Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is the most straightforward: walk in during business hours, bring the documents listed below, pay the fee, and leave with a temporary license valid until your new one arrives by mail.
Bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Alabama address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you will also need a current medical certificate from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any Alabama DPS Driver License Office or online if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations.
- Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama address dated within the last 60 days.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long you want your license to be valid—typically $25.50 for a four-year license or $36.50 for an eight-year license.
- You will receive a temporary license when ready and your new physical license by mail within two to three weeks.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test instead of renewing.
Online renewal: when you can use it
Alabama allows online renewal through its DPS website if your current license is not expired, you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past three years, and you do not need to change your name or address. The online process takes about 10 minutes: you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, choose your license validity period, and pay the fee by credit or debit card.
You will receive a temporary license by email when ready and your new physical license by mail within two to three weeks. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal. If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal—for example, if your license has expired or you have had a traffic conviction—you must renew in person.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Alabama charges different fees depending on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license costs $25.50. An eight-year license costs $36.50. You choose the validity period when you renew, whether you are renewing in person or online.
Your new license will be valid for the period you choose, starting from the date you renew. If you renew before your current license expires, the new expiration date is calculated from your renewal date, not from your old expiration date. This means renewing early does not extend your total time—you lose the remaining validity of your old license.
What happens if your license has been expired for a long time
If your Alabama driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which means retaking the written knowledge test, the vision test, and the road test. You will also need to bring the same documents as a renewal applicant: proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Alabama address, and your current identification.
The written test covers Alabama traffic laws and safe driving practices. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The road test is conducted by a DPS examiner and evaluates your ability to operate the vehicle and follow traffic laws. You can study for the written test using the Alabama Driver's Manual, available free on the DPS website. If you fail any test, you can retake it, though there may be a waiting period between attempts.
DPS Driver License Office locations and hours
Alabama has DPS Driver License Offices in most counties. The main office is in Montgomery, but you can renew at any location statewide. Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations closing for lunch. A few offices have extended hours or Saturday hours; check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm the hours at your nearest office.
Wait times vary depending on the time of day and the office location. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday visits. If you want to avoid waiting, some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, though walk-ins are also accepted.
What to expect after you renew
After you renew in person or online, you will receive a temporary license when ready—either printed on the spot at the office or emailed to you if you renewed online. This temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your new physical license. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact the DPS to check the status.
Your temporary license has the same driving privileges as your permanent license. You can use it to drive, show as proof of identity, and present to law enforcement if stopped. Keep it with you until your new license arrives. Once your new license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid, though you do not need to do anything with it—straightforward start using your new license.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
If you hold a commercial driver's license, the renewal process is similar to a regular license renewal, but with one additional requirement: you must have a current medical certificate from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. This certificate confirms that you meet the federal medical standards for commercial driving. You can obtain this certificate from any doctor or clinic certified by the FMCSA; a list of certified examiners is available on the FMCSA website.
Bring your current medical certificate when you renew your CDL in person. If your medical certificate has expired or will expire soon, renew it before you renew your license. Online renewal is not available for CDL holders; you must renew in person at a DPS Driver License Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to learn what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. Once your license status is cleared, you can renew normally.
What if I have moved out of state since my last license?
You cannot renew an Alabama license if you no longer live in Alabama. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles for information about obtaining a license there.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but some DPS offices allow you to schedule one online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are always accepted. Check the DPS website to see if your local office offers appointments and to find the office nearest you.
What if my name has changed since I got my current license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—along with your other renewal documents. You can renew in person or online; if you renew online, you may need to mail in the name-change document afterward, so call the DPS first to confirm the process.
How much longer will my license be valid after I renew?
Your new license will be valid for either four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which validity period you choose. If you renew before your current license expires, you do not get extra time—your old license's remaining validity is replaced by the new license's validity period.