How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License Online

You can renew your Alabama driver's license online if your license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed

Alabama's online renewal system lets you renew through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website without visiting a Driver License Examiner's Office. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $36.25, and you receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your address, if you have a medical suspension, or if your vision or medical restrictions have changed.

The online system works only for standard license renewals. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, a duplicate license, a name change, or corrections to your record, you must visit an examiner's office in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical or suspension holds on your record.
You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal online.
The renewal fee is $36.25 and must be paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check 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 a Driver License Examiner's Office through the ALEA website.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Gather these items before you go to the ALEA renewal website. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number (the number on the front of your card), the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or electronic check.

Have your license in front of you when you begin. The system will ask you to confirm information printed on your license, including your address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If any of this information is wrong, you cannot complete the renewal online and must visit an examiner's office instead.

Steps to renew online through ALEA

Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website (alea.gov) and look for the Driver License section. Select the option to renew your license online. You will be taken to a find payment portal.

Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and display the information on file. Review it carefully. If everything matches your current situation, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your payment method and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number by email and on screen.

Do not close the browser window until you see the final confirmation. Save or print this confirmation for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

When you cannot use the online system

The online renewal option is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years. If you fall into this category, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office and complete an in-person renewal. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

You also cannot renew online if you have an active medical suspension, if your vision or medical restrictions have changed, or if you need to update your address. Any change to your address requires an in-person visit. If you have received notice of a medical suspension or restriction from ALEA or your doctor, contact ALEA directly before attempting to renew.

What happens after you pay for your online renewal

After your payment is processed, ALEA mails your renewed license to the address currently on file. The standard timeframe is 7 to 10 business days, though delays can occur during high-volume periods. You can continue driving on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive.

If your license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Driver License Examiner's Office in your county. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue the license if there was a mailing error.

Renewing in person if online renewal is not an option

If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office. Go to the ALEA website and use the office locator to find the examiner's office nearest you. Most offices now require you to schedule an appointment in advance through the online appointment system rather than walk in.

Bring your current or expired Alabama driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The renewal fee at an office is $36.25, payable by cash, check, or card. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is mailed.

REAL ID and other special renewal situations

If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, you cannot renew online. REAL ID requires an in-person visit and additional documents: your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The REAL ID license costs $36.25 and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

Duplicate licenses, name changes, corrections to your driving record, and license replacements due to damage or loss also require an in-person visit. Schedule an appointment at your nearest examiner's office through the ALEA website if you need any of these services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is suspended or has a medical hold?

No. If ALEA has placed a medical suspension on your license or if your medical restrictions have changed, you must visit an examiner's office in person. Contact ALEA to resolve the suspension before attempting to renew.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

Address changes require an in-person visit to a Driver License Examiner's Office. You cannot update your address through the online renewal system. Bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?

ALEA typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your expired license while you wait. If your license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact your local examiner's office with your confirmation number.

Can I renew online if my license expired more than five years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. You will need your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

What payment methods does the online system accept?

The ALEA online renewal system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check. The renewal fee is $36.25. You will receive a confirmation number after payment is processed.

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.