Where to renew your Alabama driver's license
You can renew your Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster and requires no trip to an office, but not all drivers are may be able to access — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you cannot have any medical restrictions, and you must have a valid Social Security number on file.
If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Driver License office. Alabama has offices in most counties; you can find the nearest one and check its hours on the DPS website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Appointments are free and often available within a few days.
Mail renewal is not available in Alabama. You must either go online or visit an office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license expired within the last five years and has no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at a DPS Driver License office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- You can schedule a free appointment online to skip the walk-in line, or arrive without an appointment and wait.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the process.
Documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Alabama driver's license or learner's permit. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a state ID card or passport instead. You must also bring one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A government check or tax return also counts.
You will need to prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate plus one additional ID document such as a passport or military ID.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot renew under your new name.
Online renewal step by step
Go to the Alabama DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.
You will be asked to upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license. If you upload a new photo, it must meet Alabama's requirements: taken within the last 30 days, show your full face, have a plain background, and be in color. You can take the photo yourself with a phone or camera.
Review your personal information on screen and correct any errors. Then pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office
Arrive at your chosen DPS office with all required documents. Check the office hours before you go — some offices have limited hours or close for lunch. If you scheduled an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early. If you are walking in, expect to wait 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
Tell the staff member at the counter that you are renewing your license. They will check your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to review your personal information on screen. Correct any errors before you confirm. Then you will pay the renewal fee at the counter using cash, debit, or credit card.
You will receive a receipt and a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is sufficient.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The renewal fee for a standard four-year Alabama driver's license is set by state law and varies slightly depending on whether you renew online or in person. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. Both options include a new photo, updated address, and a new card mailed to your home.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online renewal and must renew in person. The in-person fee is higher for licenses that have been expired longer. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew at all — you must contact the DPS to resolve the suspension or revocation first.
The fee does not cover a replacement if your new license is lost or damaged in the mail. If that happens, you can request a replacement card for an additional fee.
What happens if your license is expired
You can still renew an expired license, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired within the last five years, you can renew online or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Driving with 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 paper license (if you renewed in person) or your confirmation number from online renewal, but these do not may provide you will not be cited. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.
If your license has been expired for several years and you have not renewed, the DPS may have flagged your record. Call your local DPS office before you go in person to ask whether there are any holds or issues on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a medical restriction on it?
No, you cannot use online renewal if your current license has any medical restrictions or conditions noted on it. You must renew in person at a DPS office. The staff will review your restrictions and determine whether they still explore to your new license.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal process, whether you renewed online or in person. This timeline assumes normal mail delivery. If you do not receive your license within 12 business days, contact your local DPS office to report it.
What if I moved to a different address since my last license?
You can update your address during renewal. If you renew online, you will be asked to confirm or change your address on screen. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) and tell the staff member your address has changed.
Can I renew my license if I do not have a Social Security number?
You must have a valid Social Security number on file with Alabama to renew your license. If you do not have one, contact the DPS before you attempt to renew. You may need to provide additional documentation or visit an office in person to resolve this issue.
What if my name has changed since I got my current license?
Bring the document that proves your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online if your name has changed; you must renew in person at a DPS office so staff can verify the name change document and update your record.