Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
You can renew your Alabama driver's license through the state's online system without visiting a Driver License office, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) runs the online renewal portal. You will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method to complete the process. The renewal takes effect when ready once you pay, though your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every renewal can happen online. If your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, if you have medical conditions to report, or if you are under 18, you must renew in person at an ALEA Driver License office. The same applies if your name has changed since your last license was issued.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ALEA works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your address or name.
- You will need your license number, email address, and a debit or credit card to complete the online process.
- Your renewal is active when ready after payment, but your physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or you need to update your address, you must visit a Driver License office in person.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the ALEA website to renew. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number. You will also need a valid email address where ALEA can send your confirmation and any follow-up information. Have a debit card or credit card ready—ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The renewal fee is $32.50 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license.
Check your license expiration date before you start. If it expired more than two years ago, the online system will not let you proceed. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot use the online portal—you will need to visit an office in person to update it. The same rule applies if your name is different from what appears on your current license.
Steps to renew online through ALEA
Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Services website. Look for the online renewal option and select it. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and your date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what will appear on your renewed license.
Review the information on screen carefully. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment page. Enter your card details and the billing address associated with that card. Once the payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Write this number down or save the email—you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
Your renewal takes effect when ready. You can drive legally on your current license while you wait for the new card. The physical license card will arrive at the mailing address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact ALEA to check the status.
When you must renew in person at an ALEA office
If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will reject your renewal request. You will need to visit a Driver License office in person. The same applies if you have changed your address since your last license was issued—ALEA requires in-person verification of address changes. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person and bring documentation of the name change.
Medical conditions also require an in-person visit. If you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if you are renewing a license with medical restrictions, ALEA may require you to visit an office so a staff member can review your situation. Drivers under 18 must also renew in person, as Alabama has specific requirements for young drivers that require office verification.
Finding an ALEA Driver License office near you
ALEA operates Driver License offices in most Alabama counties. You can find the office nearest you on the ALEA website by entering your county or city. The website shows office hours, address, and phone number. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, while others may have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, as some offices close for lunch or have limited staffing on certain days.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are renewing after a name change, bring the legal document showing the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Processing times at offices vary, but most renewals are completed within 30 minutes if you have all required documents.
What happens after you renew online
Your renewal is active the moment your payment clears. You do not need to wait for the physical card to arrive to drive legally. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show them your old license and explain that you have renewed it online—ALEA's system will show the renewal in their database. However, it is a good idea to keep your confirmation email handy as proof of the transaction.
Your new license card will arrive by mail at the address on file. Check the card when it arrives to make sure all information is correct. If there is an error on the card, contact ALEA when ready. Do not use the card if the information is wrong—you may be asked to return it and renew again. Once you receive the new card, you can destroy or recycle your old license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?
No. The online system only works for licenses that expired within the last two years. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must visit an ALEA Driver License office in person to renew. Bring your old license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
What if I do not receive my new license card within two weeks?
Contact ALEA using the phone number on their website and provide your confirmation number from the online renewal. They can track your card and tell you where it is in the mail. If it appears to be lost, ALEA can reissue it, though you may be charged a replacement fee.
Can I change my address when I renew online?
No. Address changes must be done in person at a Driver License office. If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot use the online portal. Visit an office with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease, and renew there.
Do I need to wait for my new card before I can drive?
No. Your renewal is active when ready after you pay online. You can drive legally on your old license while you wait for the new card to arrive. Keep your confirmation email as proof of the renewal if you are stopped by law enforcement.
What payment methods does ALEA accept for online renewal?
ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You will need the card number, expiration date, and the billing address associated with the card. The renewal fee is $32.50 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license.