How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License Online

What You Can and Cannot Do Online in Alabama

Alabama allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and your address on file is current. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, add or remove endorsements, correct your name, or if your license was suspended or revoked.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license. You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your payment is processed. During that time, you can print a temporary license from the ALEA website to use while you wait for the physical card.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical suspensions or address changes needed.
The online renewal fee is $24.50 for four years or $36.75 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card during the process.
You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the online renewal.
Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can print a temporary license when ready after payment to drive legally during that wait.
If you need to change your address, name, or add endorsements, you must renew in person at an ALEA office instead.

Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal

Go to the ALEA Driver License Services website and select the "Renew License Online" option. You will be taken to a find portal where you enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that all details are correct — address, name, height, eye color, and any restrictions or endorsements.

Once you confirm your information, you will be asked to upload a new photo or use your existing photo from your current license. If you choose to use your existing photo, the system will accept it without uploading a new image. After the photo step, you will review a summary of your renewal and proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card information (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) and submit your payment.

After payment is processed, the system will display a confirmation number and give you the option to print a temporary license. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is in the mail. Save or print your confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal status.

Documents and Information You Will Need

You do not need to gather physical documents for online renewal, but you must have specific information ready before you start. Have your current Alabama driver's license in front of you so you can enter your license number accurately. You will also need your Social Security number and your date of birth exactly as they appear on your license.

If your address has changed since your license was issued, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must go to an ALEA office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The same applies if your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change; you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

When You Must Renew in Person Instead

Several situations require you to renew at an ALEA Driver License office rather than online. If your license has been expired for more than five years, the online system will not allow you to proceed — you must appear in person. If you have any medical suspensions, restrictions, or a suspended or revoked license, you cannot renew online and must visit an office to resolve the issue with ALEA staff.

You must also renew in person if you need to change your address, correct your name, add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), change your vision correction status, or update your organ donor designation. If you want to add a Real ID designation to your license, that also requires an in-person visit and additional documents such as a passport or birth certificate.

To find an ALEA Driver License office near you, use the office locator on the ALEA website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone.

How to Print and Use Your Temporary License

when ready after you complete your online payment, the ALEA system will offer you the option to print a temporary license. Click the print button and save the PDF to your computer, or print it directly to your printer. The temporary license is a one-page document that includes your name, license number, date of birth, and an expiration date 30 days from the date you printed it.

You can use this temporary license to drive legally in Alabama and in other states while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If you are pulled over, show the temporary license along with your old physical license if you still have it. The temporary license is valid only for 30 days, so if your permanent license has not arrived by then, you will need to contact ALEA to check the status of your renewal.

Tracking Your Renewed License and What to Do If It Does Not Arrive

After you complete your online renewal, ALEA will mail your new license to the address on file. The process typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your payment is processed. You will not receive a tracking number or email notification when your license ships, so you will need to watch your mailbox.

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact ALEA Driver License Services by phone at 334-242-4437 or visit the ALEA website to check the status of your renewal using your confirmation number. Have your confirmation number ready when you call. If there was a problem with your payment or your process, ALEA staff can tell you what went wrong and how to fix it. If your license was lost in the mail, ALEA can reissue it, though you may be charged a replacement fee.

Fees and Payment Methods for Online Renewal

The cost of renewing your Alabama driver's license online depends on the length of the license you choose. A four-year license costs $24.50, and an eight-year license costs $36.75. These are the only two options available for online renewal. The fee is paid by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) during the online process, and payment is processed when ready.

There are no additional fees for online renewal compared to in-person renewal at an ALEA office. If you need to renew in person for any reason, the fees are the same. If you choose to add a Real ID designation (which requires an in-person visit), there is an additional $15 fee on top of the license renewal cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license online if it expired more than five years ago?

No. The online renewal system only works for licenses that expired within the last five years. If your license has been expired for longer than that, you must renew in person at an ALEA Driver License office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).

What if I want to change my address during renewal?

You cannot change your address online. You must visit an ALEA Driver License office in person and bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. Your old license and proof of your Social Security number are also required.

How long is the temporary license valid?

The temporary license you print after completing your online renewal is valid for 30 days from the date you print it. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license covers the wait. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, contact ALEA to check the status.

What happens if my payment fails during online renewal?

If your payment is declined, the system will display an error message and ask you to try again with a different card or payment method. Your process will not be submitted until payment is successful. If you continue to have trouble, contact ALEA by phone at 334-242-4437 for help.

Can I use my temporary license to drive out of state?

Yes. Your temporary Alabama driver's license is valid for driving in other states while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Treat it the same as your physical license — keep it with you while driving and present it if you are pulled over.

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.