You can renew your Alabama driver's license online if your license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed

Alabama's online renewal system lets you renew through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website without visiting a driver's license office. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $26.50, and you'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

Not everyone can use the online system. If your license expired more than five years ago, if you have medical restrictions or suspensions on your record, or if you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. The same applies if you lost your license or need a corrected name.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ALEA works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical holds or restriction changes.
  • The online process costs $26.50, takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to complete the transaction.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago or you have medical suspensions, you must renew in person at an ALEA driver's license office.
  • Address changes, lost licenses, and name corrections all require an in-person visit.

What you need before you start

Gather your current Alabama driver's license, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. Have your license in front of you when you go to the ALEA website—you'll enter your license number and other identifying information to verify your identity. The system will ask you to confirm your address as it appears on your current license.

If your address has changed since your license was issued, stop here. The online system cannot process address changes. You'll need to visit a driver's license office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

The online renewal steps

Go to the ALEA website and select the online renewal option for driver's licenses. You'll be asked to enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct. If anything looks wrong—your name, address, or restrictions—do not proceed; contact ALEA instead.

Once you confirm your information, you'll move to payment. Enter your credit or debit card details. The fee is $26.50 for a standard four-year renewal. After payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number; you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal—you would have to renew in person at a driver's license office and request expedited service there, which costs extra.

When you must renew in person instead

If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not let you complete the renewal. You must visit a driver's license office, bring your expired license, and complete the renewal process in person. The same rule applies if your license was suspended or revoked for medical reasons or if your medical restrictions have changed since your license was issued.

You also cannot renew online if you lost your license, need to change your name, or want to correct information on your current license. Address changes require an in-person visit with proof of your new address. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, call ALEA's driver's license division before you attempt the online process—it will save you time.

What happens after you submit your renewal

The ALEA system processes online renewals within one to two business days. Your new license is then printed and sent through the mail. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days of submission. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving, so you can continue to use it until the new one arrives.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, check your email for any messages from ALEA—sometimes the system flags an issue that requires you to contact the office. If you received no email and the license still has not arrived, call ALEA with your confirmation number. Do not assume the renewal failed; mail delays happen, especially during high-volume periods.

Fees and payment methods

Online renewal costs $26.50. This is the standard fee for a four-year driver's license renewal in Alabama. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. It does not accept cash, checks, or money orders—online renewal is card-only.

If you renew in person at a driver's license office, the fee is the same, but you have the option to pay by cash or check. Some offices also offer expedited service for an additional fee if you need your license faster than the standard mail timeline.

Finding your nearest driver's license office if you need in-person service

The ALEA website has a searchable list of driver's license offices by county. You can search by your county name or city to find the office closest to you, along with its hours and phone number. Many offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings.

Call ahead before you visit. Some offices have walk-in service, but others require you to schedule an appointment, especially during busy times. Having an appointment saves you from waiting in line and ensures the office has the documents you need on hand. Bring your current license, Social Security card or number, and any documents related to your renewal (such as proof of address if you are changing it).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?

No. The online system only works for licenses that expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your expired license and be prepared to complete a full renewal process.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I submit online?

The system processes your renewal within one to two business days, and your new license is mailed when ready after. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, so plan for up to 12 business days total from submission to arrival. Your old license remains valid for driving during this time.

What if I changed my address since my license was issued?

You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. You must visit a driver's license office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your address and issue your renewed license.

Can I pay for online renewal with cash or a check?

No. Online renewal accepts only credit and debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If you prefer to pay by cash or check, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.

What should I do if my renewed license does not arrive after 10 business days?

Check your email for messages from ALEA first—the system may have flagged an issue. If you see no email and the license has not arrived, call ALEA with your confirmation number. Mail delays do happen, especially during busy periods, but ALEA can track your renewal and tell you its status.