Alabama renewal fees by license type and duration
Alabama charges different renewal fees depending on whether you hold a standard driver's license, a commercial driver's license (CDL), or an ID card, and the length of validity you choose. For a standard Class D driver's license, the renewal fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $42.75 for an eight-year license. If you hold a CDL, renewal costs $45 for four years or $67.50 for eight years. An Alabama ID card (non-driver) costs $20.50 for four years or $30.75 for eight years.
These are the base fees charged by the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). You may encounter additional charges if you need a duplicate, a corrected license, or if you're renewing by mail rather than in person — though mail renewal itself carries no extra fee beyond the standard renewal cost.
Alabama does not offer a one-year renewal option. You must choose either four or eight years at the time of renewal. The eight-year option costs more upfront but spreads the per-year cost lower than the four-year renewal.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Alabama driver's license renewal costs $28.50 for four years or $42.75 for eight years, paid directly to the Department of Public Safety.
- Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost $45 for four years or $67.50 for eight years.
- You can renew by mail, online, or in person at an Alabama DPS office, and the renewal fee is the same regardless of method.
- Alabama does not accept payment plans or partial payments — the full renewal fee is due at the time you submit your renewal.
- If you need a duplicate license or a corrected license during the renewal process, you will pay an additional fee on top of the renewal cost.
How to pay your renewal fee
Payment method depends on how you choose to renew. If you renew in person at an Alabama DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit/credit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order payable to the "State of Alabama" — cash cannot be sent through the mail. If you renew online through the Alabama DPS website, you will pay by debit or credit card.
Make sure your payment clears before your current license expires. If you mail your renewal, allow at least one week for postal delivery plus processing time. The DPS does not hold a renewal process while waiting for a check to clear; if payment is not received within a set timeframe, your process may be denied and you will need to resubmit.
When your renewal fee is non-refundable
Once you have submitted your renewal fee to the Alabama DPS, it is non-refundable. This applies even if your process is denied for reasons such as a failed vision test, an incomplete form, or a missing document. If your renewal is denied, you will need to correct the issue and resubmit — but you will not recover the original fee.
The only exception is if the DPS makes an error in processing your payment (for example, charging you twice). In that case, contact the DPS directly with proof of the duplicate charge, and they will review the transaction. Refunds for DPS errors are handled on a case-by-case basis and can take several weeks.
Additional fees you may encounter during renewal
If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license during renewal, there is no extra charge — these updates are included in the renewal fee. However, if you need a duplicate license (a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license) issued before your renewal is complete, you will pay a separate duplicate fee of $20 for a standard license or $30 for a CDL.
If you request a corrected license because information on your current license is wrong (such as a misspelled name), the correction fee is $10. Some people renew and request a correction at the same time; in this case, you pay both the renewal fee and the $10 correction fee.
If you renew in person and need a new photo because your current one is no longer acceptable (too old, poor quality, or you have changed significantly), the photo fee is included in your renewal fee at no extra cost. However, if you submit a renewal by mail with an unacceptable photo, the DPS may reject the process and ask you to appear in person — you will then need to resubmit and pay again.
Renewal fee waivers and discounts
Alabama does not offer fee waivers or discounts for renewal based on age, income, or military service. The renewal fee is the same for all applicants. However, if you are renewing a license that was issued to you for free (such as a license issued to a victim of human trafficking or domestic violence under Alabama's address confidentiality program), you may be able to renew at no cost — contact your local DPS office to confirm your may be able to access.
Some employers or organizations may offer to cover renewal fees as part of an employee benefit or membership, but this is not an official Alabama program. Always verify directly with the DPS that any third-party payment arrangement is acceptable before submitting your renewal.
What happens if you renew late or let your license expire
If you renew your license after it has expired, you still pay the standard renewal fee. There is no late fee or penalty fee added by the Alabama DPS. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (typically one to two years, depending on your age and license type), the DPS may require you to retake the written test, vision test, or both — even though you are renewing, not obtaining a new license. This does not change the renewal fee, but it does add time and complexity to the process.
If you drive with an expired license, you are breaking the law and can be cited by law enforcement. The citation fine is separate from any renewal fee and is determined by the court, not the DPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Alabama renewal fee online?
Yes, if you renew online through the Alabama DPS website, you can pay by debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, or card.
What if I choose the eight-year renewal instead of four years — do I save money per year?
Yes. An eight-year standard license costs $42.75 total, which is about $5.34 per year. A four-year license costs $28.50, which is about $7.13 per year. The eight-year option costs less per year, but you pay more upfront.
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my process is denied?
Yes. Once submitted, the renewal fee is non-refundable, even if your process is denied for a failed vision test, incomplete paperwork, or other reasons. You would need to correct the issue and resubmit, paying the fee again.
Is there a fee to renew my license by mail instead of in person?
No. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. The only difference is the payment method and how you submit your documents.
What if I need a duplicate license while I'm renewing — do I pay both fees?
Yes. A duplicate license costs $20 (standard) or $30 (CDL) and is a separate transaction from renewal. If you need both, you pay the renewal fee plus the duplicate fee.