Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific requirements

You can renew your Alabama driver's license through the state's online system if your license is still valid or expired by fewer than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. The process takes place through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website and costs $24.50. You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Not everyone can use the online renewal path. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at an ALEA Driver License Examining Office. The same applies if you need to update your address, change your name, add or remove medical restrictions, or renew a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ALEA works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no address or medical changes to report.
  • The online renewal fee is $24.50, paid by debit or credit card during the process process.
  • You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the renewal.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit an ALEA Driver License Examining Office in person with required documents.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Gather your current Alabama driver's license, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the $24.50 renewal fee. Have these items ready before you go to the ALEA website to begin the process.

Make sure your address on file with ALEA has not changed since your last renewal. If you have moved, you cannot use the online system and must renew in person instead. The same applies if your name has changed or if you need to add or remove any medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses or hearing aids).

Step-by-step: completing your online renewal

Go to the ALEA website and locate the Driver License Renewal section. Click on the online renewal option and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that all details are correct.

Review the information on screen carefully. Confirm your address, name, and any medical restrictions listed. If anything is wrong, stop and do not proceed—you will need to renew in person at an ALEA office instead. Once you confirm everything is accurate, proceed to the payment screen and enter your debit or credit card information to pay the $24.50 fee.

After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save this number. Your process is now submitted to ALEA for processing. You do not need to print anything or visit an office.

How long renewal takes and what to expect

ALEA typically processes online renewals within 3 to 5 business days. Your new license will then be mailed to the address on file. Total time from submission to arrival is usually 7 to 10 business days, though it may take longer during high-volume periods or if there are delays in the mail system.

You can continue driving on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive. There is no grace period after your license expires, but in practice, law enforcement typically does not stop drivers for expired licenses if they can show proof that a renewal is in progress. Keep your confirmation email or confirmation number with you as proof if needed.

When you cannot renew online and must visit an office

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. The same is true if you have a suspended or revoked license, or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, update your name, add medical restrictions, or remove them.

To find an ALEA Driver License Examining Office near you, visit the ALEA website and use their office locator tool. Offices are located in most Alabama counties. You will need to bring your current license (or expired license if it is still in your possession), proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease, and proof of your Social Security number such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. Bring your original birth certificate or passport as well if you are changing your name.

What to do if your online renewal is rejected

If the system rejects your renewal process, you will receive a message explaining why. Common reasons include a suspended or revoked license, an address mismatch, or a medical restriction that needs updating. The rejection message will tell you what the issue is and direct you to the next step.

If your renewal is rejected, you must renew in person at an ALEA Driver License Examining Office. Bring the same documents listed above, plus any additional paperwork related to the reason for rejection. For example, if your address was flagged as incorrect, bring proof of your current address. If there is a medical issue, bring documentation from your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Online renewal is only for licenses expired five years or fewer. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ALEA Driver License Examining Office and bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

What happens if I move to a new address before my renewed license arrives?

Contact ALEA before you move and update your address on file. If you have already submitted an online renewal with your old address, you may need to visit an office in person to update it. Call your local ALEA office or visit the website to find the correct procedure for your situation.

Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. You will not take a new photo unless you renew in person at an ALEA office or your license is more than eight years old.

Can I renew online if I have a medical restriction like corrective lenses?

Yes, as long as the restriction has not changed. If you need to add a new restriction or remove an existing one, you must renew in person and may need to provide medical documentation from your doctor.

What if my debit or credit card is declined during online renewal?

Try the payment again with the same card or use a different card. If the payment continues to fail, you may need to renew in person at an ALEA office instead. Call your bank to make sure your card is not blocked for online transactions.