You can renew your Alabama license online if you meet specific requirements, but not all renewals may have access to
Alabama's online renewal system, called AVIS (Alabama Virtual Issuance System), lets you renew your driver's license without visiting an office — but only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
The online process takes about 15 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $36.75 for an eight-year renewal. You will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through AVIS works only if your license is current or expired less than two years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed.
- The online process costs $24.50 for four years or $36.75 for eight years and takes 15 minutes to complete.
- You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
- If you do not meet the online requirements, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the AVIS website at avis.alabama.gov and select "Renew License." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record. The system will confirm whether you are may be able to access for online renewal at that point — if you are not, it will tell you and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.
If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information and make any corrections to your address or contact details. You then upload a new photo using your phone camera or webcam. The photo must show your face clearly, straight on, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats. After you submit the photo, the system checks it automatically — if it does not meet requirements, you can retake it when ready.
Next, you choose your renewal term (four or eight years), review the fee, and pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your license is processed within one business day, and your new card ships the same day or the next business day.
Who cannot renew online and what to do instead
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have medical restrictions or endorsements on your license, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, or if you have changed your address and cannot update it online. You also cannot renew online if you are under 18 or if your license was suspended or revoked.
To renew in person, visit any Driver License Examiner's Office with your current license and one document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Bring a new photo if your current one is more than 10 years old or does not meet the standards listed above. Processing takes about 30 minutes, and you receive your license on the spot.
What happens if your photo is rejected
If the AVIS system rejects your photo, you will see a message explaining why — usually because the background is not plain, your face is not clearly visible, or you are wearing sunglasses or a hat. You can retake the photo when ready and resubmit without losing your place in the process or paying again.
If you keep getting rejections and cannot figure out why, you have two options: try the renewal again from the start on a different device or browser, or visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Staff there can take your photo and process your renewal the same day.
Payment and what your new license costs
Online renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license. These are the same prices you would pay in person. The fee covers the license itself and processing. You pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check at checkout — no cash or check by mail.
If your payment is declined, the system will ask you to try a different card or payment method. You do not lose your process or have to start over. If you have questions about the charge after renewal, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437.
Tracking your new license and what to do if it does not arrive
After you complete your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email with your confirmation number. Your new license ships within one business day and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a tracking number, but you can use your confirmation number to check the status on the AVIS website.
If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437 with your confirmation number. They can check whether the card was mailed and, if necessary, reissue it. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your confirmation email serves as proof of renewal for most purposes, though some law enforcement may ask to verify it by calling the department.
Finding a Driver License Examiner's Office for in-person renewal
Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website at dps.alabama.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have limited hours or are closed certain days.
You do not need an appointment for in-person renewal in most locations, but some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis and may have wait times during lunch hours or late afternoon. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is a good idea, especially if you are traveling a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. You will need your expired license, proof of residency, and a new photo.
What if I changed my address since my last renewal?
If you changed your address, you can update it during the online renewal process before you submit your process. The system allows you to enter a new address. If the system does not let you update your address for some reason, you must renew in person instead.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is processed within one business day and ships the same day or the next business day. It arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation email as proof of renewal while you wait.
What if my photo keeps getting rejected by the system?
The most common reasons for rejection are a background that is not plain, a face that is not clearly visible, or wearing sunglasses or a hat. Try retaking the photo in a well-lit room with a plain wall behind you. If rejections continue, visit a Driver License Examiner's Office and let staff take your photo in person.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. You will need your current CDL, proof of residency, and a medical certificate if your CDL requires one.