How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Renewing Your Alabama Driver's License: The Basic Path

In Alabama, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail and are processed the same day if you renew online or visit an office in person.

Your Alabama driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at an examiner's office — you cannot use mail or online renewal once it lapses.

Key Takeaways

Alabama offers three renewal methods: online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office.
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Online renewal costs $20.50 and takes the same day; mail renewal costs $22.50 and takes 7 to 10 business days.
You will need your current driver's license, proof of Alabama residency, and a valid Social Security number to renew.
If you have a CDL or a license with a medical certificate, you must renew in person and may need a medical examination form completed by a physician.

Online Renewal Through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Online renewal is the fastest option and is available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. You can renew online if your license is still valid, you have not changed your address, and you do not hold a commercial driver's license. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license is processed the same day.

To renew online, you will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. You will also need a valid payment method — Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The fee is $20.50. After you complete the online form and payment, ALEA will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not allow you to change your address, name, or other personal information. If any of these details need updating, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal and What Documents to Send

Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you do not hold a CDL. You will need to complete the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-44), which you can read from the ALEA website or request by mail. Along with the completed form, send your current driver's license, a check or money order for $22.50 made payable to the State of Alabama, and proof of your current Alabama address.

Acceptable proof of Alabama residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address. Do not send original documents — send copies only. Mail your packet to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511.

Processing by mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date ALEA receives your packet. If you need your license sooner, use online renewal or visit an examiner's office in person. If your address is changing, you can note the new address on Form DL-44, and ALEA will update your record and mail the new license to your new address.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you hold a commercial driver's license, if you need to change your address or personal information, or if your license has restrictions or medical conditions noted on it. In-person renewal is also required if you are renewing a license with a motorcycle endorsement or a hazmat endorsement.

Visit any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama. You do not have to go to the office in your county — you can visit any location statewide. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it has been less than one year since expiration), proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security number or card. The fee for in-person renewal is $20.50. Most offices process renewals the same day, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

If you hold a CDL or have a medical condition or restriction on your license, you may need additional documents. CDL holders must provide a current medical examination form (MCSA-5875) completed by a licensed physician within the last 14 months. Bring this form with you to the office.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Renewal Requirements

Commercial driver's licenses in Alabama must be renewed in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online. You will need your current CDL, proof of Alabama residency, your Social Security number, and a current medical examination form (MCSA-5875) completed by a licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse.

The medical examination must have been completed within 14 months of your renewal date. Schedule your medical examination with your doctor before you visit the examiner's office — do not wait until you arrive at the office. The fee for CDL renewal is $20.50. Processing is the same day, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

If your CDL has hazmat endorsement, you will also need to pass a background check through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This is handled during your in-person visit, but you should bring any required identification documents, such as a passport or state ID, to speed up the process.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your Alabama driver's license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is $20.50, and processing is the same day.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, a vision test, and a new photograph. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Alabama residency. The fee for a new license is $20.50. Contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office to schedule a test appointment, as walk-ins for new licenses are not always accepted.

Finding a Driver License Examiner's Office and Processing Times

Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices close for lunch, so call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

In-person renewals are processed the same day in most cases. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license urgently, ask the examiner's office whether they can issue a temporary license valid for a longer period or whether they can expedite mailing.

Wait times at examiner's offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities may have longer waits during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). If you want to avoid a wait, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, or visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday when traffic is typically lighter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama driver's license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must be an Alabama resident to hold an Alabama driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you are moving to Alabama and have a valid out-of-state license, you can transfer it by visiting a Driver License Examiner's Office with proof of residency and your Social Security number.

What if I lost my current driver's license before renewal?

You can still renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address. You will need your license number, which you may find on old documents, insurance cards, or bank records. If you cannot locate your license number, visit an examiner's office in person and bring proof of identity and residency. They can look up your number and process your renewal.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person at an examiner's office, a new photo is taken. If you prefer a new photo when renewing by mail, you must renew in person instead.

How much does it cost to renew in Alabama?

Online renewal costs $20.50. Mail renewal costs $22.50. In-person renewal at an examiner's office costs $20.50. All fees are for a standard four-year license. CDL renewal costs the same but requires in-person processing and a medical examination form.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to avoid a rush near your expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for four years from the date of issue.

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.