. If you need your license before the mail arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DPS office on the day you explore in person.

Key Takeaways

Mail renewal works only if your current license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions — otherwise you must visit a DPS office in person.
You will need your current license, proof of Alabama residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and the renewal fee, which varies by license type and term length.
Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your process, so send it at least a month before your license expires.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must complete an in-person process at any DPS office.
A temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 45 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

Renewing by mail: what you need and how to send it

To renew by mail, request an process form from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or call 334-242-4400. You can also pick up a form at any DPS office. Fill out the form completely, including your current address, and sign it. Do not sign it before you mail it — the form must be signed in front of a notary public or at a DPS office, or you can have it notarized by your bank, credit union, or a local notary service.

Gather your current driver's license, a copy of proof of Alabama residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address dated within the last 60 days), and the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address shown on the process form — typically the DPS Driver License Division in Montgomery. Include a check or money order made out to the State of Alabama; do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.

DPS will send you a postcard when they receive your process and another when your new license ships. The entire process takes two to three weeks from receipt. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call 334-242-4400 to check the status.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit any Alabama DPS Driver License office with your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Bring the same residency documents you would mail — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will fill out an process form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the fee on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person. The same applies if you have medical restrictions on your license, if you need to update your address, or if you want a new photo. You can request a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Find your nearest DPS office on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments during certain hours. Call ahead or check the office location page to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.

Understanding Alabama's license types and renewal fees

Alabama issues standard driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses (CDL), and motorcycle endorsements, each with different renewal fees. A standard Class D license costs less to renew than a CDL. You can renew for either five or eight years, and the eight-year renewal costs more upfront but saves money per year. The exact fee depends on your license type and the term you choose.

If you hold a CDL or have a motorcycle endorsement, you may have additional requirements — for example, CDL holders must renew in person and may need to pass a medical examination. Check the DPS website or call 334-242-4400 to confirm the fee and requirements for your specific license type before you mail your process or visit an office.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

You cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than two years ago. Instead, you must visit a DPS office in person and complete a full process as if you were getting a license for the first time. You will need to provide proof of identity (your expired license counts), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Alabama residency. You will also have your photo taken and pay the renewal fee.

This process takes longer than a standard renewal — typically 30 to 45 minutes — because DPS must verify your information in their system. If you have any outstanding traffic violations or unpaid fines, resolve those before you visit, as DPS may flag your process. Bring all documents in original form or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or Social Security number.

Checking your renewal status and getting a temporary license

After you mail your process, DPS will send you a postcard confirming receipt. You can also check the status online at the Alabama Department of Public Safety website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The website shows whether your process is pending, approved, or shipped.

If you renewed in person and need to drive before your permanent license arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the DPS office. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same legal weight as your permanent license for driving purposes. Write down the temporary license number in case you are stopped by police before your permanent license arrives.

Common reasons renewals are delayed or rejected

DPS may delay your renewal if your residency proof is outdated (older than 60 days), if your signature does not match the one on file, or if you did not sign the form in front of a notary. If the form was not notarized or signed at a DPS office, your process will be returned. Make sure the notary dates and signs the form, and keep a copy of the notarized form for your records.

Your renewal may also be held if you have an outstanding traffic violation, unpaid fine, or child support obligation. DPS will notify you by mail if this happens. Resolve the issue with the court or relevant agency, then resubmit your process or visit an office to complete the renewal. If you are unsure why your process was delayed, call 334-242-4400 and have your license number ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if I moved out of state?

No. You must hold an Alabama address to renew an Alabama license. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Alabama license to any DPS office or destroy it yourself.

What if I lost my current license before it expired?

You cannot renew by mail if you do not have your current license. Visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity and residency, and ask for a replacement license. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. Bring your Social Security proof as well.

How long does a temporary paper license last?

A temporary paper license issued at a DPS office is valid for 45 days. It allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If your permanent license does not arrive within 45 days, return to a DPS office and request another temporary license.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew by mail, your current photo stays on file and you do not get a new one. If you renew in person, DPS takes a new photo automatically. You can request a new photo during a mail renewal only by visiting a DPS office in person instead.

What happens if I renew late and my license is already expired?

You can still drive on an expired license for a short grace period in some situations, but it is safer to renew before expiration. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person. If it expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail if you meet the other requirements.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.