What you need to do to renew in Alabama
In Alabama, you renew your driver's license through the Department of Public Safety. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Mail and online renewals work only if your license is not expired and you have no medical or legal holds on your record. If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you have certain violations or restrictions, you must renew in person.
The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks. Online renewal is faster — you can complete it in minutes and receive a temporary digital license when ready, though your physical card arrives by mail. In-person renewal is quickest if you walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama lets you renew online, by mail, or in person, but online and mail work only if your license is current and you have no holds.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
- Online renewal costs $28.50 and takes minutes; mail renewal costs $28.50 and takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal costs $28.50 and takes as long as the wait at your local office.
- If your license expired more than five years ago or you have medical restrictions or legal holds, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
Renewing online through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website
Online renewal happens at the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about your current address and any medical conditions, review your information, and pay the $28.50 fee by debit or credit card. The whole process takes about five minutes.
After you complete the online renewal, you receive a temporary digital license on your phone that you can use when ready while your physical card is mailed to you. The physical card arrives within one to two weeks. You do not need to visit an office, take a new photo, or pass a vision test unless your license requires a medical certification or you have not renewed online before.
Online renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, you have no medical holds, and you have no active suspensions or restrictions. If any of those conditions explore to you, the website will tell you that you must renew in person instead.
Renewing by mail with the Alabama Department of Public Safety
To renew by mail, you send your current license, a completed DL-44 form (process for Driver License), proof of residency, and a check or money order for $28.50 to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. The DL-44 form is available on the Department of Public Safety website or at any Driver License Examiner's Office.
Mail your materials to: Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Your renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives your envelope. You can track your process status on the Department of Public Safety website if you provide an email address on your form.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must not be expired, you must have no medical holds, and you must have no active suspensions. If your license has been expired for more than five years, mail renewal is not an option.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office
You can walk into any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama without an appointment and renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address), your Social Security number, and $28.50 in cash or card. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. The entire visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed, or if you have active suspensions or legal holds. It is also the only option if you need to change your name, address, or other information that cannot be updated online or by mail.
To find the Driver License Examiner's Office nearest you, use the office locator on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Some offices have longer wait times than others, so calling ahead can give you an idea of how busy they are, though most do not take appointments.
Documents and fees you will need
No matter which renewal method you choose, you need your current Alabama driver's license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You also need your Social Security number. If you are renewing in person, bring $28.50 in cash or a debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order. If you are renewing online, pay by debit or credit card.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport or immigration documents.
What happens if your license has been expired for a long time
If your Alabama driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. You will need to bring the same documents as an in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and $28.50.
At the office, you will take a new photo and pass a vision test. The office staff will check your driving record to make sure there are no suspensions or holds. If everything is clear, your new license is issued on the spot. If there are holds or suspensions, the office will tell you what you need to do to clear them before your license can be renewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if it is suspended?
No. You must clear the suspension first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the Department of Public Safety. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew. Contact the Department of Public Safety to find out what you need to do to clear your suspension.
What if I moved out of state but still have an Alabama license?
You should get a license from your new state instead of renewing your Alabama license. If you want to keep your Alabama license for identification purposes only, you can renew it by mail or online if it is not expired. However, you cannot legally drive with an out-of-state license in Alabama.
Do I need a new photo when I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewals require a new photo. If you want to update your photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
How long does my temporary digital license work?
Your temporary digital license is valid when ready after online renewal and works until your physical card arrives. Once your physical card arrives, use that instead. The temporary license is stored in your phone and can be shown to police or used for identification.
What if I have medical conditions listed on my license?
If your license has medical restrictions or certifications, you may need to renew in person so the Department can review your medical status. Online and mail renewal may not be available to you. The online system will tell you if you must renew in person based on your record.