What to bring to the Alabama DMV to renew your license
To renew your driver's license in Alabama, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) also requires you to pass a vision test and have your photograph taken at the office. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless DPS has specific reasons to require it.
If your current address has changed since your last renewal, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or government mail also works. If you have not changed your address, you still need to show proof of where you live now — DPS will not assume your address from your old license.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Alabama driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address to the DMV.
- You will pass a vision test and have a new photo taken, but you do not retake the written or road test unless your license expired more than five years ago.
- Standard renewals take about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew online through the Alabama DPS website if you meet certain conditions: your license is not expired, you have no address change, and you have no medical restrictions.
- Renewal fees are $25.50 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of your visit or online process.
Proof of Social Security number and identity
DPS accepts several documents as proof of your Social Security number. Your actual Social Security card is the simplest option. If you do not have the card itself, bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a recent tax return showing your full Social Security number. A birth certificate also works, though you will need to bring it alongside another form of ID.
For identity, your current Alabama driver's license serves this purpose. If you are renewing in person, DPS already has your identity on file from your previous license. You do not need to bring a passport or other ID document unless your name has changed since your last renewal — in that case, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.
Renewing online versus in person
Alabama allows you to renew your license online through the DPS website if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not currently expired, you have not changed your address, you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections that have changed, and you are between 18 and 64 years old. The online renewal costs $25.50 for a four-year license and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not meet those conditions, or if you prefer to renew in person, visit a DPS office or an authorized license office in your county. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs the same amount. You leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Some counties also offer mobile license units that visit specific towns on set schedules — check the DPS website for your county's schedule.
License renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year Alabama driver's license costs $25.50 to renew. An eight-year license costs $36. These are the standard fees as of now; DPS does not charge extra for renewals compared to initial licenses. If you renew online, you pay by debit card or credit card at the time you submit your process. If you renew in person, the office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Some counties accept payment by phone or mail before your visit, which can speed up the in-person process. Call your local DPS office to ask whether they offer this option. If you are renewing by mail (which is not the standard route but is available in limited circumstances), include a check or money order with your process.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Alabama license has been expired for fewer than five years, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — bring your documents, pass the vision test, and have a new photo taken. You do not retake the written or road test. If your license expired more than five years ago, DPS treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to retake the written test and the road test, and you may need to provide additional documentation.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot drive legally in Alabama, even if you have applied for renewal. Do not drive until your new license arrives in the mail. If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is expired, you can face a fine and other penalties.
Name changes and other updates
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other renewal documents. DPS will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. You do not need to renew early; you can wait until your regular renewal date and update your name then.
If you need to change other information on your license — such as your height, eye color, or organ donor status — you can do that during renewal as well. Some changes, like updating your address, are required. Others, like changing your organ donor choice, are optional. Ask the DPS staff member at your visit which changes you want to make.
Where to renew and how to find your local office
Alabama has DPS driver license offices in every county. The main office is in Montgomery, but you can renew at any county office regardless of where you live. The DPS website has a county-by-county list of office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you are traveling to an unfamiliar county.
Many counties also have authorized license offices run by private businesses or local government agencies. These offices offer the same renewal services as DPS offices and charge the same fees. Using an authorized office can sometimes mean shorter wait times. The DPS website lists authorized offices in your county alongside the main DPS office locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
Standard renewal by mail is not available in Alabama. You must renew online, in person at a DPS office, or at an authorized license office. If you have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, contact your local DPS office to ask about exceptions or accommodations.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person or online, your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office (if renewing in person) that is valid for 30 days. If you do not receive your permanent license within two weeks, call DPS to check the status.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) renew through a different process than standard licenses. You must renew in person at a DPS office, pass a medical examination, and provide your medical certificate. You cannot renew a CDL online. Contact your local DPS office for the specific documents and fees required for CDL renewal.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Yes. DPS takes a new photograph at every renewal, whether you renew in person or online. You cannot use an old photo. Wear clear glasses if you normally wear them, since the photo will be used for identification.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court. Contact your local DPS office or the DPS website to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.