You can renew your Alabama driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Alabama allows online renewal through its Department of Public Safety website, but not everyone qualifies. You must have a valid, unexpired or recently expired license, be a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number on file, and not have any medical or legal holds on your record. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.50 for a four-year renewal or $42.50 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online—you must visit an Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office in person. The same applies if you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond what the online system allows, or if you have outstanding tickets, warrants, or child support issues.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is unexpired or expired less than two years, and you have no holds or flags on your record.
- The online process costs $28.50 for four years or $42.50 for eight years, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the renewal.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
Steps to renew online through the Alabama DPS website
Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and locate the Driver License Renewal section. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what can and cannot be changed online.
Review your name, address, and other details. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number—save this for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure it is current before you submit.
Do not change your mailing address during the renewal process if you are moving soon. If your address needs updating, complete the renewal first, then contact the DPS separately to update your address for future correspondence.
What happens if you do not meet the online requirements
If the online system rejects your renewal, it will tell you why. Common reasons include an expired license older than two years, an active medical suspension, outstanding traffic violations, or a name change that requires in-person verification. In these cases, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Processing at the office takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit online
After you complete the online renewal, you will see a confirmation page with your confirmation number. The system processes your payment when ready. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days, though mail delivery times vary by location.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your confirmation number serves as proof of renewal. Keep it with you. If your license is already expired, you are technically driving without a valid license until the new one arrives, so do not delay the renewal if you know it is expiring soon.
If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437 with your confirmation number. They can check the status and reissue if needed.
Changing your address during or after renewal
The online renewal system allows you to update your address before you submit payment. If your address is correct, leave it as is. If you are moving, you can change it during renewal, and your new license will be mailed to the new address—but only if you enter it before payment.
If you realize after renewal that your address is wrong, or if you move after renewing, you must update it in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office or through the mail. Contact the DPS to request an address-change form, fill it out, and mail it back with a copy of your license and proof of the new address.
Reasons the online system may reject your renewal
The most common rejection is an expired license older than two years. Alabama's online system cannot handle renewals that far past expiration because they require a new vision test and in-person verification. Other rejections include active medical suspensions (usually for failing a vision or medical exam), outstanding warrants or tickets, child support holds, or a name that does not match Social Security Administration records.
If you have a hold you are unaware of, the online system will not tell you the specific reason—only that you cannot renew online. Call the DPS at 334-242-4437 to find out what is blocking your renewal. Once the hold is cleared, you can try the online process again or complete the renewal in person.
Payment and receipt information
Alabama charges $28.50 for a four-year renewal or $42.50 for an eight-year renewal. Both prices include the license itself and processing. There are no additional fees if you renew online versus in person. The system accepts only Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover—no cash, check, or money order.
After payment, you will receive a confirmation email at the address on file with your license. This email contains your confirmation number. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact the DPS. Keep the confirmation number until your new license arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license online if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, as long as it expired less than two years ago. If it has been expired for two years or longer, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office and pass a vision test.
What if I move after I renew online but before my new license arrives?
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number and new address. They can reissue your license to the new address, though this may delay delivery by a few extra days. Alternatively, wait for the license to arrive at your old address and have someone forward it, or pick it up in person if possible.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
What should I do if my confirmation number does not arrive after I pay?
Check your email spam folder first. If it is not there, wait 24 hours and try logging back into the DPS website—your confirmation number may appear in your account. If you still cannot find it, call the DPS at 334-242-4437 with your license number and the date you renewed.
Can I renew online if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
Not if the condition is flagged on your record. The online system will reject your renewal if there is an active medical suspension or restriction. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office and provide medical clearance or updated information from your doctor before you can renew.