What You Need to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

What to bring when you renew in Alabama

To renew your Alabama driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama residency. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return as proof of your number. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you also need a document proving the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or birth certificate along with your current license.

You do not need to bring a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged or you want a new one. If you choose to get a new photo, the DPS will take it at the renewal location.

Key Takeaways

Bring your current Alabama license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days.
You can renew online through the Alabama DPS website if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 15 to 30 minutes and costs $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.25 for an eight-year license.
If your license is expired by more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Renewing online versus in person

Alabama lets you renew online if your license is current (not expired), your name has not changed, and you have not had a medical suspension or restriction added. Go to the Alabama DPS website, create an account, and follow the renewal steps. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal costs $25.50 for a four-year license and takes about 10 days to arrive by mail.

If you cannot renew online—because your license is expired, your name changed, or you have a medical flag—you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring all documents listed above. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot or mail it within 10 business days, depending on the office location.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Alabama DPS website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Cost and how long it takes

A four-year Alabama driver's license costs $25.50. An eight-year license costs $38.25. These are the only fees—there are no process or processing charges. If you renew online, you pay at checkout. If you renew in person, you pay at the DPS office when you submit your documents.

Online renewal takes about 10 days from the time you submit. In-person renewal at a DPS office is faster: you walk out with your license the same day if the office issues it on-site, or it arrives by mail within 10 business days if the office mails it. Processing time varies by location, so check with your local DPS office before you go.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license—online or in person. Bring the same documents. You do not need to retake any tests.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to retake the written test on Alabama traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the Alabama Driver's Manual, which is free on the DPS website. Bring the same documents as above, plus your expired license.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Alabama license up to 60 days before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license—your new license will still be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or to make sure they have a valid license for travel.

If you renew online, you can do it anytime. If you renew in person, visit a DPS office during business hours. There is no penalty for renewing early, and you will not overpay.

Special situations: military, vision, and medical restrictions

If you are active-duty military stationed outside Alabama, you can renew by mail. Contact your local DPS office or the main DPS office in Montgomery for the mailing address and required documents.

If your vision has changed or you wear glasses or contacts, you may need a vision test. The DPS will tell you at renewal whether one is required based on your current license. If you fail the vision test, you will be issued a license with a vision restriction, meaning you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving—such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or certain medications—the DPS may add a medical restriction to your license or require you to have a doctor's clearance. These situations require in-person renewal. If you are unsure whether your condition requires a restriction, call your local DPS office before you renew.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it—you must replace it. Replacement is different from renewal and requires a trip to a DPS office. Bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and residency, just as you would for renewal. A replacement license costs $25.50 for four years or $38.25 for eight years. You will get a new license number and a new photo.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can renew it normally. If it is so damaged that the DPS cannot read it, treat it as a replacement rather than a renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your Alabama license is only valid if you are an Alabama resident. If you have moved to another state, you must get a driver's license from that state. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn what documents you need.

What if I do not have a Social Security card or number?

You must provide proof of your Social Security number to renew. If you do not have a card, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or other document showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number at all, contact your local DPS office to learn about alternatives.

How do I know when my license expires?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. It is also listed on your renewal notice, which Alabama mails to you about 60 days before expiration. You can also check the expiration date on the Alabama DPS website by logging into your account.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew in person or online yourself. The DPS requires your signature and does not accept proxy renewals. If you are unable to visit a DPS office due to a disability or medical condition, contact your local office to ask about accommodations.

What if my address changed but I did not move out of state?

You can update your address online through the Alabama DPS website without renewing your license. If you are renewing anyway, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and your address will be updated as part of the renewal.

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.