What You Need to Renew in Alabama
Alabama renews driver's licenses in person at an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) office. You cannot renew by mail or online. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing that change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Standard licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. If your license is expired, you can still renew it at an ALEA office, but if it has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Check with your local ALEA office before you go to confirm what you will need.
The renewal fee in Alabama is $28.50 for a standard eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the office — credit cards are not accepted. Some offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama requires all license renewals to happen in person at an ALEA office; there is no mail or online option.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
- Standard licenses last eight years, and you can renew up to five years after expiration without retaking tests.
- The renewal fee is $28.50, payable by cash, check, or debit card at the office.
- If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal rules are different and require a medical certificate; contact ALEA for CDL-specific steps.
Finding Your Local ALEA Office and Hours
ALEA operates driver's license offices across Alabama, but not every county has one. The Alabama Department of Public Safety website lists all office locations and hours. Hours vary by location — some offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, while others have limited schedules. A few offices offer Saturday hours, but this is not standard.
Call your local office before you go. Wait times can be long, especially near the end of the month or before a holiday. Some offices use a ticket system; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Knowing the office's system and typical wait times helps you plan your visit.
If your county does not have an ALEA office, you will need to travel to the nearest one. The ALEA website shows which office serves your county if yours does not have a dedicated location.
Documents You Must Bring
| Document Type | What Counts |
|---|---|
| Current License | Your expired or valid Alabama driver's license |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address (dated within 60 days) |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form |
| Name Change Document (if applicable) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order |
Bring originals or certified copies. ALEA staff will not accept photocopies of your Social Security card or proof of residency. If you do not have a Social Security card, a recent tax return or W-2 will work instead.
If you are renewing more than five years after expiration, bring the same documents plus be prepared to retake the written test and vision test. You may also need to provide a medical certificate if you have certain medical conditions that affect your driving.
What Happens During Your Renewal Visit
When you arrive at the ALEA office, you will check in and receive a number or ticket. You will wait until your number is called. At the window, the staff member will review your documents, take a new photograph, and ask you to sign the back of your new license. They will also ask you to read a line on an eye chart to confirm your vision is adequate.
If your license has been expired for five years or less, you will not retake the written test. If it has been expired longer than five years, you will be asked to take the written test at that time. The test covers Alabama traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is free on the ALEA website.
Once everything is complete, you will pay the $28.50 fee and receive your new license on the spot. Your new license is valid when ready. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Renewing a License That Expired More Than Five Years Ago
If your Alabama license expired more than five years ago, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to take the written test, pass a vision test, and provide all the same documents as a new applicant.
You will also need to provide a completed DL-44 form (process for Alabama Driver's License), which you can read from the ALEA website or pick up at any ALEA office. Bring this form filled out when you go to renew.
The fee for reapplication is the same as renewal: $28.50. However, the process takes longer because you must complete the tests. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour at the office.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Renewal
If you hold a commercial driver's license, renewal is different from a standard license. CDL renewals require a valid medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner. This certificate must be dated within 12 months of your renewal date. You will need to schedule a medical exam with an approved examiner and bring the completed Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5875) to your ALEA office.
CDL licenses are valid for four years, not eight. The renewal fee is higher than a standard license — contact your local ALEA office for the current CDL renewal fee. If your CDL has been expired for more than 12 months, you may need to retake the written test and skills test.
Call your local ALEA office before you go to confirm all CDL renewal requirements, as rules can change and may vary based on your specific endorsements or restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if I do not have a Social Security card?
Yes. You can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form instead of your Social Security card. ALEA accepts any of these as proof of your Social Security number. You cannot bring a photocopy — bring the original or a certified copy.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The ALEA staff will update your address during the renewal process at no extra cost. Your new license will show your current address.
Do I have to retake the written test if my license expired last year?
No. You only retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than five years. If it expired within the last five years, you can renew without retesting. You will still need to pass a quick vision check at the office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
You receive your new license when ready after you complete the renewal process at the ALEA office. There is no waiting period. Your new license is valid as soon as you walk out the door.
What if I lost my current license and cannot bring it to renew?
Call your local ALEA office. You may be able to renew without your current license if you can provide other identification and your documents. Some offices will let you proceed; others may require you to file a report of lost or stolen license first. Confirm with your office before you go.