Renewing your Alabama driver's license in person or by mail
You can renew your Alabama driver's license either in person at a Department of Public Safety office or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at the office itself, though wait times vary by location. The mail route takes two to three weeks total but requires you to leave your home only to mail the form.
Both routes cost the same: $26.50 for a four-year license or $36.50 for an eight-year license. You choose the length when you renew. The main difference is that in-person renewal happens when ready, while mail renewal means you'll be without a valid license for the time the form is in transit and being processed.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have no medical restrictions, or you can renew in person at any Department of Public Safety office.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment, and takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your envelope.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and you leave with a temporary license valid when ready.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address separately before renewing by mail.
Renewing by mail: what you need and how long it takes
To renew by mail, you need your current Alabama driver's license, a completed process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. You cannot use a credit card or debit card by mail. Mail your envelope to the address listed on the form — this is the Montgomery office of the Department of Public Safety.
The processing time starts when the office receives your envelope, not when you drop it in the mail. Plan for two to three weeks from receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your current license. If you have moved and not yet updated your address, your new license will go to your old address, which is why address changes require in-person renewal or a separate address-change transaction first.
Mail renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have medical restrictions noted on your current license. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to change your name, add or remove a restriction, or update your photograph — all of those require an in-person visit.
Renewing in person: documents and what happens at the office
To renew in person, bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the proof must match your name on your license, or bring a second document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Walk into any Department of Public Safety office during business hours. You do not need an appointment. The staff will take your current license, photograph you, verify your information, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license valid when ready while your permanent card is printed and mailed. The permanent license typically arrives within two weeks.
In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, if you want to change your name or photograph, if your license is suspended or has medical restrictions, or if you straightforward prefer to have a valid license the same day. It is also the only option if you have lost your current license and cannot mail it in.
Where to find a Department of Public Safety office near you
Alabama has Department of Public Safety driver's license offices in most counties. The main office is in Montgomery, but there are branch locations throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website under "Driver's License Offices" or by calling 334-242-4437.
Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are traveling to an office outside your county. Some offices are busier than others — early morning or mid-week visits typically mean shorter waits.
What to do if your license is expiring soon
You can renew up to six months before your license expires. If your expiration date is within the next month or two, you have time to choose either mail or in-person renewal without rushing. If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same process — an expired license is still valid for renewal purposes as long as it was not suspended or revoked.
If you are out of state or unable to visit an office, mail renewal is your option as long as your license is not suspended and has no medical restrictions. If you are in a situation where you need a valid license when ready — for example, you have been stopped by police — you must renew in person to get the temporary paper license on the spot.
Renewing with a name change or new photograph
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your current address, and payment. The staff will photograph you and issue a new license with your updated name.
You can also request a new photograph during any in-person renewal even if your name has not changed. This is useful if your current photograph is very old or if you straightforward want an updated image. There is no additional fee for a new photograph — it is included in the renewal fee.
Payment methods and fees
In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Mail renewal accepts only check or money order. The fee is $26.50 for a four-year license or $36.50 for an eight-year license. You choose which length you want when you renew. The eight-year license costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years instead of four.
There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or new photographs during renewal. If you are renewing in person and need a duplicate license (a second copy of your current license before it expires), that is a separate transaction with its own fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the standard renewal process. You must contact the Department of Public Safety to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Once that is cleared, you can renew in person at an office.
What if I have moved and my address is not updated?
If you renew by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license, which may be your old address. You should update your address in person at a DPS office before renewing by mail, or straightforward renew in person with proof of your new address. In-person renewal updates your address at the same time.
How long is the temporary paper license good for?
The temporary paper license you receive during in-person renewal is valid until your permanent license arrives by mail, which is typically within two weeks. It is a valid form of identification for driving and other purposes during that time.
Can I renew online?
Alabama does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. Your options are mail renewal or in-person renewal at a Department of Public Safety office.
What if I lost my current license and cannot mail it in?
You can still renew in person without your current license. Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your address, and payment. The staff will process your renewal and issue a new license. You may also need to report the lost license to the office.