Renewing Your Alabama Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Alabama lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your renewed license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal or visit a DPS office in person.
Your Alabama driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. You can begin renewing it up to 180 days before the expiration date printed on your card. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license — it straightforward extends your total validity period.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website is available if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and you do not need a new photo.
- The online renewal fee is $20.50 and you pay by credit or debit card; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the DPS address.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires an appointment and takes about 15 minutes; bring your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
- You must renew in person if your license is expired, you have had a legal name change, or you need a new photo for any reason.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
To renew online, go to the Alabama DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and confirm that you are may be able to access for online renewal. If you pass the verification, you can complete the renewal in one session without leaving your home.
The online renewal fee is $20.50, paid by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have changed your name legally since your last renewal, or if you want a new photo. You also cannot renew online if your address has changed and you do not have a current proof of residency document on file with the DPS. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, read the Alabama DPS Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL-43) from the DPS website or request one by phone at 334-242-4437. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form. Do not use a pen that is not black or blue ink — the DPS scanning equipment may not read other colors.
Place your completed form, your current Alabama driver's license, and a check or money order for $20.50 in an envelope. Mail it to: Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Do not send cash. Include a return address on the envelope so the DPS can contact you if there is a problem with your process.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. There is no way to track your process by mail, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. If you do not receive your renewed license within 6 weeks, call the DPS at 334-242-4437 to check the status. Bring your confirmation number or the date you mailed your process.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
To renew in person, you must first schedule an appointment through the Alabama DPS website or by calling 334-242-4437. Walk-in renewals are not accepted at most locations. When you book your appointment, you will see available dates and times at DPS offices near you. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so book early if your license is expiring soon.
Bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your current address, and $20.50 in cash or card payment. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. The DPS office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot. You can drive home with your new license the same day.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you have had a legal name change, or if you want a new photo. It is also the fastest method if you need your license when ready — you walk out with it in your hand rather than waiting for mail delivery.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The renewal fee is $20.50 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee covers the four-year validity period of your new license. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only; mail renewal requires a check or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash and card.
For mail and in-person renewal, you must also bring your current Alabama driver's license. For in-person renewal, you must bring proof of your current address — a document dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it. Online renewal does not require you to submit documents because the DPS verifies your identity through its existing records.
| Renewal Method | Fee | Payment Type | Processing Time | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $20.50 | Credit or debit card | 7–10 business days | None (verified online) |
| By Mail | $20.50 | Check or money order | 4–6 weeks | Current license, completed form |
| In Person | $20.50 | Cash or card | Same day | Current license, proof of address |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is waiting until your license has expired to renew. Once your license expires, you cannot renew online — you must go in person. This means you lose the convenience of the online method and must schedule an appointment, which can take weeks. Start your renewal at least 30 days before your expiration date to give yourself time to choose a method and complete it without rushing.
If you are renewing by mail, do not send cash. The DPS cannot be held responsible for cash that is lost in the mail, and your process will be delayed if payment does not arrive. Use a check or money order instead, and keep a record of the check number or money order receipt in case you need to follow up.
Another common error is providing an outdated address during renewal. If you have moved, update your address before you renew, or bring proof of your new address to your in-person appointment. If you renew online with an old address on file, your new license will be mailed to that address, and you will not receive it. Call the DPS when ready if this happens so they can correct your address and remail your license.
What Happens After Your License Expires
Driving on an expired Alabama driver's license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, fine, or both. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you must show a valid license. An expired license is not valid, even if you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new license to arrive.
If your license has expired and you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, you have two options. First, you can visit a DPS office in person to get an when ready renewal — you will receive your new license the same day. Second, you can request a temporary driving permit from the DPS, which is valid for 30 days while you wait for your renewed license. Call 334-242-4437 to ask about temporary permits in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama license if I have moved out of state?
No. Alabama driver's licenses are only issued to Alabama residents. If you have moved to another state, you must obtain a driver's license from that state. You can surrender your Alabama license by mail or in person at a DPS office, but you cannot renew it remotely if you no longer live in Alabama.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DPS office and bring legal proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not renew your license by mail or online if your name has changed. Schedule an appointment and bring your current license, proof of your name change, proof of your current address, and the $20.50 fee.
How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew online?
Online-renewed licenses arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 334-242-4437 with your confirmation number to check the status.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS or the court that issued it. Contact the Alabama DPS at 334-242-4437 to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
What if I lose my renewed license before it arrives?
Contact the DPS when ready at 334-242-4437 with your confirmation number. The DPS can stop the mailing of your original renewed license and issue a replacement. You may be charged an additional fee for the replacement. In the meantime, you can request a temporary driving permit to use while you wait for your replacement license.