What to bring to the Alabama DMV for a license renewal
To renew your Alabama driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license to your local DMV office. The exact documents accepted depend on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has expired.
If you're renewing in person, bring your current Alabama driver's license, a document proving your identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and a document showing your current Alabama address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You'll also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license.
If you're renewing by mail, the requirements are similar, but not all documents are accepted through the mail. You can only renew by mail if your license is still valid and you meet certain other conditions—the DMV website lists these restrictions clearly.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Alabama license, proof of identity, and proof of your current address to renew in person at the DMV.
- Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance document.
- A four-year license costs $28.50 and an eight-year license costs $57 at the time of renewal.
- You can renew by mail only if your license is still valid and you meet Alabama's mail renewal conditions, which you should check on the DMV website before attempting.
Renewing in person at an Alabama DMV office
Walk-in renewals are available at DMV offices across Alabama, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You do not need an appointment, but the DMV recommends arriving early or checking your local office's hours before you go.
Bring all required documents in original form—photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency. The DMV will take a new photo during your visit, so plan for that step. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may be required to take a written test and a vision test in addition to the standard renewal process. Check with your local DMV office about this before you visit if your license has been expired for a long time.
Renewing by mail in Alabama
The Alabama DMV allows mail renewal only if your license is still valid and you meet specific conditions. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to update your name, address, or other information on your license.
To renew by mail, send your current license, the renewal form (available on the Alabama DMV website), and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send original documents—send only copies of your proof of residency and identity. The DMV will return your new license by mail within two to three weeks.
Because you cannot update information by mail, if anything on your license needs to change, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.
What happens if your license has expired
If your Alabama license has expired but is less than one year past the expiration date, you can still renew it through the normal process. Bring the same documents you would for a current license, and the fee remains the same.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to take a written test and a vision test in addition to renewing. You cannot renew by mail in this situation—you must go to a DMV office in person. Some offices may also require you to take a road test, so call ahead to confirm what your local office requires.
Acceptable documents for identity and residency
Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. The document must be original and unexpired (or expired no more than one year ago for some documents).
Proof of residency must show your current Alabama address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance document, or a government letter addressed to you. A utility bill in your name is the most straightforward option.
If you cannot provide a document in your name, you may be able to use a document in someone else's name at your address (such as a spouse's utility bill) along with a notarized statement confirming you live there. Ask your local DMV office about this option if it applies to you.
License renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year Alabama driver's license costs $28.50, and an eight-year license costs $57. You choose which term you want when you renew. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person offices. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order only.
Some DMV offices may charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate or replacement license at the same time. Ask about this when you arrive or call ahead if you're unsure.
Finding your local DMV office and hours
Alabama has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, along with hours and contact information, on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Some offices have limited hours or are open only certain days of the week, so check before you visit.
If you live in a rural area far from the nearest office, you may be able to renew by mail if your license is still valid. If you cannot renew by mail and travel is difficult, call your local office to ask about options—some offices can direct you to a closer location or provide other resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license online?
No, Alabama does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a DMV office or by mail if you meet the conditions for mail renewal. Check the Alabama DMV website for the mail renewal form and instructions.
What if I lost my current license?
If you've lost your license, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person and request a duplicate license at the same time you renew. Bring the same proof of identity and residency you would for a regular renewal, plus the duplicate fee (usually $5 to $10).
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew in person, yes—the DMV will take a new photo during your visit. If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
If you renew in person, you usually receive your new license the same day or within a few days. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for delivery. Plan ahead if your current license is expiring soon.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DMV office if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a document showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order). You cannot renew by mail if any information on your license needs to be updated.