Alabama driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Office
Your renewal timeline depends on when you were born. If you are under 60, your license is valid for eight years. If you are 60 or older, it is valid for four years. Alabama sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to arrive—you can renew anytime within one year before your license expires.
The easiest path for most people is online renewal through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.50. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a Driver License Office in person. Each method has different requirements and timelines, which matter if your license is expiring soon or if you have had a name change or address update.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ALEA is the fastest option and works if your license is not suspended, you have not had a major address change, and your vision has not changed significantly since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed process form, and payment by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is necessary if you have a suspended license, need to update your address or name, or if online renewal is not available to you.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment to avoid driving with an expired license.
- The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard eight-year license, or $14.25 for a four-year license if you are 60 or older.
Online renewal through ALEA's website
Online renewal is available at alea.gov under the Driver License section. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer questions about any changes to your vision or medical conditions since your last renewal.
Online renewal works only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your address to a different county, and you do not need to update your name or photograph. If any of those explore to you, you must renew in person. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access, so you can try it first without penalty.
Once you complete the online renewal, ALEA mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even after your expiration date, because the online renewal creates a record in the system.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, read the Driver License process (Form DL-44) from the ALEA website or request one by calling the Driver License Section at 334-242-4437. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and any changes to your address or name. Sign and date the form.
Mail your completed form along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $28.50 (or $14.25 if you are 60 or older) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with your address if you want ALEA to return your old license.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date ALEA receives your packet. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan to mail your renewal at least four weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. There is no way to track a mail renewal once you send it, so keep a copy of your form for your records.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Office
Visit any Driver License Office in Alabama with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring payment in cash, check, or card. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you are changing your address to a different county, if you need to update your name, or if you want to change your photograph. You will also have your vision checked at the office, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them while driving.
Processing is when ready at the Driver License Office. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive out of state before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid in all 50 states.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Alabama, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped, you can show the officer your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or explain that you have a pending online renewal, but the officer can still issue a citation. The fine varies, but it is typically $25 to $50 for a first offense.
Your license does not automatically become invalid the day it expires. You have a grace period of up to 30 days after expiration to drive legally while you renew, but only if you can show proof that you have already begun the renewal process. Keep your renewal notice or a screenshot of your online renewal confirmation in your vehicle.
If your license has been expired for more than 30 days and you have not renewed it, you are driving without a valid license. This is a more serious violation and can result in a higher fine, points on your driving record, or even suspension of your driving privileges. Renewing before expiration avoids this entirely.
Renewing with a name or address change
If you have changed your name since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. ALEA will not process a name change by mail or online.
If you have moved to a different county in Alabama, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office in your new county. Moving within the same county can usually be handled online or by mail if you have no other changes. If you have moved out of state, you will need to obtain a new Alabama license or switch to your new state's license, depending on where you now live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?
No. You must clear the suspension first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or ALEA. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a Driver License Office. Contact ALEA at 334-242-4437 to find out what is required to clear your suspension.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You will need to replace it before you can renew. Visit a Driver License Office with your proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of address. You will pay a replacement fee (typically $20 to $25) and receive a temporary license when ready. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it through any method.
How long does my temporary paper license last?
A temporary paper license issued at a Driver License Office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, contact ALEA to check the status. You can drive legally on the temporary license for the full 30 days even if your permanent license has not arrived.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, as long as your vision has not changed significantly since your last renewal and your license does not have a vision restriction code. If your vision has changed or if you are unsure, renew in person so your vision can be checked at the Driver License Office. The online system will reject your renewal if there is a vision issue it detects.
What if I am out of state when my license expires?
You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest and requires only your license number, Social Security number, and a payment card. If you are out of state for an extended period, renew before you leave Alabama to avoid any issues. Your new license will be mailed to your Alabama address on file.