How to Renew Your Driver License in Alabama

Renewing your Alabama driver license in person or by mail

You can renew your Alabama driver license either in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at a DPS location and you leave with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if your license is not yet expired and you have not had any major changes to your information.

The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update your address or other details, and whether you want your new license when ready. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person; the mail option is only for licenses that have not yet expired.

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license on the spot; mail renewal takes two to three weeks but only works if your license has not expired.
You will need a valid form of identification, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security number for either renewal method.
Alabama DPS offices are located in most counties; you can find the nearest one on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and check wait times before you go.
Your new license will be valid for eight years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older.
If you renew by mail, send your documents to the address provided on the renewal form; do not send cash, only a check or money order.

What documents you need to bring or send

For either in-person or mail renewal, you will need to provide proof of your identity, proof that you live in Alabama, and your Social Security number. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a previous Alabama driver license. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address.

If you are renewing by mail, include copies of these documents with your renewal form and payment. Do not send original documents unless the renewal form specifically asks for them. If you are renewing in person, bring the originals so the DPS office can verify them on the spot.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

To renew in person, find your nearest DPS office on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Most counties have at least one office, and many larger cities have multiple locations. The website shows office hours and often displays current wait times, so you can choose a time when the office is less busy.

Bring your documents, your current license, and payment. The renewal fee is $25.50 for a standard eight-year license if you are under 65, or $19.13 for a five-year license if you are 65 or older. You can pay with cash, check, or debit card at most offices. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks.

Mail renewal for licenses that have not yet expired

If your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or other key information, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal form from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or call the main DPS office to have one mailed to you. Complete the form, include copies of your proof of identity and residency, and send everything with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — expect two to three weeks for processing plus mail delivery time. You will not receive a temporary license, so your current license must remain valid throughout the process. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you will need to renew in person instead. Never send cash through the mail; use a check or money order only.

License validity periods and when you must renew

Your new Alabama driver license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue if you are under 65 years old. If you are 65 or older, your license will be valid for five years. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

If your license has already expired, you cannot use mail renewal — you must go to a DPS office in person. An expired license is not valid for driving, so renew as soon as you realize it has lapsed. If you are more than one year past your expiration date, you may be required to take a vision test or written exam in addition to the standard renewal process.

Changes to your information during renewal

If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update any other information on your license, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Mail renewal only works if all your information remains the same. Bring documents that prove your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order) or your new address (such as a utility bill or lease) along with your standard renewal documents.

If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new Alabama address. If you are moving out of state, you will need to get a license in your new state instead of renewing in Alabama. If you are moving within Alabama, the DPS office will update your address during the renewal process.

What happens after you renew

If you renew in person, you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, your new license is mailed to you and takes two to three weeks to arrive after the DPS office processes your form.

While you are waiting for your permanent license, the temporary license is valid for driving. Keep it with you at all times. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license online?

No, Alabama does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license quickly.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to resolve the suspension or revocation first, then renew in person at a DPS office.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Alabama DPS offices do not require appointments for license renewal. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS website for current wait times before you go.

What if I lose my temporary license before my permanent one arrives?

Contact the DPS office where you renewed and request a replacement temporary license. Bring your ID and proof of the renewal. You may be charged a small fee for a replacement.

Can I renew if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

You can renew your license even if you have an outstanding ticket, but you may not be able to renew by mail. Go to a DPS office in person to complete the renewal. Resolve any outstanding fines separately with the court or traffic authority.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.