Alabama lets you renew online, but only if your license meets specific conditions

Alabama's online renewal system, called ALERS (Alabama License and Enrollment Renewal System), works for standard driver's licenses that are still valid or expired less than two years. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or more than two years expired. You also cannot use the online system if you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update your photo — those require an in-person visit to a Driver License Examiner 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'll pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your current Alabama license is valid or expired less than two years, and you don't need to change your address or photo.
  • The online system (ALERS) costs $24.50 for four years or $36.75 for eight years and takes about 15 minutes to complete.
  • You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
  • If your license is suspended, revoked, or more than two years expired, or if you need to change your address or photo, you must visit a Driver License Examiner office in person.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Gather these items before you begin: your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card. The system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your license and DMV records, so have your license in front of you.

Check that your current license is not suspended or revoked. If you're unsure, you can look up your license status on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website before you start. This takes one minute and prevents you from submitting an process that will be rejected.

Step-by-step: how to renew online through ALERS

Go to the ALERS website at alers.alea.gov. Click "License Renewal" and select "Online Renewal." The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and date of birth. It will then pull up your current license information for you to review.

Verify that your name, address, and other details are correct. If anything is wrong — including your address — stop here and visit a Driver License Examiner office instead, because the online system cannot make corrections. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. Choose your renewal term (four or eight years) and enter your debit or credit card information. After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number by email.

Print or save your confirmation number. You don't need it to drive, but it's proof that your renewal was submitted. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can legally drive on your current license until your new one arrives.

When you must go to a Driver License Examiner office instead

The online system cannot handle certain transactions. If any of these explore to you, you must visit an office in person: your license is suspended or revoked; your license expired more than two years ago; you need to change your address; you want to add Real ID designation; you need a new photo; or you're renewing for the first time after turning 16.

To find the nearest Driver License Examiner office, visit the ALEA website and use their office locator. Many offices require appointments, which you can book online. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment. In-person renewals cost the same as online renewals.

What happens if your online renewal is rejected

The system will reject your process if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than two years. It will also reject if you enter incorrect information three times in a row. If this happens, you'll see an error message on screen and receive an email explaining why.

Do not try to resubmit when ready. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must contact ALEA to resolve the issue before you can renew. Call the ALEA Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). If your information was entered incorrectly, wait 24 hours before trying again.

Real ID and Alabama driver's licenses

Alabama's standard driver's license does not include Real ID designation. Real ID is a federal security standard required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. If you need Real ID, you cannot add it through online renewal — you must visit a Driver License Examiner office in person.

When you go in person, bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2), and two proofs of residency. The Real ID designation costs the same as a standard renewal and is valid for the same term (four or eight years).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is about to expire?

Yes. You can renew online as long as your license is still valid or expired less than two years. You don't have to wait until it expires. Many people renew 30 to 60 days before expiration to may support their new license arrives before the old one expires.

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

Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file when you submitted your online renewal. If you move, contact ALEA to update your address. You can do this by phone at 334-242-4437 or by visiting a Driver License Examiner office. Do this before your new license ships if possible.

Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Driver License Examiner office. The same applies if you have any endorsements (motorcycle, hazmat, or passenger). Standard Class D licenses can be renewed online.

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

The system will show an error message and your payment will not go through. Try again with a different card, or visit a Driver License Examiner office to renew in person and pay by cash, check, or card. If the problem persists, contact your bank to confirm the card is active.

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

No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner office.