How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Alabama driver's license renewal: what you need to do

Alabama lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal. The method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Most people renew every four years, though Alabama issues some licenses on different schedules based on when you were born.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years for you to use mail or online renewal. If it is expired beyond that, you must go to a DPS office in person. You can find your renewal date by looking at the expiration date printed on the front of your license.

Key Takeaways

Alabama offers three renewal paths — online, by mail, or in person — but your age and how long your license has been expired determine which ones are open to you.
Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website is the fastest option if your license is current or expired less than five years and you do not need a Real ID.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DPS; you cannot use this method if your license is expired more than five years.
In-person renewal at a DPS office requires proof of residency, your Social Security number, and payment, and is the only option if your license expired more than five years ago.
Real ID-compliant licenses require an in-person visit and additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport, even if you would otherwise be able to renew by mail or online.

Online renewal through the Alabama DPS portal

The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates an online renewal system at the official DPS website. You can renew online if your license is not expired or expired less than five years, you are at least 19 years old, and you do not need a Real ID-compliant license. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive a temporary digital license when ready; your physical license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days.

To renew online, you will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You cannot change your address online — if you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail and include proof of your new address with your process.

Mail renewal and what to send

Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired or expired less than five years, you are at least 19 years old, and you do not need a Real ID. You do not need to visit an office, but the process takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your materials.

To renew by mail, complete form DL-44 (process for Alabama Driver's License), which you can read from the DPS website or request by phone. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, and proof of your current address if you have moved (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works). Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

If your name has changed since your license was issued, include a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your renewal will be delayed or denied.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are under 19, or if you need a Real ID-compliant license. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are not required to. DPS offices are located in most Alabama counties; you can find the office nearest you and its hours on the DPS website.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). If you have moved since your license was issued, bring the address proof. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at most offices, but call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on Fridays and Saturdays. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the DPS website for your office's policy before you go.

Real ID requirements and what they mean for renewal

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star or circle in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification. You will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have the star or circle, you will need to get one when you renew.

Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, even if your license is current and you would otherwise be able to renew online or by mail. You must bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and one of the following documents: a certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a certificate of naturalization. Bring the original document or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

If you already have a Real ID-compliant Alabama license and you are renewing it, you do not need to bring the extra documents again. You can renew online or by mail using the standard process, as long as your license is not expired more than five years.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Alabama driver's license renewal fees vary based on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The DPS website lists the current fee for each type. Fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

If you renew by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash. If you renew online, you can pay with a debit or credit card. If you renew in person, most offices accept cash, check, and card, but call your local office to confirm. Some offices may charge a small additional fee for card payments.

What to do if your license is expired more than five years

If your Alabama driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your name has changed since the license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

The DPS treats a license expired more than five years the same as a new process in some respects — you may be asked additional questions about your driving history or residency. Bring any documents that support your current address, such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement. If you have moved multiple times since your license expired, bring documents showing your address history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to change your address or update your photo. The renewal process is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the expiration date.

What happens if I drive with an expired license in Alabama?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Alabama. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired within the last 30 days, the penalty is usually a warning or a small fine. If it expired more than 30 days ago, the fine is higher. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

How do I change my address on my Alabama driver's license?

If you are renewing by mail or in person, include proof of your new address with your process — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing online, you cannot change your address; you must renew by mail or in person instead. You can also change your address without renewing by visiting a DPS office in person.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use online or mail renewal. Go to a DPS office in person and bring proof of your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DPS will issue a replacement license on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the office.

Do I need a Real ID if I only drive in Alabama?

Real ID is required only if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you only drive within Alabama and do not fly, you do not need a Real ID. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification to board a plane, even for flights within the United States.

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.