How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need

You can renew your Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years, and if you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections that changed.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You do not need to pass a written test or driving test unless the DPS examiner has reason to require one.

Online renewal requires you to create an account on the Alabama DPS website, verify your identity using information from your license and Social Security record, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The state will mail your new license to the address on file. This process typically takes 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online if your license is current, not suspended or revoked, and has no medical restrictions, or you can renew in person at any DPS office with your current license and proof of residency.
Alabama driver's licenses are valid for eight years for most adults, so check your expiration date to know when you must renew.
Renewing online takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs less than renewing in person, but you cannot use it if your license is expired by more than five years.
If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or document with your Social Security number.
You do not need to retake a written or driving test during renewal unless the examiner determines one is necessary based on your driving record or medical history.

Alabama DPS office locations and hours

The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates driver's license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama DPS website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online before you go, because hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch.

Wait times at DPS offices range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and location. Offices in larger cities tend to have longer waits during midday and late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday mornings typically means shorter waits. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website, which reserves your spot and reduces wait time.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The cost of renewing your Alabama driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. An eight-year renewal costs $28.50, a four-year renewal costs $18.50, and a two-year renewal costs $12.50. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card. If you renew in person, most DPS offices accept cash, check, and card, but confirm payment methods with your local office before you visit.

If your license is expired, you may still renew it without penalty as long as it has not been expired for more than five years. Licenses expired longer than five years require you to renew in person and may require a new vision test or written test.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license online if it is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DPS office in person, and the office will not issue a new license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.

Before you go to the DPS office, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you must do to have it lifted. Some suspensions are automatically lifted after a certain time period; others require you to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or take other steps. The DPS office can tell you the status of your license and what is required to restore it.

Renewing with a medical condition or vision change

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if your vision has changed since your last license, you must renew in person. The DPS examiner may require you to pass a vision test or provide a letter from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive. If you wear corrective lenses, make sure you have them with you during your in-person renewal, because the examiner will test your vision with and without them.

Some medical conditions result in restrictions on your license, such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only." These restrictions appear on your new license and are legally binding. If your condition improves or changes, you can request a new license with updated restrictions by visiting a DPS office.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Alabama driver's license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you have a trip planned or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license will be valid for eight years (or four or two years, depending on which term you choose) from the date it is issued, not from the date your old license expired. This means renewing early does not extend your total driving privilege—it straightforward replaces your current license sooner.

If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using the temporary license until the plastic one arrives.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DPS office in person to get a replacement. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security card or document with your Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement license costs the same as a renewal and is valid for the remainder of your current license term, not for a full eight years. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report, though it is not required to get a replacement.

If your license is damaged but still readable, some DPS offices will replace it at no cost. Ask the examiner whether your damage qualifies for a free replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama driver's license by mail?

No. Alabama does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the DPS website if you meet the requirements, or you can renew in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest option for most people.

What if I moved to a different address since my last license?

You can update your address online through the Alabama DPS website without renewing your license, or you can update it when you renew. If you renew online, enter your new address during the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring proof of residency at your new address and the examiner will update your record.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, the DPS office takes a new photo. You cannot choose to keep your old photo if you renew in person.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew in person?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your in-person renewal. Your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using the temporary license until the plastic one arrives.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your name change to your in-person renewal appointment. The examiner will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name. If you renew online, you cannot change your name; you must renew in person.

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.