You can renew your Alabama driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
Alabama allows online renewal through its website, but only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $31.50, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to change your address, medical information, or organ donor status, you must renew in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety office.
The online system works best for straightforward renewals where nothing about your license information has changed. If you're unsure whether you may have access to, check your license expiration date and review the restrictions listed on it before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical holds or restrictions to update.
- The renewal fee is $31.50 and you pay by credit or debit card during the online process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person from an online renewal.
- If your license is expired more than five years, you must complete an in-person renewal at a Department of Public Safety office.
- You will need your current or expired license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the online process.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your current or expired Alabama driver's license and have the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. You will also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the $31.50 renewal fee. Make sure the address on file with the state is still correct—if you have moved, you cannot update your address online and must renew in person instead.
Check the expiration date on your license before you begin. If it expired more than five years ago, the online system will not accept your renewal and you will need to visit a Department of Public Safety office in person. Review any medical restrictions or organ donor status shown on your license as well; if any of these need to change, you must renew in person.
Steps to renew online through Alabama's website
Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will create or log into an account, then 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 for you to review.
Check that your name, date of birth, address, and other details are correct. If anything needs to be changed, stop the process and renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office instead—the online system does not allow edits to personal information. Once you confirm everything is accurate, proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card information and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Do not expect to receive it when ready; standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your old license remains valid until it officially expires.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online renewal system. You will need to visit a Department of Public Safety office with your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy as well.
You must also renew in person if you need to update your address, change your medical information, add or remove organ donor status, or if you have any medical suspensions or restrictions on your license. The in-person renewal takes longer but allows you to make these changes at the same time. Some offices can issue a temporary license on the spot so you can drive while your permanent license is being processed.
Finding a Department of Public Safety office near you
Alabama has multiple Department of Public Safety driver's license offices across the state. Use the office locator on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website to find the location nearest you, along with hours of operation and any current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead can help you plan your visit.
Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check the specific office's page to see whether you need to schedule ahead or if you can arrive without one. Bring all required documents with you to avoid making a second trip.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
After you complete payment, you will see a confirmation screen with a confirmation number. Save or print this number for your records. You will also receive a confirmation email at the address on file with the state.
Your new license is printed and mailed within a few business days. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to check the status. Your old license remains valid for driving until the new one arrives or until the expiration date on the old license, whichever comes first. You do not need to carry both licenses once the new one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license online if I just moved to a new address?
No. The online system does not allow address changes. You must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
What if my license has been suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online if your license has any active suspension or revocation. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to resolve the suspension first, then you can renew either online or in person depending on the circumstances.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you complete your online renewal. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office, where you can receive a temporary license when ready and pick up your permanent license within a few days.
Can I change my name on my license during an online renewal?
No. Name changes must be done in person at a Department of Public Safety office. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change, along with your current license and proof of residency.
What if I lose my confirmation number after I renew online?
You can contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your driver's license number and Social Security number to look up your renewal status. They can tell you whether your new license has been mailed and provide tracking information if available.