What you need to do to renew in Alabama
Alabama renews driver's licenses by mail, in person, or online depending on your situation. Most people can renew online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website if their license is not suspended, they have not had a name change, and their address is current. If you cannot renew online, you will visit an ALEA office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
Your Alabama license is valid for four years from the date it was issued. You can renew up to six months before it expires. The state does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date — check the front of your license card.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ALEA website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 if your license is not suspended and your information has not changed.
- In-person renewal at an ALEA office requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and takes about 30 minutes.
- You can renew starting six months before your license expires, and the state does not send reminder notices.
- If your license is suspended, you have had a name change, or your address is not current in the system, you must renew in person.
Renewing online through ALEA
Online renewal is the fastest route if you are not suspended and your personal information is unchanged. Go to the ALEA website, select "Driver License Online Renewal," and enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will confirm your may be able to access in real time.
If the system approves you, you will pay $24.50 by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why — usually because of a suspension, a name change, or an address mismatch — and you will need to go in person.
Renewing in person at an ALEA office
Visit any ALEA Driver License office with your current license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo is not enough.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $24.50. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Most offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the ALEA website for your nearest office and its hours before you go.
When you must renew in person
You cannot use online renewal if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, or if your address in the system does not match where you currently live. You also must renew in person if you want to change your address, add or remove a restriction, or update your sex designation on your license.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, Alabama may require you to pass a vision test and written exam in addition to the standard renewal process. Call your local ALEA office to confirm what you will need before you visit.
What happens if your license expires
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Alabama. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. However, if your license expired within the last 30 days and you have already started the renewal process, you may be able to show proof of your process to an officer — keep your confirmation email or receipt if you renewed online.
If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you cannot legally drive. Renew as soon as you can. The renewal process is the same whether your license is current or expired, but if it has been expired for more than one year, you may face additional requirements like a vision test or written exam.
Costs and what to bring
| Renewal Method | Cost | What to Bring | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $24.50 | License number, date of birth, last 4 SSN digits | 7–10 business days by mail |
| In person | $24.50 | Current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail from last 60 days) | 7–10 business days by mail |
Both methods cost $24.50 and take the same amount of time to receive your new license by mail. The difference is that online renewal is when ready if you are approved, while in-person renewal requires a trip to an office but handles address changes and other updates on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my new license to arrive?
Yes. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, even if it has technically expired. Once your new license is mailed to you, you can continue driving on your old one for up to 30 days after the expiration date printed on it.
What if I moved and my address is wrong in the system?
You must renew in person. Bring your current license and a document proving your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. The office will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.
Do I need an appointment to renew at an ALEA office?
Most ALEA offices do not require appointments for license renewal. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary. Check the ALEA website for your local office's hours and current wait times before you visit.
What if the online system says I cannot renew?
The system will tell you why — usually a suspension, name change, or address mismatch. Go to your nearest ALEA office with your current license and the required documents for your situation. The office staff can resolve the issue and process your renewal in person.
How do I find my nearest ALEA office?
Visit the ALEA website and use the office locator tool. It shows all driver license offices in Alabama, their addresses, hours, and phone numbers. You can call ahead to confirm hours or ask questions about what documents you need to bring.