Renewing your Alabama driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Alabama driver's license through three routes: online at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Online renewal is the fastest and costs $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.25 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office. In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your photo, or if you have not renewed online or by mail before.
Your license must be expired or within six months of expiration to renew. If your license expired more than six months ago, you will need to take the written test and vision test again, even if you renew online. Alabama does not offer online renewal for drivers under 18 or for commercial driver's licenses.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ALEA website takes about 10 minutes and costs $25.50 for four years or $38.25 for eight years, but only works if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your address.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the ALEA; processing takes two to three weeks after they receive your materials.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office is required if your license is suspended, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing for the first time in Alabama.
- If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must visit an office to retake the written and vision tests.
- Alabama charges $25.50 for a four-year license and $38.25 for an eight-year license; payment is by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
Online renewal through the ALEA website
To renew online, go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's driver license renewal portal at alea.gov. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online and must renew by mail or in person.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
Mail renewal: what to send and how long it takes
To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-44) from the ALEA website or request one by calling 334-242-4437. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $25.50 (four-year license) or $38.25 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the ALEA receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited processing by paying an additional fee, though this option is not always available. Mail renewal works even if your address has changed, but you cannot use it if your license is suspended or if you need a new photo.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office
Visit any Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the ALEA website for office hours and locations near you.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you need to update your photo, if your address has changed and you did not renew by mail, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it when ready. If you are renewing for the first time in Alabama, you must also pass the vision test and may be asked to retake the written test depending on your driving record.
When you must renew in person instead of online or by mail
Your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license status is anything other than valid or expired. You must visit an office and resolve the suspension before renewing. Contact the ALEA at 334-242-4437 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to clear it.
You need a new photo. Alabama requires a new photo every 16 years for adults. If your current license photo is older than that, or if you want to update it, you must renew in person. You also must renew in person if you have changed your name since your last license was issued and need the name updated on your new license.
Your address has changed and you did not renew by mail. If you moved and want your new license to show your current address, you can either renew by mail (which allows address changes) or renew in person. Online renewal does not allow address changes.
You are renewing for the first time in Alabama. If you are a new resident or have never held an Alabama driver's license, you must visit an office in person. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you will take the vision test. Depending on your driving history, you may also take the written test.
Documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Payment Method | How Long It Takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, Social Security number | Credit or debit card | 7–10 business days by mail |
| By Mail | Current driver's license, completed Form DL-44, proof of residency (if address changed) | Check or money order | 2–3 weeks after ALEA receives materials |
| In Person | Current driver's license, proof of residency dated within 60 days | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card | 15–30 minutes; license printed on the spot |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license if it expired more than six months ago?
No, not through online or mail renewal. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. You will need to retake the vision test and the written test, even if you have held an Alabama license before. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and payment.
What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my new one?
If you renewed online or by mail, you can legally drive on your expired license until your new one arrives in the mail. Keep your renewal confirmation or receipt with you. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to the ALEA.
Do I need to take a new photo if I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Alabama requires a new photo every 16 years, so if your current photo is older than that, you will be required to renew in person.
How much does it cost to renew an Alabama driver's license?
A four-year license costs $25.50, and an eight-year license costs $38.25. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some offices may charge a small additional fee for certain services, such as expedited processing or a duplicate license.
What if my address changed since my last license?
If you renew online, you cannot change your address; your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you renew by mail or in person, you can update your address. Bring proof of your new residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) to an office, or include it with your mail renewal process.