Alabama driver's licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age
Alabama issues driver's licenses on a staggered renewal schedule. If you are under 65, your license is valid for eight years from the issue date. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years. You can renew in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal.
The method you choose depends on whether your license has been suspended or revoked, whether you need to change information like your address, and how soon you need the renewed license in your hands. Most people renew before their current license expires, but Alabama allows you to renew up to one year before expiration.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama driver's licenses expire every four years (age 65+) or eight years (under 65), and you can renew up to one year early.
- Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website works only if your license is not suspended, you have no address changes, and your vision and medical status have not changed.
- Mail renewal is available only if you are under 65, your license is not suspended, and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is suspended, if you need to update your address or other information, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.
- You will need your current Alabama driver's license, proof of residency, and payment (cash, check, or card depending on the location) for any renewal method.
Renewing online through the Alabama DPS portal
The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates an online renewal system at alabamadps.gov. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about your vision and medical status, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not moved since your last license was issued, your vision has not changed, and you have no new medical conditions that would affect your driving. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
The renewal fee for online renewal is $24.50 for a four-year license (age 65+) or $36.50 for an eight-year license (under 65). You pay by credit card or debit card during the online process.
Renewing by mail from Alabama
Mail renewal is available only to drivers under 65 whose licenses are not suspended and who meet the same restrictions as online renewal: no address change, no vision change, and no new medical conditions. You cannot renew by mail if you are 65 or older.
To renew by mail, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4400 to request a renewal form. You complete the form, include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement). Mail the packet to the address provided on the form.
Processing takes approximately three to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive. Your renewed license arrives by mail.
Renewing in person at a DPS office
In-person renewal is the only option if your license is suspended, if you need to change your address or other personal information, if your vision or medical status has changed, or if you are 65 or older and prefer not to renew online or by mail. You can walk in to any Alabama DPS office during business hours without an appointment.
Bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. Most DPS offices accept cash, check, and card, but call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.50 for an eight-year license.
The DPS will take a new photo, verify your information, and test your vision. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to update your address, bring two documents showing your new address, or bring one document plus a recent utility bill.
What to bring and what it costs
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee (Under 65) | Fee (65+) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license (digital verification) | $36.50 | $24.50 | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, proof of residency, check or money order | $36.50 | Not available | 3–4 weeks | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of residency, payment (cash/check/card) | $36.50 | $24.50 | 7–10 business days for physical license |
Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail. If you are changing your address, bring two documents showing your new address, or one document plus a recent utility bill.
Finding an Alabama DPS office near you
The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the DPS website at alabamadps.gov, or call 334-242-4400 to confirm hours and location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you want to avoid a wait, call ahead to ask when your local office is typically less busy, or visit early in the morning or mid-week.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you have applied for renewal (such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your process), an officer may exercise discretion.
If your license has already expired and you have not yet renewed, go to a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DPS will process your renewal the same way as a standard renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license before it expires?
Yes. Alabama allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for the full term (four or eight years) from the date of renewal, not from your old expiration date.
What if I moved to a different address since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring two documents showing your new address, or one document plus a recent utility bill. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and payment.
Do I need a new vision test to renew my license?
If you renew online or by mail, you answer questions about your vision but do not take a formal test. If you renew in person, the DPS will test your vision as part of the renewal process. If your vision has changed significantly since your last license, you must renew in person.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Physical licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days for online and in-person renewal, and within 3 to 4 weeks for mail renewal. You receive a temporary paper license when ready for in-person renewal, or a digital temporary license for online renewal, so you can drive legally while you wait for the physical card.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DPS office in person. The office will tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew or whether you must complete other steps (such as paying fines or completing a course) before renewal is possible.