What foreign nationals need to know about renewing in Alabama
If you are a foreign national living in Alabama, you can renew your driver license, but the process differs from renewal for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Alabama requires proof of legal presence in the United States before issuing or renewing any license. The state recognizes several immigration statuses that allow you to hold a valid license, and you will need to bring different documents depending on your status.
The renewal itself happens at your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, just as it does for other drivers. However, you cannot renew online or by mail if you are a foreign national — you must appear in person. Your current license must not be expired by more than five years, or you will be treated as a new applicant rather than a renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Foreign nationals must renew in person at an Alabama DPS office; online and mail renewal are not available to you.
- You must bring a document proving your legal presence in the United States, such as a valid passport, visa, employment authorization document, or I-94 arrival record.
- Your current license cannot be expired by more than five years, or the DPS will treat you as a new applicant instead of a renewal.
- The renewal fee is the same as for other drivers, and your new license will be valid for four years from the issue date.
Documents you must bring to renew
Alabama requires you to show proof of legal presence. The DPS accepts a valid passport from your country of origin, a valid visa, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), an I-94 arrival/departure record, or a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document. If your visa or other immigration document is expired, you can still use it as proof of legal presence — the document itself does not have to be current, only the status it represents.
You will also need to bring your current Alabama driver license and proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. You must also provide proof of your current Alabama address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.
Bring your original documents or certified copies. The DPS will not accept photocopies of immigration documents. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation.
Where to renew and what to expect
Find your nearest Alabama DPS Driver License office on the state's website or by calling 334-242-4437. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices accept appointments through the DPS website, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Bring all your documents to your appointment or walk-in visit. A DPS employee will verify your legal presence, check your identity, and process your renewal. You will have your photo taken and your signature recorded. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
You will pay the renewal fee at the time of your visit. As of now, the fee is $25.50 for a four-year license, though fees can change. Ask the DPS office to confirm the current fee when you call or visit.
Timeline and when your new license arrives
You will receive your renewed license on the same day you visit the DPS office if all your documents are in order and the office has no issues verifying your information. The DPS will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being produced. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If the DPS cannot verify your legal presence or finds a problem with your documents, they will tell you what is missing and give you time to provide it. Do not leave the office without understanding what you need to do next.
What happens if your immigration status changes
If your visa, work authorization, or other immigration status expires before your license renewal date, your license remains valid until its expiration date. However, you cannot renew it after your legal presence status ends. If you are in the United States on a visa that expires before your license expires, you must renew your license before your visa expires if you want to keep a valid Alabama license.
If your status changes — for example, if you become a permanent resident or U.S. citizen — you can renew using your new status documents. Bring proof of your updated status to the DPS office, and they will issue a new license under your new status.
If your current license is expired by more than five years
Alabama treats a license expired by more than five years as a new process, not a renewal. You will need to pass the written knowledge test and the road test, pay the new license fee (which is higher than a renewal fee), and provide all the same documents as a first-time applicant. You cannot straightforward renew at the counter.
If you are close to the five-year mark, renew before your license expires. If your license has already been expired for more than five years, contact your local DPS office to understand the full process for reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if I am here on a student visa?
Yes. Bring your valid passport and your current I-20 form (or I-94 if you have one) as proof of legal presence. Your license will be valid as long as your student status is current. When you renew again, you will need to show proof that your status is still valid.
What if my passport is from a country that the United States does not recognize?
Bring your passport anyway. The DPS does not require the passport to be from a country with formal U.S. diplomatic relations. If the DPS has questions about your document, they will ask you to provide additional proof of legal presence, such as an I-94 or work authorization document.
Do I need to take a new photo and vision test when I renew?
Yes, you will have a new photo taken at the DPS office. You will also take a vision screening test. You do not need to pass a written or road test for a renewal, only for a new license.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to renew. The DPS will not renew a license for someone who is not present.
What if the DPS says my immigration document is not acceptable?
Ask the DPS employee which documents they do accept and what you need to bring instead. If you believe the DPS is wrong, ask to speak to a supervisor. You can also contact the DPS main office at 334-242-4437 to ask about acceptable documents before you visit.