How to Renew Your Driver's License in Alabama

Where to renew and what documents you need

In Alabama, you renew your driver's license through the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can renew in person at any DPS Driver License Examining Office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route requires your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Not everyone can renew online. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and you have no changes to your name or address since your last renewal. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Key Takeaways

Alabama lets you renew online if your license expired within the last five years and nothing has changed on your record, but in-person renewal is required if your license is older or you've moved.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number at any DPS Driver License Examining Office.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, and you can use your old license until it arrives.
Alabama driver's licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to six months before expiration without penalty.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening in addition to providing documents.

Online renewal steps and timing

To renew online, go to the Alabama DPS website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee, which is $25.50 for a four-year license. You pay by credit or debit card. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you don't need to wait or make a trip to an office. If you don't receive your new license within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. Keep your old license until the new one arrives in case you need to show proof of identity.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

If you're renewing in person, find your nearest DPS Driver License Examining Office on the Alabama DPS website. Offices are located in most counties, and you can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and be prepared to provide your Social Security number verbally.

The renewal fee is $25.50 for a four-year license, payable by cash, check, or card depending on the office. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes on average. You'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

When you need to retake the written test or vision screening

If your license has been expired for more than five years, Alabama requires you to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision screening. You cannot renew online in this case. Schedule an appointment or visit a DPS office in person. The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. The vision screening checks that you meet the state's minimum vision requirement of 20/40 in each eye (with or without correction).

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee for the test itself, only the standard $25.50 renewal fee. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: current or expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

License validity and early renewal options

Alabama driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires without any penalty or extra fees. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date — your new license will expire four years from the date you renew, not four years from your old expiration date. This means if you renew six months early, your new license will expire six months later than your old one would have.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it through the same process, but if it's been expired for more than five years, the written test requirement kicks in. There is no grace period in Alabama — once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you're in the process of renewing.

What to do if your name or address changed

If you've changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change) or moved to a new address, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). You cannot use online renewal when your personal information has changed.

The fee remains $25.50, and the process is the same as a standard in-person renewal. Your new license will reflect your updated name and address and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Alabama, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're renewing in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which allows you to drive. If you're renewing online, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so there's no gap.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You'll need to replace your lost license first, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office with proof of identity and residency. Once you have a replacement, you can renew it when ready or wait until closer to the expiration date. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee.

How much does it cost to renew in Alabama?

A four-year driver's license renewal costs $25.50 in Alabama, whether you renew online or in person. This is the only fee; there are no additional charges for processing or mailing.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required at most DPS Driver License Examining Offices in Alabama. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices may offer appointments; check your local office's website to see if that option is available.

What happens if I renew online but my information doesn't match the system?

If the online system cannot verify your information, it will reject your renewal and direct you to renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your license and proof of residency to complete the renewal. This sometimes happens if your address or name in the system doesn't match your current documents.

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.