What You Need to Renew in Alabama

Alabama driver's licenses expire every eight years for most adults, or every five years if you are over 60. You can renew in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes; mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date you mail your documents.

You will need your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the originals, not copies, unless the DPS office tells you otherwise.

The renewal fee is $28.50 for an eight-year license or $17.50 for a five-year license if you are 60 or older. You can pay by cash, check, or card at an office location. Mail-in renewals require a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama licenses last eight years for most adults and five years for those 60 and older, so check your expiration date to know which fee applies to you.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is valid and not suspended, but you must include your original license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes and requires the same documents plus payment by cash, check, or card.
  • If your name has changed, bring a certified original document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — not a photocopy.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is when ready, though you may wait in line depending on the office location and time of day.

Renewing by Mail in Alabama

Mail renewal is the fastest option if you do not need to update your photo or address. You are not required to appear in person if your current license is valid, not suspended, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If you have moved, you must renew in person.

Gather your current Alabama driver's license, a document showing your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and a document showing your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Write a check or money order for $28.50 (or $17.50 if you are 60 or older) payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

Mail everything to: Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include a note with your name and current phone number. Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, your name has changed, your license is suspended, or you want to update your photo. You will also need to renew in person if you are a first-time license holder in Alabama or if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and payment. If your name has changed, bring the original certified document showing the change. You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and whether it accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment.

The DPS will take a new photo during your visit. The process takes about 30 minutes from check-in to receiving your temporary license. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. You can drive on your temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Documents That Prove Your Social Security Number

Alabama law requires proof of your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring your actual Social Security card. The DPS accepts a Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The document must show your full name and complete Social Security number.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring a letter from your employer showing your Social Security number, or contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or verification letter. The Social Security office can mail you a verification letter within two weeks.

Documents That Prove Your Current Address

You must bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. The DPS accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of address.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address. The letter must include their name, address, phone number, and signature. A utility bill in your name is always the fastest option.

What to Do If Your Name Has Changed

If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring the original certified document showing the change. The DPS accepts a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy is not enough — the document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office.

If you are renewing by mail, include the original certified document with your other paperwork. If you are renewing in person, bring it to the DPS office. The DPS will verify the document and issue a new license with your current legal name. This process takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal.

Renewing an Expired or Suspended License

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it using the standard process — by mail or in person. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew by mail.

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to clear it. Suspensions are usually due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition. Once the suspension is removed, you can renew using the standard process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years (or five years if you are 60 or older) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail if you do not have your current license. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring your other documents. The DPS will issue a replacement license at the same time. The fee is $28.50 or $17.50 depending on your age.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

No. Mail renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You can also request a photo update at any time by visiting an office, though there may be an additional fee.

How long is my temporary license valid?

Your temporary license is valid for two weeks from the date you receive it at the DPS office. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within that time. If it does not, contact the DPS to check the status.

What if my address changed after I mailed my renewal?

Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety with your new address before your license arrives. Provide your name, license number, and new address. The DPS can redirect your license to your new address if you contact them quickly enough.