How to Renew Your Driver's License in Alabama

Alabama driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

You can renew your Alabama driver's license through three routes: online at alabamadmv.gov, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you'll wait in line at a local office.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've changed your address, and whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must go in person. If you've moved, you'll need to update your address, which also requires an in-person visit or online renewal with a valid address on file.

Alabama licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. The state mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, so check your mailbox or your online account at alabamadmv.gov to see if a notice has arrived. If you've moved and didn't update your address with the DMV, you may not receive the notice.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at alabamadmv.gov works only if your license is not expired and you have a valid address on file with the state.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice Alabama sends you; without it, you must renew in person or online.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal and must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person.
In-person renewal at any Alabama DMV office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and your new license is issued the same day.
REAL ID-compliant licenses require proof of citizenship and residency; standard renewals do not, but you will need REAL ID to board a domestic flight after May 2025.

Online renewal through alabamadmv.gov

Online renewal is available if your current license is not expired, you have a valid address on file, and you have not had a name change since your last renewal. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $24.50 for a standard eight-year renewal.

Log in to your account at alabamadmv.gov, select "Renew Driver License," and follow the prompts. You'll confirm your personal information, choose whether to renew as a standard license or upgrade to REAL ID, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If your address has changed since your last renewal, update it online before you renew, or use mail or in-person renewal instead. If you've had a legal name change, you must renew in person with a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from Alabama, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Complete the notice, include a check or money order for $24.50 (made payable to the State of Alabama), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of your current address if it has changed since your last renewal—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Mail your completed renewal notice and payment to the address on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. You can drive on your current license during this time. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

If you did not receive a renewal notice and your license is not yet expired, you can still renew by mail: contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4400 to request a renewal form, or visit an office in person to pick one up. If your license has already expired, mail renewal is not an option.

In-person renewal at a Department of Public Safety office

Visit any Alabama Department of Public Safety office to renew in person. You'll need your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $24.50 (cash, check, or card accepted). If you're upgrading to REAL ID, bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and a second form of address proof.

Bring your documents to the office, take a number, and wait to be called. The process takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. Your new license is printed on site and you leave with it the same day. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept appointments through alabamadmv.gov to reduce wait time.

Find your nearest office at alabamadmv.gov or call 334-242-4400. Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. Call ahead if you're traveling a long distance to confirm hours and current wait times.

REAL ID versus standard license renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license is required to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. A standard Alabama driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant. Starting May 7, 2025, you will not be allowed to board a domestic flight with a non-REAL ID license unless you have a passport or military ID.

To renew as REAL ID, you must provide proof of citizenship (U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) and two forms of address proof. The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $24.50. You can upgrade to REAL ID during online, mail, or in-person renewal. If you renew as standard now, you can upgrade to REAL ID later without renewing again.

If you're unsure whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant, check your license: REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. If your license does not have the star, it is a standard license.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the same process as an active license. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal—you must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person.

Bring your expired license, proof of current address, and payment to any office. You'll also need proof of citizenship if you want REAL ID. The renewal fee remains $24.50. Your new license is issued the same day. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Alabama, so renew as soon as possible.

If you've lost your license or it was stolen, you'll need to explore for a replacement rather than a renewal. Contact your local Department of Public Safety office or call 334-242-4400 for replacement procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?

No. You must have an Alabama address on file to renew an Alabama license. If you've moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead. Contact your new state's DMV for their procedures.

What if I don't have proof of my current address?

Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance bill. If you don't have any of these, visit an office in person and ask what alternative documents they accept—some offices will work with you on a case-by-case basis.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online or by mail?

Online renewal takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. Both are mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office and receive it the same day.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. Standard renewals use your photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Department of Public Safety office and request a new photo at the time of renewal.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the legal document showing your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes.

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.