Where to renew your Alabama driver's license in Mobile
In Mobile, you can renew your Alabama driver's license at the Mobile County Driver's License Office, located at 251 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602. This is the main office serving the Mobile area and handles all renewal types — standard renewals, replacements, and upgrades. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, or through an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) satellite office if one is convenient to you.
The Mobile County office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week are typically shorter. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but arriving early reduces your time in line.
If you cannot visit in person, mail renewal is available if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions that have changed, and your license is not more than five years expired. The mail-in process takes longer — typically 10 to 15 business days — so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
Key Takeaways
- The Mobile County Driver's License Office at 251 Government Street is the main renewal location in Mobile, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or card to renew in person.
- Standard renewals cost $28.50 for a four-year license or $57.00 for an eight-year license in Alabama.
- Mail renewal takes 10 to 15 business days and is only available if your license is not suspended, revoked, or more than five years expired.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address.
Documents you need to bring to the Mobile office
Bring your current Alabama driver's license as your primary form of identification. If your license is lost or stolen, bring an alternative ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead.
You must also bring proof of residency — a document showing your current address in Alabama. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by both you and your landlord counts as proof.
Have your Social Security number available. You can bring your Social Security card, but it is not required — you only need to know the 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.
If you are renewing a license that has been suspended or revoked, or if you have medical restrictions that have changed, you cannot use mail renewal and must visit the office in person. Bring any documents related to the suspension or restriction being lifted — for example, proof of payment if the suspension was due to unpaid fines, or a medical clearance letter if a restriction is being removed.
Renewal fees and license validity in Alabama
Alabama driver's licenses are issued for either four years or eight years. A four-year license costs $28.50 and an eight-year license costs $57.00. You choose the term when you renew. The eight-year option is more economical if you plan to stay in Alabama for that period, since you pay less per year.
If you are renewing by mail, the fee is the same, but you must include a check or money order payable to "State of Alabama" with your process. Do not send cash through the mail. If you renew in person at the Mobile office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Your new license will be valid from the date it is issued until the expiration date you choose — either four or eight years later. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. If your license expires while you are out of state, you can still renew by mail as long as you meet the other requirements.
How to renew by mail from Mobile
To renew by mail, you must first obtain the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the ALEA website or by calling the Mobile County office at (251) 208-7265. You can also pick up the form in person at the office.
Complete the form in black or blue ink, sign it, and gather your documents: a copy of your current license (front and back), proof of residency, and your check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address provided on the form — typically the ALEA Driver's License Section in Montgomery. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your new license mailed back to you.
Processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the date ALEA receives your process. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the Mobile County office to check the status. Mail renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, expired for more than five years, or if you have medical restrictions that have changed.
Renewing a license that has expired or is about to expire
If your license is not yet expired, you can renew it at any time during the 90 days before expiration. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the original expiration date.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired within the last five years. Bring your expired license to the Mobile County office along with the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires additional documentation and a new photo.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Alabama, even if you have applied for renewal. Do not wait until your license expires to begin the renewal process. If you are close to expiration and cannot visit the office, submit a mail renewal process when ready.
Changing your address during renewal in Mobile
If you have moved to a new address in Alabama, you must renew your license in person at the Mobile County office — mail renewal is not an option when your address changes. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).
The office will update your address on your new license at no additional cost. Your new license will show your updated address and will be valid for four or eight years from the date of renewal. If you have moved out of Mobile County but are still in Alabama, you can renew at any ALEA driver's license office in the state, not just the Mobile location.
Do not drive to your new address before updating your license if possible. Alabama law requires your license address to match your residence address. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your address does not match where you are living, you may receive a citation.
Common mistakes to avoid when renewing in Mobile
The most common mistake is bringing the wrong proof of residency. A document must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A credit card statement, voter registration card, or school ID will not work. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call the Mobile County office before you visit.
Another frequent error is attempting to renew by mail when you are not may be able to access. Mail renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, expired for more than five years, if your address has changed, or if you have medical restrictions that have changed. Submitting a mail process when you are ineligible will delay your renewal and require you to visit the office in person anyway.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to 90 days before expiration, and doing so gives you a buffer in case the office is busy or your process has an issue. Renewing early takes the same amount of time and costs the same amount as renewing on the day of expiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license online from Mobile?
No. Alabama does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew in person at the Mobile County office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster — typically 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times — while mail renewal takes 10 to 15 business days.
What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
CDL renewals cannot be done by mail and must be completed in person at the Mobile County office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card. You may also need to provide medical certification depending on the type of CDL you hold.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. If you renew by mail, your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo on a mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.
How long is my license valid while I wait for my renewal to arrive by mail?
Your current license remains valid until your new license arrives. Once your new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, since you may be asked to show it while traveling.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license and proof of residency. You must renew in person; mail renewal is not available for name changes. The office will update your name and issue a new license with your current photo.