What you'll pay to renew your Alabama driver's license

An Alabama driver's license renewal costs $31.25 if you renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. If you renew by mail, the fee is the same. Alabama does not charge extra for standard renewals based on how long your license has been expired or whether you're renewing early.

The $31.25 covers a four-year license. You cannot pay for a shorter renewal period — Alabama issues all standard licenses for the same four-year term. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost remains $31.25; Alabama does not charge a separate REAL ID fee.

Payment methods vary by location. Most Driver License Examiner's Offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you'll mail a check or money order with your process. Some offices may accept online payment before you arrive, but this depends on the specific location.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama driver's license renewal costs $31.25 whether you renew in person or by mail.
  • All standard licenses are issued for four years; you cannot purchase a shorter renewal period.
  • REAL ID-compliant licenses cost the same $31.25 and do not carry an additional fee.
  • Payment methods include cash, check, and card at most offices, though options vary by location.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to take a written test and pay a separate exam fee in addition to the renewal fee.

When your expired license affects the cost

If your Alabama license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or through the standard renewal process. Instead, you'll need to visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person and take a written knowledge test. This test costs an additional $5 on top of the $31.25 renewal fee, bringing your total to $36.25.

You will also need to bring proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of identity — the same documents required for a standard renewal, but the test requirement means you cannot skip the office visit. The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs. If you pass, you receive your renewed license. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day for another $5.

Additional costs if you need a replacement or correction

If you're renewing but also need to correct information on your license — such as a legal name change, address correction, or a mistake in your vision or medical information — the renewal fee stays $31.25. However, if you need to replace a lost or stolen license at the same time, that replacement costs an additional $20.

A duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license) costs $5 and is separate from renewal. Some people order a duplicate while renewing if they want a backup, but this is optional and adds to your total cost.

How to pay and where to send payment by mail

If you renew by mail, you'll send your check or money order for $31.25 along with your process to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division. The mailing address is provided on the renewal form you receive in the mail or can read from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.

Do not send cash by mail. Checks and money orders are the only accepted payment methods for mail renewals. Make the check payable to the State of Alabama. Include your driver's license number on the check so the payment can be matched to your process.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks after the office receives your process. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office is faster — you'll receive your license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.

Discounts and fee waivers

Alabama does not offer a reduced renewal fee based on age, income, or military status. The $31.25 fee applies to all drivers renewing a standard license, regardless of circumstances.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is different and higher than a standard license renewal. CDL renewals are handled separately and have their own fee structure. Contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office or the Alabama Department of Public Safety for CDL renewal pricing.

What happens if you pay late or miss the renewal important date

If you drive on an expired license, you are breaking Alabama law, but the renewal fee itself does not increase based on how long your license has been expired — as long as it expired within the last five years. You still pay $31.25 to renew.

However, if you are pulled over while driving on an expired license, you may receive a traffic citation, which carries its own fine separate from the renewal fee. That fine is determined by the court, not by the Department of Public Safety. Renewing your license as soon as you realize it has expired stops the clock on this legal risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license online and pay the fee online?

Alabama does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office or by mail. Some offices may allow you to pay online before your in-person visit, but you still must appear at the office to complete the renewal.

Do I have to pay the full $31.25 if I renew early?

Yes. Alabama charges the same $31.25 renewal fee whether you renew on the last day before expiration or several months early. There is no discount for early renewal, and you cannot purchase a license for less than four years.

What if I renew my license but then move to a different state?

You cannot get a refund of the $31.25 renewal fee if you move out of state after renewing. The fee is non-refundable once paid. If you move before renewing, you should renew in your new state instead.

Is the $31.25 fee the same in every Alabama county?

Yes. The renewal fee is set by the state and is the same across all Alabama counties. However, some Driver License Examiner's Offices may charge a small additional fee for services like photos or document copies, so confirm with your local office before you arrive.

Do I have to pay anything extra if my license has a medical restriction or endorsement?

No. Licenses with medical restrictions, motorcycle endorsements, or other endorsements renew for the same $31.25 fee. The endorsement or restriction itself does not cost extra during renewal.