How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Where to renew your Alabama driver's license

You can renew your Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office, or online through the state's official website if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal is always an option; online renewal is faster but only works if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

The state operates Driver License Offices across Alabama. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Alabama DPS website. Walk-ins are accepted, but many offices get busy in the afternoon and on Fridays. Arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait.

If you renew online, the process takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The online system will tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access.

Key Takeaways

Alabama allows online renewal if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
In-person renewal at a DPS Driver License Office takes about 30 minutes and works for any license, including expired ones.
You'll need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment for the renewal fee.
A renewed Alabama driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online and must visit an office in person.

What documents you need to bring

For in-person renewal, bring your current Alabama driver's license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count.

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must provide proof of your new address. If you're renewing in person and your license is expired, bring it anyway—the office will still accept it as identification along with your proof of residency.

Bring a valid payment method. Alabama accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. The renewal fee for an eight-year license is $28.50 for a standard license. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), the fee is $33.50 and you'll need to bring additional documents proving citizenship and identity.

Online renewal: who can use it and how

Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website is available only if all of the following are true: your license has not been expired for more than five years, you have no medical restrictions or endorsements on your license, your address has not changed, and your license was not suspended or revoked. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person.

To renew online, go to the Alabama DPS website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your information and tell you whether you're may be able to access. If you are, you'll pay the renewal fee ($28.50) by debit or credit card and receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

While you wait for your renewed license to arrive, you can use your confirmation number as proof of renewal if you're stopped by law enforcement. Print it or have it ready on your phone.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Walk into any Alabama DPS Driver License Office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Tell the staff member at the window that you're renewing. They'll take your photo, verify your information, and process your renewal. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You'll receive your renewed license on the spot. It will be valid for eight years from the date you renew. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, the process is the same, but you'll need to bring additional documents: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or W-2, and a second form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID from another state).

If your current license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You'll need to contact the Alabama DPS to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore it before you can renew.

REAL ID compliance for Alabama licenses

A standard Alabama driver's license will not be accepted as identification for federal buildings, airports, or military bases after May 7, 2025. If you need to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you'll need either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a passport.

When you renew in person, you can request a REAL ID license. The fee is $33.50 instead of $28.50. You'll need to bring proof of citizenship (original or certified birth certificate), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and a second form of ID. The DPS office will verify these documents and issue your REAL ID license on the spot.

You cannot renew a REAL ID license online. If your current license is REAL ID-compliant and you renew online, your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant at no extra cost. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want one, you must renew in person.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year Alabama driver's license renewal costs $28.50. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $33.50. Alabama accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all DPS offices. If you renew online, you can only pay by debit or credit card.

There are no additional fees for renewing online versus in person. The cost is the same either way. Some DPS offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but it's safer to bring a card or cash with you.

How long your renewed license is valid

An Alabama driver's license renewed in person or online is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can renew it anytime during the 90 days before it expires, or you can wait until after it expires and renew then—there's no penalty for renewing after expiration.

If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license is still valid. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records—Alabama doesn't require you to turn it in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if it's been expired for more than five years?

Yes, but only in person at a DPS Driver License Office. Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The office will process your renewal the same way they would for a current license.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person. Online renewal is not available if your address has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. The DPS will update your address and issue your new license on the spot.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes. Whether you renew in person or online, the DPS will take a new photo for your renewed license. If you renew online, the photo is taken at a DPS office when your license arrives and you pick it up—wait, that's incorrect. Online renewal means your license is mailed to you with a photo taken at the time of online renewal. In person, the office takes your photo during your visit.

What happens if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?

If you renewed online and your new license hasn't arrived yet, contact the Alabama DPS with your confirmation number. They can tell you the status of your license and may be able to reissue it. If your old license is lost, you can report it to the DPS and request a replacement, but you'll pay an additional fee for the replacement.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the Alabama DPS to find out why it was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it's restored, you can then renew. Suspensions are often related to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or DUI convictions.

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.