You can renew your Alabama driver's license online if you meet certain conditions

Alabama lets you renew your driver's license through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website without visiting an office in person. The online process works only if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical suspensions on your record, and your address on file is current. If you do not meet these conditions, you will need to renew in person at an ALEA office or an authorized county probate judge's office.

The online renewal takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, a valid payment method, and a mailing address where ALEA can send your new license. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the ALEA website works only if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical holds or suspensions.
  • You need your current license number, a valid payment method, and a current mailing address to complete the online process.
  • The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license is expired more than five years or you have a medical suspension, you must renew in person at an ALEA office or county probate judge's office.
  • You can check the status of your renewal process on the ALEA website using your license number and date of birth.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Gather these items before you go to the ALEA website: your current Alabama driver's license (or the license number), your date of birth, and your Social Security number. You will also need a valid payment method—ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Have your current mailing address ready, because that is where your new license will be sent.

Check that your address on file with ALEA is correct. If you moved recently and have not updated your address, you should do that before you renew online. You can update your address through the ALEA website or by visiting an office in person. If you do not update it first, your new license will go to your old address.

Step-by-step process for renewing online

Go to the ALEA Driver License Services website and look for the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your license number and date of birth to start. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update it. Review everything carefully—your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license.

Answer the vision and medical questions honestly. ALEA asks whether your vision has changed, whether you have been diagnosed with any medical conditions that affect driving, and whether you have been convicted of any traffic offenses since your last renewal. If you answer yes to any medical question, you may be directed to renew in person instead. Once you finish the questions, you will pay the renewal fee and submit your process. You will receive a confirmation number by email.

Renewal fees and what they cover

The renewal fee for a four-year Alabama driver's license is $24.50. A six-year license costs $36.75. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. Payment is processed when ready when you submit your process, and ALEA will not refund the fee if your process is denied.

The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. It does not include any additional endorsements, such as a commercial driver's license (CDL) upgrade or a Real ID designation. If you need to add an endorsement, you must renew in person at an ALEA office.

When your new license arrives and what to do while you wait

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your process is approved. ALEA will send it to the mailing address you provided during renewal. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, you can check the status of your process on the ALEA website using your license number and date of birth.

While you wait for your new license, you can still drive using your old one. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state or use your license for identification before your new one arrives, your old license is still acceptable. Keep your confirmation number from your online renewal in case you need to contact ALEA about your process.

Situations where you must renew in person instead

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years. You also cannot renew online if you have a medical suspension, a vision restriction that needs to be updated, or a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving since your last renewal. If any of these explore to you, visit an ALEA office or a county probate judge's office to renew in person.

If you need to change your name, add a Real ID designation, or upgrade to a commercial driver's license, you must renew in person. The same is true if you want to change your address to one outside Alabama or if you have lost your license and need a replacement. In-person renewals at ALEA offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

How to check the status of your online renewal

Visit the ALEA Driver License Services website and select the option to check your renewal status. Enter your license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether your process is pending, approved, or denied. If it is approved, it will tell you when your license was mailed.

If your process is denied, the website will explain why. Common reasons include incomplete information, a medical suspension on your record, or an address that could not be verified. If your process is denied, contact ALEA by phone or visit an office in person to find out what you need to do next. You may be able to correct the problem and resubmit, or you may need to renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama driver's license online if it expired more than five years ago?

No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired less than five years ago. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at an ALEA office or a county probate judge's office. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity.

What happens if I move after I renew online but before my new license arrives?

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided during the online renewal process. If you move before it arrives, contact ALEA as soon as possible with your new address. ALEA may be able to redirect your license, but it is faster to update your address on file and request a replacement license to be sent to your new address.

Can I renew online if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?

It depends on the condition and whether it is already documented with ALEA. During the online renewal, you will be asked about medical conditions. If you answer yes, the system may direct you to renew in person so a vision test or medical evaluation can be completed. Be honest in your answers—ALEA uses this information to keep unsafe drivers off the road.

Do I need a Real ID to renew online?

No. Online renewal does not include Real ID designation. If you want to add Real ID to your license, you must renew in person at an ALEA office and bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and current address. Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses.

What should I do if I do not receive my renewed license within 10 business days?

Check the status of your renewal on the ALEA website using your license number and date of birth. If the status shows your license was mailed but you have not received it, contact ALEA by phone or visit an office to report it. ALEA can issue a replacement license or investigate whether your mail was delayed.