Alabama Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Do
You can renew your Alabama driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail and are processed the same day if you renew in person.
Alabama licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to 60 days before expiration or up to 5 years after expiration, though driving with an expired license is illegal. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you must explore for a new license and take the written test again.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address in the past 60 days, and you do not need a new photograph.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $20.50 for a four-year renewal or $31 for an eight-year renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office is processed when ready and is required if you need a new address, photograph, or name change on your license.
- You must bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to renew in person.
- Alabama does not charge a fee for online renewal, but you must pay by credit or debit card.
Online Renewal: Requirements and Limitations
Online renewal through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website is the fastest option if you meet all the requirements. You can renew online only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed in the past 60 days, and you do not need a new photograph. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
To renew online, you will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your date of birth, and a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation email when ready after payment, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives.
If you have changed your address, your name, or your gender marker, or if your photograph is more than 8 years old, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person instead.
Mail Renewal: Timeline and Documents
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than 5 years. You do not need to provide a new photograph unless your current license was issued more than 8 years ago. The renewal form is DL-44, which you can read from the ALEA website or request by phone.
To renew by mail, send the completed DL-44 form, your current license, and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. A four-year renewal costs $20.50; an eight-year renewal costs $31. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date ALEA receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this time.
Do not send cash by mail. If you need to change your address, name, or photograph, you must renew in person instead. Mail renewal does not allow you to update these details.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office
In-person renewal is the only option if you need a new photograph, have changed your address or name, or if your license has been expired for more than 5 years. You can walk in to any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Processing is when ready, and you will receive your new license the same day.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will have a new photograph taken at the office.
In-person renewal costs $20.50 for a four-year license or $31 for an eight-year license. Payment is by cash, check, or debit card. Bring exact change if paying by cash, as not all offices have change available.
Documents and Proof You Must Bring
| Document Type | What Counts | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or tax return | In-person renewal only |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days | In-person renewal only; address change by mail or online |
| Proof of Name Change | Certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order | In-person renewal only |
| Current License | Your valid or expired Alabama driver's license | All renewal methods |
Fees, Processing Times, and License Validity
Alabama charges $20.50 for a four-year renewal and $31 for an eight-year renewal. Online renewal has no fee. These prices do not change based on your age or license class. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or debit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card.
Processing times vary by method. Online renewal is when ready, but your physical license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from receipt. In-person renewal is processed the same day. Your current license remains valid for driving until your new license arrives or is issued.
Your new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you choose. Your expiration date will be your birthday in the year the license expires. If you renew before your current license expires, the new expiration date is calculated from your birthday in the renewal year, not from the old expiration date.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
The most common mistake is attempting to renew online when your address has changed. ALEA's online system checks your address against recent records and will reject the process if there is a mismatch. If this happens, you must renew by mail or in person. Do not assume the system will let you update your address during the online process — it will not.
Another frequent error is sending cash by mail. ALEA will not process applications that include cash, and you will not receive a refund. Always send a check or money order instead. If you are renewing by mail and your license has been expired for more than 5 years, your process will be rejected; you must renew in person and retake the written test.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to 60 days before expiration, which gives you time to receive your new license by mail before the old one expires. If you wait until after expiration, you can still renew, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if it has been expired for more than a year?
You can renew by mail or in person if your license has been expired for fewer than 5 years. If it has been expired for more than 5 years, you must explore for a new license, which requires taking the written test and vision test in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
What if I changed my address but want to renew online?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed in the past 60 days. You must renew by mail or in person. In-person renewal is faster if you need the license when ready, as it is processed the same day.
Do I need a new photograph every time I renew?
No. You need a new photograph only if your current license photograph is more than 8 years old or if you are renewing in person. If you renew online or by mail and your photograph is less than 8 years old, your current photograph will be used on your new license.
How long does it take to receive my license by mail?
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date ALEA receives your process. Your current license remains valid for driving during this time, so you can drive legally while you wait for your new license to arrive.
What if I need to change my name on my license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A new photograph will be taken at the office, and your license will be issued the same day.