You can renew your Alabama driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
Alabama allows online renewal through its official website, but only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $28.50, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license is older than five years expired, or if your vision, medical status, or address changed significantly, you must renew in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety office.
The online system works through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The state does not mail a temporary license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical holds or restriction changes.
- The process costs $28.50, takes about 10 minutes, and requires your license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days with no temporary license issued during that time.
- If your license is expired more than five years, or if your medical status or restrictions changed, you must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and locate the driver's license renewal section. You will see a link for online renewal; click it and you'll be directed to enter your personal information. Have your current license in front of you because you'll need the license number printed on it.
Enter your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current license number exactly as they appear on your card. The system will verify this information against Alabama's records. If the information does not match, the renewal will not proceed and you'll need to visit an office in person to correct your records.
Next, you'll review your current address and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal. If any restrictions (such as corrective lenses required) or endorsements (such as motorcycle) have changed, you cannot complete the online process and must go to an office instead.
Once you confirm your information is correct, you'll pay the $28.50 renewal fee using a debit card or credit card. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save this number in case you need to check the status of your renewal.
What happens after you submit your renewal
The Alabama Department of Public Safety processes online renewals in the order they are received. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address you provided during renewal. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your renewal is processed, though processing itself may take a few days after you submit.
You can check the status of your renewal by returning to the ALEA website and entering your confirmation number and date of birth. This tool will tell you whether your license has been printed, mailed, or delivered. If more than 10 business days have passed since you submitted and the status still shows "processing," contact the ALEA directly at the phone number listed on their website.
Alabama does not issue a temporary license or temporary driving permit during the renewal period. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can carry a printed copy of your confirmation email as proof that you have renewed, though law enforcement is not required to accept it. Plan your renewal with this timeline in mind, especially if you have an upcoming trip or appointment that requires a valid ID.
When you cannot renew online
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the online system will reject your renewal request. The state considers licenses expired longer than five years to be invalid for the purposes of online renewal, and you must visit a Department of Public Safety office to renew in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).
Medical suspensions or restrictions also block online renewal. If your license was suspended due to a medical condition, or if your vision, hearing, or other medical status has changed since your last renewal, you must renew at an office. The state requires a medical examination or updated medical documentation in these cases, which cannot be completed online.
Changes to endorsements—such as adding a motorcycle endorsement or removing a commercial driver's license (CDL) classification—also require in-person renewal. If you need to add or remove any endorsement, you'll need to take a written test or skills test at an office, depending on the endorsement type.
Documents and information you need to renew online
| Information or Document | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Current Alabama driver's license | To retrieve your license number and verify your identity |
| Social Security number | To verify your identity against state records |
| Date of birth | To confirm your identity and check for medical holds |
| Debit or credit card | To pay the $28.50 renewal fee |
| Current mailing address | To receive your new license by mail |
You do not need to upload documents or provide a new photo for online renewal. The state uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office.
Keep your confirmation number from the online system in case you need to check your renewal status or contact the ALEA with questions. The confirmation number appears on your screen when ready after payment and is also sent to your email address.
Fees and payment methods
Online renewal costs $28.50 in Alabama. This is the same fee charged for in-person renewal. The fee covers a four-year license for drivers under 65 and a five-year license for drivers 65 and older. Payment must be made when ready during the online process using a debit or credit card.
The state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If your card is declined, the renewal will not be processed and you'll need to try again with a different card or renew in person. There are no additional fees for online renewal compared to in-person renewal, and the state does not offer refunds if you change your mind after paying.
In-person renewal locations if you cannot renew online
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you can renew at any Alabama Department of Public Safety office. These offices are located in each county. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the ALEA website by entering your county name.
In-person renewal typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring a second form of ID if possible. In-person renewal costs the same $28.50 as online renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail within the same 7 to 10 business day timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than five years ago?
No. Alabama's online renewal system only works for licenses expired five years or fewer. If your license is older than that, you must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You can update your address during online renewal. The system will ask you to confirm or change your current address before you pay. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you need to change your address but cannot renew online for other reasons, you can update it in person at any Department of Public Safety office.
Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
No. Alabama does not issue temporary licenses during the renewal process. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can print your confirmation email as proof of renewal, though law enforcement is not required to accept it. Plan your renewal accordingly if you have upcoming travel or appointments.
What if the online system rejects my information?
If your name, date of birth, Social Security number, or license number does not match Alabama's records, the system will not process your renewal. Go to a Department of Public Safety office to renew in person. Bring your expired license and proof of identity so staff can correct your records and complete your renewal.
Can I renew online if I have a medical suspension on my license?
No. Any medical suspension or restriction change blocks online renewal. You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person. The state may require a medical examination or updated medical documentation from your doctor before your license can be renewed.