Alabama lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Alabama driver's license online through the state's ALERS system (Alabama Law Enforcement Records System) if your current license is still valid or expired no more than five years ago. The online process takes about 15 minutes, costs $20.50, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, update your photo, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
The online renewal is faster than going to a driver's license office in person, but it does require you to have a valid payment method and access to a computer or phone. You'll also need your current Alabama driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ALERS works only if your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago, and you have no address changes or suspensions.
- The fee is $20.50 and you pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during the online transaction.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not receive a temporary license or receipt to use while waiting.
- If you need a photo update, address change, or your license is suspended, you must visit a driver's license office in person instead.
How to start your renewal on the ALERS website
Go to alers.alabama.gov and select "Driver License Renewal" from the menu. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number 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 — name, date of birth, address, and restrictions or endorsements.
If any information is wrong, stop and do not complete the online renewal. Instead, visit an Alabama driver's license office in person to make corrections before renewing. Submitting incorrect information online can delay your new license or create problems with your record.
Payment and what happens after you submit
After you confirm your information, you'll enter payment details. Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments. The $20.50 fee is charged when ready when you submit. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email — save this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time your order is processed. You do not receive a temporary license, a receipt to show police, or any document to carry while you wait. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can carry your old license as long as it is not expired.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
Online renewal is not available if your address has changed since your last license was issued. You must visit a driver's license office in person to update your address at the same time you renew. The same applies if you want to change your photo — the online system uses your existing photo from file.
You also cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled by the state. If your license status is not clear, call the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437 to check before attempting to renew. If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will reject your renewal and direct you to an office location.
Finding an Alabama driver's license office if you need in-person service
Alabama has driver's license offices in most counties, though hours and services vary by location. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website under "Driver License Offices." Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you're traveling a distance.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you're renewing in person, the fee is $20.50 and most offices accept cash, check, or card. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day, though you'll still receive your physical license by mail.
Troubleshooting common problems with online renewal
If the ALERS system says your license number or Social Security number is incorrect, double-check that you entered both exactly as they appear on your license. The system is case-sensitive and will not accept typos. If you still cannot log in after checking twice, your license may be suspended or there may be a hold on your record — call 334-242-4437 to verify your status before trying again.
If you completed the online renewal but your confirmation email did not arrive, check your spam folder first. If it is not there, log back into ALERS and select "Check Renewal Status" to see if your order went through. You can also call the driver's license office to confirm receipt using your confirmation number from the screen.
What to do if your license arrives damaged or with errors
If your new license arrives with a printing error, wrong information, or physical damage, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437 with your confirmation number. They can reissue your license at no additional charge. Bring your damaged license to a driver's license office in person if you prefer to handle it that way, though the phone route is usually faster.
Do not use a damaged or incorrect license to drive. If the information on the license is wrong, you should have caught it during the online confirmation step — if you did not, contact the department before using the license to avoid complications with law enforcement or insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than five years ago?
No. The ALERS system only accepts renewals for licenses that are current or expired within five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a driver's license office in person and may need to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired.
Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one in the mail?
No. Alabama does not issue temporary licenses for online renewals. Your old license remains valid to drive until your new one arrives, as long as your old license is not expired. If your old license is already expired, you should not drive until your new license arrives.
What if I made a mistake during the online renewal process?
If you submitted the renewal with incorrect information, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437 right away with your confirmation number. They may be able to cancel the order before it is processed. If it is too late to cancel, you will need to visit an office in person to correct the information once your license arrives.
Can I renew my license online if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
No. CDL renewals must be done in person at a driver's license office. The ALERS online system is for standard driver's licenses only.
How do I check the status of my online renewal after I submit it?
Log back into ALERS at alers.alabama.gov and select "Check Renewal Status." Enter your driver's license number and Social Security number. The system will show whether your order is pending, processed, or mailed. You can also call 334-242-4437 with your confirmation number.