Where and how to renew in Alabama

You can renew your Alabama driver's license either in person at a Driver License Office or online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, depending on your situation. The online option is faster and available 24/7, but only works if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those conditions don't explore, you must go in person.

To renew online, visit the ALEA website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and you'll receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to renew in person, find your nearest Driver License Office on the ALEA website, bring the documents listed below, and plan for a visit that typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ALEA works only if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is required if your license is expired more than five years, you have medical restrictions, or your address is different from what's on file.
  • You'll need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
  • The renewal fee in Alabama is $25.50 for a four-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at an office or by card online.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current Alabama driver's license to any Driver License Office. If you don't have it, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return.

You also need proof of your current address. The ALEA accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring the address proof even if you're renewing online — actually, you cannot renew online if your address changed, so you must go in person instead.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard four-year Alabama driver's license renewal costs $25.50. If you're 65 or older, renewal is free. At a Driver License Office, you can pay with cash, check, or card. Online, you must use a credit or debit card.

Some Driver License Offices charge an additional $2 fee if you pay by card in person, so ask before you pay. If you're renewing online and your card is declined, you'll need to start over and try again or visit an office in person.

Timeline: how long renewal takes

Online renewal is the fastest route. You get a temporary digital license you can use when ready on your phone, and your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use the digital license for most purposes — showing it to police, renting a car, or entering age-restricted venues — while you wait for the card.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is slower. The office visit itself takes 30 minutes to an hour, but then you still wait 7 to 10 business days for your card to arrive by mail. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use when ready. Plan ahead if your current license is about to expire or has already expired.

What happens if your license is expired

You can renew an expired license at any time — there's no grace period, but there's also no penalty for renewing late. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online and must visit a Driver License Office in person.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary paper license from an in-person visit or your digital license from an online renewal to prove you've begun the process, but this does not may provide you won't be cited. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.

Renewing with a name change

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person at a Driver License Office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency.

The fee remains $25.50, and you'll receive a temporary paper license at the office and your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot handle a name change online.

Medical restrictions and vision requirements

If your current license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only — you cannot renew online and must visit a Driver License Office. The office will verify that your medical condition hasn't changed and may require you to pass a vision test.

Even if you have no restrictions now, the office may test your vision during in-person renewal. If you fail, you'll be required to wear corrective lenses while driving. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than five years?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Driver License Office. Online renewal only works if your license expired less than five years ago. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

What if I don't have my current license?

You can still renew in person. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return, plus proof of residency. You cannot renew online without your license number.

Can I use a digital license while I wait for my physical card?

Yes. If you renew online, you get a temporary digital license on your phone when ready. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license at the office. Both are valid for most purposes while your physical card is in the mail.

What counts as proof of residency?

A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address dated within the last 60 days. Cell phone bills and credit card statements do not count. The document must show your current address.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver License Office?

No appointment is required, but some offices are busier than others. Check the ALEA website for your nearest office and its hours. Going early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.