Alabama driver's license renewal: what you need to do
In Alabama, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access—it takes about 10 business days and costs $25.50. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at an ALEA office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you may wait in line.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've changed your address, and how long your new license needs to last. Alabama issues licenses valid for four, six, or eight years depending on your age and whether you're renewing early.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Alabama ALEA website works only if your current license is valid, you haven't changed your address, and you're not renewing early for a longer validity period.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that ALEA sends you before your license expires, plus a check or money order; you cannot use a credit card by mail.
- In-person renewal at any ALEA office requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment by cash, check, or card.
- Alabama sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires; if you don't receive one, contact ALEA directly rather than waiting.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew—you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit and a written test.
Online renewal through the ALEA website
The Alabama ALEA operates an online renewal system at alea.gov. You can renew online if your current license is valid (not expired), your address hasn't changed, and you don't need to change the validity period of your license. The process takes about 10 minutes: you enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number, then pay $25.50 by credit or debit card.
Your renewed license will arrive by mail in about 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not include a new photo, so your current photo will be used on the renewed license.
If you're not sure whether you're may be able to access for online renewal, the ALEA website will tell you during the process—you won't be charged if the system determines you need to renew in person or by mail instead.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
About 60 days before your license expires, ALEA mails you a renewal notice to the address on file. This notice includes a form and instructions. To renew by mail, complete the form, enclose a check or money order for $25.50 made payable to "State of Alabama," and mail everything back to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time ALEA receives your envelope. If you don't receive a renewal notice, contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 before your license expires; they can mail you a form or direct you to renew online or in person instead. Do not assume the notice was lost and skip renewal—your license will expire on schedule.
Mail renewal, like online renewal, does not include a new photo. Your current photo remains on your renewed license.
In-person renewal at an ALEA office
You can renew your license in person at any ALEA office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days), and payment of $25.50 in cash, check, or card. You will have a new photo taken during the visit.
In-person renewal is when ready—you receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. This is the only renewal method that gives you a new photo and the fastest way to get a physical license in your hands.
ALEA offices are located throughout Alabama. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ALEA website. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. Waiting times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can give you an idea of current wait times.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. The cost remains $25.50. However, if your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew—Alabama treats this as a lapsed license, and you must explore for a new license instead.
A new license process requires an in-person visit to an ALEA office, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of residency, and payment of $25.50. You will also take a written test on Alabama traffic laws and road signs. The written test is the main difference between renewal and a new process; renewal does not include a test.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved since your license was issued, you must update your address. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal requires you to write your new address on the renewal form before mailing it back. In-person renewal requires you to bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Your address change takes effect when your renewed license arrives. Until then, your old address remains on your license. If you need to update your address before your license expires, you can visit an ALEA office to request an address change without renewing your license, though this is less common than waiting to update during renewal.
License validity periods and early renewal
Alabama driver's licenses are valid for four, six, or eight years depending on your age. Drivers under 21 receive four-year licenses. Drivers 21 and older receive eight-year licenses. Some drivers renew early to extend their license validity—for example, renewing at year six instead of year eight to get a fresh eight-year license.
If you want to renew early to extend your license validity, you must renew in person at an ALEA office. Online and mail renewal only extend your current license's validity period, not change it to a longer one. Early renewal costs the same as standard renewal ($25.50) and requires the same documents as in-person renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?
Contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 before your license expires. They can confirm your address on file, mail you a renewal form, or direct you to renew online or in person. Do not wait—if your license expires, you'll need to explore for a new one instead of renewing.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access. If you need to renew in person, you must visit an ALEA office in Alabama; no other state's office can process an Alabama renewal.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at an ALEA office and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal cost is still $25.50.
How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for my renewal?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you renew online or by mail, plan ahead so your new license arrives before your current one expires. If you need to drive when ready, renew in person at an ALEA office to receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Is there a fee to renew online versus in person?
No. All renewal methods cost $25.50 in Alabama. The only difference is speed and whether you receive a new photo. Online and mail renewal take 10 to 21 days; in-person renewal is when ready.