Renewing Your Alabama Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Alabama driver's license in three ways: online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 business days and costs $25.50. By mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an examiner's office is when ready if you bring the right documents, though you may wait in line.
Your may be able to access for online or mail renewal depends on your license status and how long it has been expired. If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago and you have no suspensions, disqualifications, or medical restrictions, you can renew online or by mail. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person and pass a vision test. If you have any active suspension or restriction, you must renew in person.
Your Alabama driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to 6 months before expiration. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives or is issued.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ALEA website costs $25.50 and takes about 10 business days if your license expired fewer than 5 years ago and has no suspensions.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the ALEA; it takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs $25.50.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago, and you will need to pass a vision test.
- You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal request.
- If you have any active suspension, disqualification, or medical restriction, you must renew in person and may need to resolve the suspension first.
Online Renewal Through the ALEA Website
To renew online, go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity and check your driving record for any suspensions or restrictions that would block online renewal.
If the system approves your renewal, you will pay $25.50 and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within about 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as your current license has not yet expired. If your license has already expired, you cannot legally drive while waiting for the new one.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you have any active suspension or restriction, if you need to change your address, or if you need to update your name. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where
To renew by mail, read and complete the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-44) from the ALEA website. Sign the form and mail it along with your current Alabama driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $25.50 made payable to the State of Alabama. Do not send cash.
Mail your renewal package to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Division, at the address shown on the process form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the ALEA receives your package. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as your current license has not yet expired.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must have expired fewer than 5 years ago, you cannot have any active suspension or restriction, and you cannot change your address or name through the mail process. If any of those explore to you, renew in person instead.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office
To renew in person, visit any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama with your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing after more than 5 years of expiration, you will also need to pass a vision test.
Bring your payment in cash, check, or debit/credit card. The renewal fee is $25.50. You will complete an process form at the office, have your photo taken, and receive your new license on the spot. There is no waiting period — you can drive when ready with your new license in hand.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you have any active suspension or disqualification, if you need to change your address or name, or if you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed. You can find the nearest examiner's office and current hours on the ALEA website.
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Disqualified
If your Alabama driver's license is under suspension or disqualification, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go in person to a Driver License Examiner's Office. However, you may not be able to renew at all until the suspension or disqualification is lifted.
Common reasons for suspension in Alabama include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions that make you unsafe to drive, or accumulation of too many points on your driving record. An SR-22 filing (proof of financial responsibility) is required if you were convicted of a DUI or certain other violations.
Before you go to the examiner's office, contact the ALEA or your local examiner's office to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension. You may need to pay fines, resolve a court case, provide proof of insurance, or file an SR-22. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew your license in person.
Address and Name Changes During Renewal
If you need to change your address or legal name when you renew, you must do so in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and if you are changing your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
You cannot change your address or name through online or mail renewal. If you try to renew online or by mail without making these changes, your new license will be issued with your old information. You can update your address later at an examiner's office without renewing your license, but a name change always requires a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Alabama driver's license if it expired more than 5 years ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office and pass a vision test. Online and mail renewal are not available for licenses expired more than 5 years. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
About 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number when you complete your online renewal, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as your current license has not expired.
What if I have an active suspension on my license?
You cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. However, you may not be able to renew until the suspension is cleared. Contact the ALEA to find out what steps you need to take to lift the suspension first.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. In-person renewal always includes a new photo taken at the examiner's office.
Can I renew my license by phone or email?
No. Alabama offers only three renewal methods: online through the ALEA website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. You cannot renew by phone or email.