Alabama driver's license renewal in person or by mail
You can renew your Alabama driver's license either in person at an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) office or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no trip to an office.
You are may be able to access to renew by mail only if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person. Mail renewal also costs less — $20.25 instead of $28.25 — but you cannot renew by mail if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct information on your license.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at an ALEA office takes about 30 minutes and costs $28.25; you get a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
- Mail renewal costs $20.25 and takes two to three weeks, but only works if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
- You need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a Social Security number to renew in person.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test and written exam.
- ALEA offices are located in each county; you can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website.
In-person renewal at an ALEA office
Walk into any Alabama Law Enforcement Agency office with your current license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Bring a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and address. The staff will take a new photo, run a background check, and collect the $28.25 fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.
Your permanent license arrives in seven to ten business days. If your license expired more than five years ago, the office may require you to pass a vision test and a written exam on Alabama traffic laws before they issue the renewal. Check the ALEA website for your county office's hours and current wait times before you go; some offices get busy on certain days and you may save time by visiting early in the week or early in the day.
Mail renewal for licenses expired less than five years
To renew by mail, send your current license, a completed Form DL-44 (the renewal process), and a check or money order for $20.25 to the address listed on the form. You can read Form DL-44 from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website. Include a copy of your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — even though the form does not explicitly ask for it; including it prevents delays.
Mail your packet to the address on the form and expect your new license to arrive in two to three weeks. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives. If your process is incomplete or there is a problem with your payment, ALEA will contact you by phone or mail, which can add another week or two to the process.
What happens if your license expired more than five years ago
You cannot renew by mail and must go to an ALEA office in person. Alabama treats a license expired more than five years as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you may be required to pass a vision test and a written exam on Alabama traffic laws. The written exam covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is free on the ALEA website.
Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The vision test is administered on site and takes just a few minutes. If you fail the written exam, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost. Once you pass, you receive your temporary license and your permanent license arrives in seven to ten business days.
Changing your address, name, or license class during renewal
If you need to change your address, you must renew in person — mail renewal does not allow address changes. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number. The office will update your address on the spot and issue your temporary license the same day.
Name changes also require in-person renewal. Bring your current license, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change, and proof of your new address. If you want to upgrade to a commercial driver's license (CDL) or add endorsements like motorcycle or hazmat, you must renew in person and may need to pass additional tests depending on the endorsement.
Fees, payment methods, and what to expect after renewal
In-person renewal costs $28.25 and mail renewal costs $20.25. At an ALEA office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit card; some offices accept credit cards but not all, so call ahead if you plan to use a credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail.
After you renew, your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in seven to ten business days under normal circumstances. If you move before your new license arrives, you can contact ALEA to request that your license be mailed to your new address, but this can delay delivery. Do not throw away your temporary license until your permanent license arrives; you need one or the other to drive legally.
Finding your nearest ALEA office and checking wait times
Alabama has a Law Enforcement Agency office in each county. Visit the official Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and use the office locator to find the address, phone number, and hours for your county. Many offices now display current wait times on the website, which updates throughout the day.
Call ahead if you have questions about what documents to bring or whether you need to take a test. Some offices are busier than others; if your local office has a long wait, you can visit an office in a neighboring county instead — you do not have to renew at the office in your home county. Early morning and early in the week are usually less crowded than late afternoon and Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have an Alabama address on file to renew an Alabama license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still own property in Alabama or plan to move back, contact ALEA to discuss your options.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
You cannot renew a license you do not have. You must go to an ALEA office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your address, and your Social Security number. The replacement costs $20.25 and you receive a temporary license on the spot.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license to fly domestically?
Yes, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight. Alabama Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. When you renew, ask the ALEA office staff if your new license will be Real ID compliant, or check the box on Form DL-44 if you are renewing by mail.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive within that window. If it does not, contact ALEA with your temporary license number and they can check the status or reissue your license.
Can I renew online?
Alabama does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person only. Mail renewal is the closest option if you want to avoid a trip to an office, but it is not a fully online process.