How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Alabama driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Alabama driver's license through three routes: online at alabamadmv.gov if you meet certain conditions, by mail if your license is not expired or expired less than five years, or in person at any Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles office. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. By-mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Your renewal method depends on your license status, whether you need a Real ID-compliant license, and how soon you need the renewed document. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. If you want to add a Real ID star to your license — required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025 — you must also renew in person and bring specific documents.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at alabamadmv.gov works only if your license is current or expired less than one year, and you do not need a Real ID upgrade.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks and works if your license expired less than five years ago, but you cannot add Real ID by mail.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you want a Real ID-compliant license.
The renewal fee in Alabama is $25 for a four-year license or $35 for an eight-year license, payable by credit card online or by check or money order by mail.
You can find your nearest DMV office and check current wait times at alabamadmv.gov before you go in person.

Online renewal through alabamadmv.gov

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired or expired less than one year. Go to alabamadmv.gov, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will answer questions about any changes to your address, height, or other information on your license. You do not need to upload documents or visit an office.

Pay the renewal fee by credit card — $25 for a four-year license or $35 for an eight-year license. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not include a Real ID upgrade; if you need Real ID, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal for licenses expired less than five years

If your license expired less than five years ago but you do not need Real ID, you can renew by mail. read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-44) from alabamadmv.gov or request one by calling the Alabama DMV at 334-242-4437. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $25 (four-year) or $35 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form.

Include a photocopy of your current or expired license with your process. Do not send cash. Mail renewal typically takes two weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this period. If your license expired more than five years ago, the mail route is not available — you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an Alabama DMV office

Visit any Alabama DMV office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want to add or upgrade to Real ID, or if you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. Bring your current or expired driver's license and one document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are adding Real ID, bring one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and one document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

You can check wait times and find your nearest office at alabamadmv.gov before you go. Pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card at the office. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license sooner, ask the DMV staff about expedited mail options when you renew.

Real ID upgrade: what you need and why it matters

Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Alabama driver's license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. You will need a Real ID-compliant license, which displays a gold star in the upper right corner. You can only get Real ID by renewing in person at a DMV office; it cannot be done online or by mail.

Bring one document proving your identity (U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, passport card, or state ID), one document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $25 for four years or $35 for eight years. If you already have a Real ID from another state, you do not need to upgrade your Alabama license for federal purposes, though you may still want to renew it when it expires.

What happens if your license is expired more than five years

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license if you have it, plus the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal: proof of identity and proof of address. The renewal fee remains $25 or $35 depending on the term you choose.

The DMV may ask additional questions about why your license lapsed for so long, but this does not prevent you from renewing. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot locate your expired license, bring a second form of ID such as a passport or state ID card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to add Real ID before the May 2025 important date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until expiration.

What if I moved and my address changed?

If you renew online, you will be asked to confirm or update your address during the process. If you renew by mail or in person, write your new address on the process form or tell the DMV staff. Your renewed license will be mailed to your new address. You do not need to update your address separately before renewing.

How long does a renewed Alabama driver's license stay valid?

You choose either a four-year license ($25) or an eight-year license ($35) when you renew. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. Eight-year licenses are a better value if you plan to keep the same address and do not expect major changes to your appearance.

Can I renew if my name changed?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The renewal fee is the same.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If you lost your license, you cannot renew it — you must replace it first. Contact your local DMV office about replacement, which requires proof of identity and address. Once you have a replacement license, you can renew it through any of the three methods when it expires.

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.