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 changed since your last renewal. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you have medical restrictions, or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical suspensions or changes to report.
- You'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card during the online process — no check or cash options.
- Your new license is mailed to the address on file, so update your address in person if it has changed since your last renewal.
- The entire online process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
- If you need to change your name, address, or medical information, you must go to a Department of Public Safety office in person.
How to start your online renewal on the Alabama DPS website
Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You'll enter your current license number and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your record and show whether you're may be able to access for online renewal — if you're not, it will tell you which requirement you don't meet and direct you to renew in person instead.
Once the system confirms you're may be able to access, you'll review your current information and confirm that nothing has changed. This includes your address, name, medical conditions, and any restrictions on your license. If anything is different, stop and renew in person instead, because the online system cannot update that information.
What happens after you submit your payment
After you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. The Alabama DPS will mail your new license to the address currently on file.
Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it after two weeks, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired, because you have proof of your renewal attempt.
When you must renew in person instead
You cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than five years ago. You also cannot renew online if you have a medical suspension, a medical restriction that has changed, or if you need to update your address, name, or any other information on your license.
If you wear corrective lenses and your vision prescription has changed, you must renew in person and bring proof of your current prescription from an eye doctor. The same applies if you've been convicted of certain traffic offenses or if your license was suspended or revoked at any point.
Finding an Alabama Department of Public Safety office near you
Alabama has regional DPS offices throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you on the Alabama DPS website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. Bring your current license, Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works) if you're updating your address.
What to bring if you renew in person
Bring your current Alabama driver's license and your Social Security number. If you're updating your address, bring a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you're changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.
If you wear corrective lenses, bring your current eyeglass or contact lens prescription from your eye doctor. If you have medical conditions or take medications that affect your ability to drive safely, bring documentation from your doctor. The DPS may ask you to take a vision test or written test depending on your situation.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Alabama's driver's license renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license is valid. A standard four-year renewal costs one amount, while a longer renewal period costs more. The exact fee is shown on the Alabama DPS website and during the online renewal process before you pay.
Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards only — you cannot pay by check, cash, or money order through the website. If you renew in person, the office accepts cash, check, and card payments. Ask about the current fee when you call or visit, since fees can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office. Bring any documentation showing that your suspension or revocation has been lifted or that you've completed the required steps to restore your license.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. The online system cannot update your address — it only confirms that your current information is still correct. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
How long is my new license valid after I renew online?
Alabama driver's licenses are typically valid for four years from the date of renewal. Your new license will show the expiration date. You can renew online again before that date expires, as long as you still meet the online renewal requirements.
What if I don't receive my new license after two weeks?
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. The DPS can track your renewal and tell you whether your new license is in the mail or if there was a problem with your process.
Can I renew online if I need to change my medical restrictions or vision correction?
No. Any change to your medical information, vision needs, or restrictions requires an in-person renewal. You'll need to bring documentation from your doctor showing your current medical status or an updated vision prescription from your eye doctor.