Alabama lets you renew online if you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Alabama driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24.50, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license has been expired longer than five years, or if you have certain medical conditions or violations on your record, you must renew in person at an ALEA office instead. The ALEA website will tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access when you enter your information—you don't have to guess or call ahead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical suspensions or recent restriction changes.
- The online renewal fee is $24.50, paid by credit or debit card during the process.
- You'll need your current Alabama driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you don't meet the online requirements, you must visit an ALEA Driver License Office in person.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Online renewal is available only to drivers whose Alabama license has expired but is not more than five years past the expiration date. If your license expired six years ago or longer, the online system will not process your renewal, and you'll need to visit a Driver License Office in person.
You also cannot renew online if you have a medical suspension on your record, if your medical restrictions have changed since your last renewal, or if you have certain violations or holds. The system will reject your renewal request and direct you to an in-person office if any of these conditions explore to you.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal on the ALEA website:
- Your current Alabama driver's license number
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- A valid credit or debit card for the $24.50 renewal fee
You do not need to upload a new photo or provide a new address during online renewal—the system uses your existing information from your current license. If you've moved since your last renewal and want to update your address, you can do that during the online process, and your new license will be mailed to the new address.
The step-by-step online renewal process
Go to the ALEA website and select the online driver's license renewal option. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what will appear on your new license.
Review the information carefully. If your address has changed, update it now. Once you confirm everything is correct, you'll enter your credit or debit card information to pay the $24.50 fee. After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this confirmation—you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can legally continue to drive using your old license during this time. If you don't receive your new license within two weeks, contact the ALEA to check the status using your confirmation number.
What happens if you don't meet the online requirements
If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access to renew online, you have two options: visit an ALEA Driver License Office in person, or contact ALEA to understand why you were declined. Common reasons include an expired license that is more than five years old, a medical suspension, or a violation hold.
To find the nearest Driver License Office and check their hours, visit the ALEA website or call their main line. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online: $24.50.
How long your new license is valid
A renewed Alabama driver's license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license. You can renew online again four years later, as long as you continue to meet the online renewal requirements at that time.
Mark your calendar or set a reminder about three months before your license expires so you have time to renew before it lapses. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you've already started the renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I changed my name or address?
Yes, you can update your address during online renewal, and your new license will be mailed to the new address. If you changed your name, you cannot renew online—you must visit a Driver License Office in person and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
What if my credit card is declined during online renewal?
If your payment fails, the system will ask you to try again or use a different card. Your information is not saved after a failed payment, so you'll need to start the renewal process over. Make sure your card has sufficient funds and that your billing address matches what your bank has on file.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you renew in person at a Driver License Office, where you can request a new photo.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended or revoked?
No. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver License Office in person and resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact ALEA to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps are needed to clear it.
How do I know if my renewal was successful?
You'll receive a confirmation number on screen when ready after payment, and a confirmation email will be sent to the address on file. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, use your confirmation number to check the status on the ALEA website or call ALEA directly.