How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Renewing Your Alabama License: The Basic Path

You can renew your Alabama driver's license by mail, online, or in person at an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without leaving home — but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your Alabama license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you received it. You can renew it up to six months before it expires, which gives you a wide window to plan ahead. The state does not send renewal reminders by mail, so marking your expiration date on a calendar is your responsibility.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, and it takes about 10 minutes.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no trip to a DPS office and costs less than in-person renewal.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
You will need your current Alabama license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification to renew in person.
Alabama charges different fees for online ($20.25), mail ($17.50), and in-person ($27.50) renewal, so your choice affects the cost.

Online Renewal: Fastest and Cheapest

Online renewal through the Alabama DPS website is the quickest option and costs $20.25. You can renew online if your license is still valid, you have not changed your name, and you do not want a new photo. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew online, you will need your current Alabama license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the fee. After you complete the online form and payment, the state mails your new license to the address on file. If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew by mail or in person instead.

Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

Mail renewal costs $17.50 and takes two to three weeks. This option works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You will need to read and print the renewal form from the Alabama DPS website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal is useful if you want to keep your current photo or if you cannot visit a DPS office during business hours. However, you cannot change your address by mail — if you have moved, you must renew in person. The state will return your old license with your new one, so you will have both documents for a short time.

In-Person Renewal: When You Must Visit an Office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name, or if you are changing your address. In-person renewal costs $27.50 and takes about 30 minutes at a DPS office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your current Alabama license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid form of identification. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will have your photo taken at the office and receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed to you.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the Alabama DPS website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — check before you go.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This means visiting a DPS office in person, paying the full fee for a new license, and passing a vision test. You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency.

If your license expired within the last five years, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above, as long as you meet the other requirements for that method. For example, if your license expired six months ago but you have not moved or changed your name, you can still renew online or by mail.

Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal

If you have moved, you can only change your address by renewing in person or by mail. Online renewal does not allow address changes. When you renew by mail, include a note with your new address, and the state will update it. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address and tell the DPS employee that you are moving.

If you have changed your name, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order. The DPS office will update your name on your new license during your visit.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Renew

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your form. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DPS office receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Your temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DPS office. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks of your renewal date, contact the Alabama DPS to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address. If you have moved out of state, you cannot update your address through online or mail renewal — you would need to renew in person or contact the DPS to discuss your options.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You must visit a DPS office in person and request a replacement license. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. The office will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your lost one.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, you can keep your current photo if you renew online or by mail. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Photos are required to be updated every 8 years or when you renew in person, whichever comes first.

How much does Alabama license renewal cost?

Online renewal costs $20.25, mail renewal costs $17.50, and in-person renewal costs $27.50. All fees are paid at the time of renewal. If you renew in person and need a replacement license instead of a renewal, the fee is higher.

What if my renewal is rejected?

If the DPS rejects your online or mail renewal, they will contact you by mail to explain why and tell you what to do next. Common reasons include missing information, an invalid payment method, or a change that requires an in-person visit. You can then renew in person or resubmit by mail with the correct information.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.