How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Renew by Mail, Online, or In Person

Alabama lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: by mail, online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. Which one you can use depends on how close you are to expiration and whether your address or name has changed. Most people renew online or by mail and never visit an office.

Your license is valid for eight years from the issue date. You can renew up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot use the mail or online routes—you must go in person and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through ALEA's website is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days; you need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires the renewal form (DL-44), your current license, and a check or money order; read the form from ALEA's website or request it by phone.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Examiner's Office is required if your license has expired, your address or name has changed, or you need a REAL ID-compliant license.
The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard eight-year license; REAL ID licenses cost $33.50 and require proof of residency and identity documents.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.

Renewing Online Through ALEA

The online renewal process is the fastest and most straightforward. Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website, find the Driver License section, and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $28.50 renewal fee.

The system will verify your information against ALEA's records and issue your new license if everything matches. Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file within 10 business days. If you have moved recently, update your address through ALEA before you start the renewal, or your new license will go to your old address.

Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license. In those cases, use the mail or in-person route.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (form DL-44) from the ALEA website or call the Driver License Section at 334-242-4437 to request it. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $28.50 to the address listed on the form.

Mail your renewal package to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Section, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date ALEA receives your package. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure that address is current before you mail in your renewal.

Like online renewal, the mail route does not work if your license has expired, if you need to update your name or address, or if you want a REAL ID license. You also cannot renew by mail if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Renewing In Person at a Driver License Office

Visit a Driver License Examiner's Office if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want a REAL ID-compliant license. Find the office nearest you on the ALEA website—there are locations in most counties. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $28.50 for a standard license or $33.50 for REAL ID.

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. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address. The office will issue your new license on the spot or mail it within a few days, depending on the office's procedures.

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period (check with your local office), you may be required to pass the written knowledge test again. Call ahead to confirm what documents and tests you need before you go.

REAL ID Licenses and What You Need

A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal standards for identification and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant, you can upgrade during renewal by going in person and paying the higher fee ($33.50 instead of $28.50).

To get a REAL ID license, bring proof of your identity (your current driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring the document that shows the change.

You cannot upgrade to REAL ID by mail or online—you must renew in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. The office will verify your documents and issue your REAL ID license on the spot or mail it within a few days.

What to Do If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means visiting a Driver License Examiner's Office, passing the written test, and paying the full process fee. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard renewal process, but check with ALEA first to confirm your specific situation.

If your license expired recently but you need to drive before your renewal arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit from a Driver License Examiner's Office. This permit is valid for a limited time and allows you to drive while your renewal is being processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online renewal takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal may issue your license on the spot or mail it within a few days, depending on the office. All timelines assume normal processing and do not include mail delivery time.

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?

No. Your Alabama driver's license is tied to your Alabama residency. If you have moved to another state, you must obtain a driver's license from that state. You can renew your Alabama license only if you still live in Alabama or have a valid reason to maintain an Alabama address.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a Driver License Examiner's Office with proof of identity and residency. The office can look up your license number and process your renewal in person, or issue a replacement license if yours was lost.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Requirements vary by office. Some Driver License Examiner's Offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the ALEA website for your local office's hours and policies, or call ahead to confirm whether you need to schedule a time.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license by mail or online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) must be renewed in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. You will need to pass the written test and any required skills tests depending on your CDL class and endorsements.

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.