Where to renew and what documents you need
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 in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current Alabama driver's 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, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You do not need to bring a new photo — the DPS will take one at the office.
For an online renewal through the Alabama DPS website, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
- You can renew in person at any Alabama DPS driver license office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or you receive it when ready after your in-person visit.
- The renewal fee is $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.25 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office or online.
Finding your nearest DPS office and hours
Alabama has DPS driver license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama DPS website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some larger offices in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile stay open until 6 p.m. on certain days. A few offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.
Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, and you do not need an appointment. However, wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year Alabama driver's license costs $25.50. An eight-year license costs $38.25. You can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card at any DPS office. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card only.
Some DPS offices accept payment by card only and do not take cash or checks, so call ahead if you plan to pay by check. The fee is the same whether you renew in person or online.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it online and must renew in person. You will also need to pass a vision test at the DPS office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may also be required to retake the written knowledge test and driving test, depending on how long it has been expired — the DPS will tell you when you arrive.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation.
Address changes and name changes
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person — online renewal is not available for address changes. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring the document proving the change along with your current license and proof of address. You can renew in person or online if your name change was recorded with the DPS during a previous transaction, but if this is your first time updating your name with the state, renew in person to may support the change is processed correctly.
Medical restrictions and vision requirements
If your current license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), you cannot renew online and must renew in person. At the office, you will take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the DPS may require a medical evaluation form completed by your doctor. The office staff will tell you if this is needed when you arrive. You do not need to schedule a medical evaluation in advance.
Replacing a lost or stolen license
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot use the online renewal process. Go to any DPS office in person and bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. Tell the staff that your license was lost or stolen. You will pay the $25.50 or $38.25 renewal fee, and your new license will be issued when ready.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with local law enforcement, though this is not required to get a replacement license. Some people choose to report the theft to protect themselves against identity fraud, but the DPS will issue your replacement regardless of whether you file a police report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to renew my license in person?
The office visit itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, but total time depends on how many people are ahead of you. You receive your new license when ready after your visit. If you need a replacement while waiting for your new one, ask the office staff about a temporary paper license.
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Alabama does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or online through the state website if you meet the requirements for online renewal.
What if I move out of state before my license expires?
You do not have to renew your Alabama license if you move to another state. Your Alabama license remains valid until its expiration date. However, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires, which varies.
Do I need to renew my license if I only have a learner's permit or instruction permit?
No. Learner's permits and instruction permits are different from driver's licenses and have their own renewal rules. Contact your local DPS office or check the Alabama DPS website for information about renewing a permit.
What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
CDL renewal has different rules than standard driver's license renewal. You must renew in person, and you may need to pass a medical examination and written test. Contact your local DPS office for CDL-specific renewal requirements.