You can renew your Alabama driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Alabama allows you to renew your driver's license through its online system if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed since your last renewal. The process happens entirely through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website — you do not visit a driver's license office. You pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, upload a new photo if required, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every renewal qualifies for online processing. If your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address, if you have vision or medical restrictions, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at an ALEA office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ALEA works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical or vision restrictions.
- You need your current Alabama driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card to complete the process online.
- The renewal fee is $25 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, paid during the online transaction.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must schedule an appointment at your local ALEA driver's license office to renew in person.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these documents and information before you log into the ALEA renewal system. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). The card must be in your name or you must have permission from the cardholder to use it.
If you have changed your address since your last renewal, you cannot complete the renewal online — you will need to visit an ALEA office in person to update your address at the same time. The online system does not allow address changes. Similarly, if you wear corrective lenses or have any medical condition that affects your driving, you must renew in person so an examiner can verify your vision and medical status.
The step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the ALEA website (alea.gov) and locate the Driver's License Renewal section. Click the link for online renewal and enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your name, date of birth, and contact information.
Next, you will choose your license term: four years ($25) or eight years ($36). If the system requires a new photo, you will upload one at this stage — most renewals do not require a new photo unless your current one is damaged or you are renewing after a long gap. Enter your debit or credit card information to pay the fee. Once payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
You can continue to drive on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Do not discard your old license until the new one reaches you and you have verified that all information is correct.
When you must renew in person at an ALEA office
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not process your renewal. You must visit an ALEA driver's license office and complete an in-person renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
You also must renew in person if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you have a medical suspension on your record, if you need to add or remove restrictions (such as corrective lenses or hearing aid requirements), or if you are changing your name. Vision tests are required in person for any renewal where your vision status has changed or where the system flags your record for re-testing.
How to schedule an in-person appointment at an ALEA office
Alabama driver's license offices now require appointments for most transactions. Visit the ALEA website and use the online appointment scheduler to find an office near you and select an available time slot. You can also call the ALEA Driver's License Division at 334-242-4437 to schedule by phone. Have your driver's license number and a phone number where you can be reached when you call.
Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially in larger cities. If no slots are open at your preferred location, check offices in nearby towns or check back daily for cancellations. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices on a limited basis, but you may wait several hours. Arriving early for your appointment does not move you ahead — staff will call you at your scheduled time.
What happens after your renewed license is mailed
Your renewed license will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days of completing your online renewal. Check the envelope carefully — it will contain your new license and may include a temporary paper license if there was a delay in printing. Keep the paper license with you if it is included; it is valid proof of your license status until the plastic card arrives.
Once your new license arrives, compare all the information on it to your old license. Check your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is wrong, contact ALEA when ready at 334-242-4437 with your confirmation number from the online renewal. Do not drive with an incorrect license — report errors before you use the new license on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license online if I moved to another state?
No. Online renewal requires that your address remain in Alabama. If you have moved out of state, you must renew your Alabama license in person at an ALEA office before it expires, or you will need to obtain a license from your new state. Contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 to discuss your situation.
What if my debit or credit card is declined during online renewal?
The transaction will not complete and you will not be charged. Try again with a different card, or contact your bank to confirm the card is active and has sufficient funds. If the problem persists, you can renew in person at an ALEA office and pay by cash, check, or card.
Do I need a new photo for my online renewal?
Most online renewals do not require a new photo — the system uses your existing photo from your current license. The system will tell you during the renewal process if a new photo is needed. If one is required, you will upload it as part of the online transaction.
Can I renew my license online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at an ALEA office. You will need to pass a vision test and medical examination as part of the CDL renewal process.
What if my license has been suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. Contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 to understand the reason for the suspension and what steps you must take before you can renew your license.