How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Alabama driver's license at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver's license office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles most situations; the mail route works only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions or violations that require a vision test or in-person review.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current 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 court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. You do not need to bring your vehicle or vehicle registration.

If you are renewing by mail, send your current license, a completed Form DL-44 (available on the Alabama DPS website), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date they receive it.

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
Mail renewal works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical flags or recent violations requiring a vision test.
You must bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how many years you are renewing for; check the DPS website or call your local office for the exact amount.
Your new license is mailed to you within one to two weeks of your in-person visit; the temporary license covers you until it arrives.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any Alabama DPS driver's license office during business hours with your documents. You will fill out a form, have your photo taken, and take a vision test. If you have worn glasses or contacts since your last license, tell the staff before the photo — they will note it on your new license. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. If you move before it arrives, contact the DPS to update your address so it is not sent to the old location. You can drive on the temporary license during this waiting period.

Mail renewal: when it works and how long it takes

Mail renewal is an option only if your current license has been expired for five years or less, you have no medical conditions noted on your file, and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past three years. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.

To renew by mail, read Form DL-44 from the Alabama DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order to the address on the form. Do not send cash. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Alabama driver's licenses are issued for four or eight years, depending on your age and the type of license. The renewal fee depends on how long you are renewing for and whether you are renewing a standard license, a commercial license, or a motorcycle endorsement. Fees range but are typically between $25 and $35 for a standard four-year renewal. Check the Alabama DPS website or call your local office for the exact fee before you go in or mail your payment.

If you are over 65, you may be able to renew for a shorter period at a lower cost. Ask the staff at your local office or check the DPS website for age-specific renewal options.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Alabama driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use the mail renewal process. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also take a vision test and have a new photo taken.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show them your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your completed mail renewal form (if you sent it in), but neither fully protects you from a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

Finding your nearest DPS office and checking hours

The Alabama DPS website lists all driver's license offices by county, along with their hours and phone numbers. Hours vary by location; most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended evening hours or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online before you go, especially if you are traveling to an office outside your home county.

Some offices are busier than others. If you go early in the morning on a weekday, you will usually wait less than 30 minutes. Friday afternoons and lunch hours tend to be busier. If you want to avoid a wait, call your local office and ask when they are least busy.

Renewing with a name change or address change

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. You do not need to renew early just because your name changed — you can wait until your regular renewal date and update it then.

If your address has changed, you can update it during your renewal visit. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing by mail and your address has changed, write your new address clearly on Form DL-44 so your new license is mailed to the correct location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Alabama does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and gives you a temporary license when ready.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail without your current license. Go to a DPS office in person and bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The staff will issue you a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your old one had not yet expired.

Do I need to take a written test to renew?

No, renewal does not include a written test. You will take a vision test and have a new photo taken, but you do not answer questions about traffic laws or road signs.

How long is the temporary license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within one to two weeks, so the temporary usually covers you until the new one comes in the mail.

What if my new license does not arrive after two weeks?

Contact the DPS office where you renewed and give them your temporary license number. They can check the status of your card and confirm your mailing address. If there is a problem, they can reissue it or have you come back in to take a new photo.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.