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 (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 license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring a new photo; DPS will use your existing photo unless you request a new one.
For online renewal, visit the Alabama DPS website and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The state will mail your new license to the address on file.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address, and takes about 30 minutes.
- Online renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
- Alabama driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to six months before expiration.
- A replacement license costs $25.50 in person; online renewal costs $24.50 and is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is expired by more than five years or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam.
Timing and fees for Alabama license renewal
Alabama driver's licenses expire four years from the date they are issued. You can start the renewal process up to six months before your expiration date, which gives you a window to renew without your license becoming invalid. If you renew before expiration, your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expired.
The fee for in-person renewal is $25.50. Online renewal costs $24.50. Both are one-time fees for a four-year license. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the cost is the same. Payment methods vary by location; most DPS offices accept cash, check, and card, but call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.
If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you, usually within two weeks.
When you must renew in person instead of online
Online renewal is not an option if your current license has been expired for more than five years. In that case, you must go to a DPS office in person. You will also need to renew in person if your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), because the state needs to verify those restrictions are still current.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online — you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. The same applies if you want to change your name on the license; you'll need to appear in person with the legal document supporting the change.
Drivers over 70 years old must renew in person and may be asked to pass a vision test or written exam, depending on their driving record and the discretion of the DPS examiner. If you have any doubt about whether you may have access to for online renewal, call your local DPS office before attempting it online; they can confirm your may be able to access in one call.
Finding your nearest DPS office and what to expect
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. Many offices operate by appointment only, especially in smaller towns, so check the website or call before you go. Walk-in service is available at some larger offices, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times (typically mid-morning on weekdays and all day Saturday).
When you arrive, bring all required documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of address or Social Security number. The renewal process itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. You'll have your photo taken (unless you're renewing online), answer a few questions about your address and medical history, and pay the fee. If you're renewing in person and your license has been expired for more than five years, you may be asked to take a vision test or answer questions from the written driving exam.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired Alabama license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may be fined. However, if your license expired within the last 30 days and you can show proof that you have already renewed it (such as a temporary paper license or a receipt from a DPS office), the citation may be reduced or dismissed at the discretion of the officer.
If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you cannot legally drive until you renew it. When you do renew, you must do so in person — online renewal is not available. You will not lose your driving record or have to retake the written exam straightforward because your license expired, but you may be required to pass a vision test depending on how long it has been expired and your age.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Alabama
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online under any circumstances. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address, just as you would for a regular license renewal. You will also need to pass a vision test and answer questions about your medical history and any violations or accidents since your last renewal.
CDL renewals take longer than regular license renewals — typically 45 minutes to an hour — because the examiner reviews your driving record in detail. The fee for a CDL renewal is $25.50, the same as a regular license. Your CDL is valid for four years from the date of renewal. If your CDL has hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement, you will need to renew that separately; it expires every three years and requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Proof of Social Security number is required for all driver's license renewals in Alabama. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to obtain one before you can renew. Bring your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form as proof when you renew.
What if I moved out of state but still have an Alabama license?
You can renew your Alabama license online if you meet the other requirements (license not expired more than five years, no medical restrictions). However, you must update your address on file with the Alabama DPS before renewing. If your address is outside Alabama, you can still renew online, but your new license will be mailed to the out-of-state address you provide. If you plan to move permanently, you should obtain a driver's license in your new state instead.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, not unless you request one. DPS will use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you can request it when you renew in person at a DPS office. Online renewal does not include a new photo. There is no additional fee for a new photo at the time of renewal.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the legal document that changed your name — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will not renew your license online if your name has changed. Bring the certified document along with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives in both cases.