How to Renew an Alabama Driver's License

Short version: if your last renewal was in person, go online and you'll be done in minutes. If you renewed online last time, plan a quick office visit. While you're thinking about your license, it's also the perfect moment to check your record, because an Alabama defensive driving course can help with a ticket or points.

Can You Renew Your Alabama License Online?

Most drivers can, every other time. Alabama licenses last four years, and you can renew online once every eight years, keeping your current photo.

Who Can Renew Online

• Your last renewal was in person, with a new photo
• Your name and Alabama address haven't changed
• You're renewing a standard license, not a commercial one

Who Has to Go In Person

You'll need a counter if you renewed online last time, you need to change your name or address, you hold a commercial license, or your license has been expired for a long time. Don't fight it. The visit is quick, and you'll walk out with a temporary license.

How Much It Costs to Renew in Alabama

A standard Class D renewal is $36.25 at most county license offices. Some counties charge slightly more, and online renewals add a $2.75 transaction fee. Once you're renewed, it's a smart time to check your points too.

Watch for Lookalike Sites

ALEA has warned drivers about third party sites that tack on big extra fees. If you're asked to pay more than the renewal fee plus the $2.75 transaction fee, you're not on the official site. Go to alea.gov directly.

How to Renew Online, Step by Step

Online renewal takes a few minutes if you're eligible. Have your license and Social Security number handy.

The Steps

1. Go to alea.gov and choose the online driver license renewal service.
2. Enter your license details and confirm your information.
3. Pay the renewal fee plus the transaction fee by card.
4. Print your temporary license.
5. Watch your mail for the permanent card.

Timing

The online window opens 180 days before your expiration date. Renew early in that window so a glitch or a missing detail doesn't leave you scrambling.

When You Have to Renew in Person, and What to Bring

If you can't renew online, visit a county license office or an ALEA driver license office. You can renew in any Alabama county.

What to Bring

• Your current Alabama driver license
• Payment for the renewal fee (check with your county office for accepted payment types)
• Documents for any change you're making, such as a name change

What Happens There

You'll take a new photo and may get a vision check. Find a location on ALEA's office locations.

What If Your Alabama License Already Expired?

Alabama gives you a 60 day grace period after expiration to renew, and your license stays valid during that window as long as you're in Alabama.

After the Grace Period

You can still renew without retesting for up to three years after expiration, but you can't legally drive on an expired license in the meantime. Past three years, plan on retaking the tests. If you're in another state when it expires, our guide to renewing elsewhere helps.

Expired Elsewhere Before?

The general rules for an expired license vary a lot by state, so stick to Alabama's rules here.

Got a Ticket or Points While You're at It?

Renewal is the one time a year most people think about their license, so use it. If a ticket or points are hanging over your record, deal with them now, before your insurer does.

Check Your Record First

Pull your record first, and see how points affect insurance if you find some.

Take an Alabama Defensive Driving Course

I Drive Safely's Alabama defensive driving course is 100% online and built around short, engaging lessons. If you have a ticket, ask the court handling it whether it accepts a defensive driving course.

55 or Older?

A mature driver course can be worth a look for an insurance discount. See the Alabama mature driver course and ask your insurer what it offers.