Renewing Your Alabama Driver's License: The Basic Process
In Alabama, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before it expires, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail because it takes less time than going to an office in person.
Your Alabama driver's license is valid for four years from the date it was issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can start the renewal process up to six months before your license expires, which gives you plenty of time to complete it before you need to drive with a renewed license.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama allows online renewal for most drivers, and the process takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and you have not changed your address or name.
- You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If you renew by mail, send your current license and a completed process to the address on the form; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office requires a new photo and takes about 30 minutes, but you leave with your renewed license the same day.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an office in person.
Renewing Online Through the Alabama DMV Website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not moved or changed your name. Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
The online system will ask you to confirm your address and personal information. If everything is correct, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Online renewal is not available if your address has changed, your name has changed, your license is suspended or revoked, or your license expired more than two years ago. If any of these explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, read or request the driver's license renewal process from the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Fill out the form completely and include your current driver's license. Mail the process and your license to the address listed on the form along with the renewal fee. You can pay by check or money order.
Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. During this time, you can still drive using your current license. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.
Mail renewal works only if your license is still valid, you have not changed your address or name, and your license has not been expired for more than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
Renewing in Person at a Driver License Examiner's Office
Visit a Driver License Examiner's Office if you want your new license the same day, if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if your address or name has changed. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your name change if applicable (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
The office will take a new photo for your license. The visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the renewal fee and receive your new license before you leave. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.
No appointment is required at most offices, but some locations may offer appointment scheduling during busy times. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means shorter wait times than visiting on a weekend or late in the afternoon.
What You Need to Bring and How Much It Costs
For any renewal method, you will need your current Alabama driver's license or your license number. The renewal fee for a four-year license is $24.50. You can pay by credit card or debit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. At an office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you are renewing in person and your address or name has changed, bring proof of your new address and proof of any name change. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail sent to your current address within the last 60 days. Proof of name change can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are over 65 years old, the renewal fee is reduced. Check the Alabama Department of Public Safety website for the current senior renewal rate.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person and bring your expired license along with the documents listed above.
Driving with an expired license is against the law in Alabama, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will not receive a citation. Renew your license before it expires to avoid this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license if I have moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Alabama, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. You cannot renew an Alabama license if you are not a resident. Contact the DMV in your new state to learn about their licensing process.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery after processing is complete. Mail processing itself takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal gives you your license the same day. If you need your license urgently, visit an office in person.
What if my name or address changed since I got my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name or address has changed. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of your name change if applicable.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to learn why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
For online and mail renewal, your photo stays the same. For in-person renewal, the office will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you can visit an office in person instead.