Alabama driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
You can renew your Alabama driver's license through three routes: online at alabamadmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Examiner office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 business days and costs $31.25. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at an examiner office is when ready if you need the license the same day, though wait times vary by location.
Your may be able to access for each method depends on your current license status, how long it's been expired, and whether you need a new photo. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. If you're under 18, you must also renew in person with a parent or guardian present.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through alabamadmv.gov is available only if your license expired within the last five years and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Montgomery office.
- In-person renewal at any Driver License Examiner office is the only option if your license expired more than five years ago or if you're under 18.
- The renewal fee is $31.25 for a standard four-year license, and payment methods vary by renewal route.
- You'll need your Social Security number and current address on file with the Alabama Department of Public Safety to renew online.
Online renewal through alabamadmv.gov
Online renewal is the fastest method if you meet the requirements. You must have a license that expired within the last five years, no changes to your name or address since your last renewal, and no need for a new photo. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover).
Go to alabamadmv.gov, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. The system will verify your information against state records. If everything matches, you'll pay $31.25 and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number as a temporary proof of renewal if needed before the physical license arrives.
If the online system rejects your process, it will tell you why — usually because your address doesn't match state records or your license has been expired too long. In that case, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal with a form and payment
Mail renewal works if your license expired within the last five years and you don't need a new photo. read form DL-44 from alabamadmv.gov or request it by phone at 334-242-4437. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current license (or a photocopy if you need to keep the original).
Mail the form, your license, and a check or money order for $31.25 to: Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Do not send cash. Include a return address on the envelope. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet, so allow extra time for mail delivery both ways.
Keep a record of what you mailed and when. If your renewal doesn't arrive within four weeks, call 334-242-4437 to check the status. The office can tell you whether your packet was received and where your new license is in the process.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner office
Visit any Driver License Examiner office if your license expired more than five years ago, you're under 18, you need a new photo, or you have changes to your name or address. Bring your current license (or expired license if you no longer have it), 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 you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with proof of their identity and relationship to you. 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.
Find the nearest examiner office and its hours at alabamadmv.gov under "Office Locations." Many offices operate by appointment only, so check before you go. You'll take a new photo, pay $31.25 in cash or card, and receive your new license on the spot. If you need the license for travel or identification that day, in-person renewal is your only option.
What to do if your license has been suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. First, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to restore it. Suspensions often result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance. Revocations are more serious and typically require a hearing or completion of a specific program.
Once you've resolved the underlying issue — paid fines, completed a DUI program, or attended a hearing — the department will notify you that your driving privilege has been restored. Only then can you renew your license through the normal process.
Renewing a license with a new address or name change
If you've moved since your last renewal, you can update your address during online renewal if the system recognizes your new address in state records. If online renewal rejects you because of an address mismatch, use mail or in-person renewal instead. For mail renewal, write your new address on form DL-44. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your current address as described above.
If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that changed your name. The examiner will take a new photo and issue a license with your updated name. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, not through online or mail renewal. You must visit a Driver License Examiner office in person. Licenses expired more than five years require a new photo and verification of your identity and current address, which only an in-person visit can provide.
What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you've submitted a renewal process. Keep your confirmation number or receipt from your renewal submission as proof that you've applied, but do not drive until your new license arrives. If you're stopped, the confirmation alone may not prevent a citation.
How long does in-person renewal take at the office?
The process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, but wait times depend on how busy the office is that day. Many offices now require appointments, which you can book through alabamadmv.gov. Booking an appointment reduces your wait time significantly compared to walk-ins.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes, through online or mail renewal if you meet the other requirements. You don't need to be in Alabama to renew. If you need in-person renewal, you'll have to visit an examiner office in Alabama or contact the department about alternatives for military personnel or others stationed overseas.
What if my renewal process is rejected online?
The system will show you the reason — usually an address mismatch or an expired license that's too old. Call 334-242-4437 to clarify what information doesn't match state records, then use mail or in-person renewal instead. Have your current license and any recent address documentation ready when you call.