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 by mail if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
For in-person renewal, bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
For mail renewal, send your current license, a completed Form DL-44 (available on the Alabama DPS website), a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of your proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your packet.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at any Alabama DPS office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
- Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date of renewal if you are under 60, or two years if you are 60 or older.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
How long your renewed license lasts
A renewed Alabama driver's license is valid for four years from the date of renewal if you are under age 60. If you are 60 or older, your renewed license is valid for two years. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. This means you do not have to wait until the last day to renew—you can do it at any time during that six-month window and still get a full four-year or two-year term from the renewal date.
Finding your nearest DPS office and hours
Alabama has DPS driver license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, along with its hours and phone number, on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website (dps.alabama.gov). Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours, as they vary by location.
Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website, which can reduce your wait time.
The renewal fee and payment methods
The renewal fee for a four-year Alabama driver's license is $25.50 if you are under 60. If you are 60 or older, the fee for a two-year license is $12.75. These fees cover the cost of the new license card and processing.
At an in-person office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order—the office does not accept credit or debit cards by mail. Make the check or money order payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew it using the same process as a current license. You will need the same documents: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail and cannot use the standard in-person renewal process. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires a written test, a vision test, and a road test. Contact your local DPS office to schedule these tests and learn what additional documents you will need to bring.
Renewing online or by phone
Alabama does not currently offer online renewal or phone renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or by mail. If you have questions about whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal, call your local DPS office—the staff can confirm your may be able to access before you send in your documents.
Some third-party services advertise that they can renew your license for you, but these services charge extra fees and still require you to visit a DPS office or submit documents by mail. Going directly to the DPS office or using mail renewal through the state saves you money and time.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you must explore for a replacement at a DPS office in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of current address, just as you would for renewal. The replacement fee is $20.50, and you will receive a new license with the same expiration date as your original license would have had.
Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using the standard renewal process when the expiration date approaches. You do not need to renew when ready after getting a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
No. If you have outstanding traffic fines or court-ordered payments, the DPS will not renew your license. You must pay the fines or resolve the court order first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to learn the amount owed and how to pay it.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office—mail renewal is not available. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The DPS will update your address on your new license.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
For mail renewal, the DPS uses your photo from your current license, so you do not need a new photo. For in-person renewal, the office will take a new photo of you. If you prefer not to have a new photo taken, ask the staff whether you can use your current photo—policies vary by office.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
If you renew by mail, processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS office receives your packet. Delivery by mail takes an additional 3 to 5 business days. Plan ahead if your license is expiring soon, as mail renewal can take up to two weeks total.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license yourself, either in person or by mail with your own signature. A family member or representative cannot renew it on your behalf, even with written permission.