Is your driver’s license almost expiring?
Are you not sure how the renewal process goes?
I’ve talked about how to get your driver’s license, now let’s focus on how to renew it.
In this article, I’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to renew your driver’s license in Alabama. I’ll include everything from what documents you need to where to renew it.
You’ll find it all here.
And, at the end of these articles, I’ll include an FAQ section to answer any questions you might have.
There’s a lot to cover. So let’s get straight to it!
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Alabama
In Alabama, you’re required to renew your driver’s license every 4 years. You can renew it 180 days (around 6 months) before the expiration date.
Good news!
You can renew your Alabama driver’s license online!
Of course, the online option is A LOT more convenient. However, there are a few limitations, such as not being able to change information.
This is why I’m going to talk about how to renew it online, in-person, and through the mail (if applicable). So whatever your needs are, you know how and where to go.
How to Renew Your License Online
To renew your license online, you only need to follow 4 simple steps. These are:
- Go to ALEA’s online license renewal service (Click here)
- Fill in your information (license type, name, license number, birth date, SSN number…)
- Pay the renewal fee of $36.25, with an additional service fee of $2.75 (credit card)
- Print your temporary license (your official license will be mailed within 30 days)
There you have it.
As easy as that.
Okay, I did say there were limitations. I’m going to list these now so you know if you can renew online or you need to go to an office.
- You can only use the online renewal service once every 8 years
- You cannot change license information with the online service (e.g. change your address, last name, photo, etc…)
- You have to wait at least 30 days before your license is mailed to you. Don’t worry, you can print the temporary license and use it for 30 days
- You can only pay through credit card. No other form of payment is accepted.
If those don’t affect you, then renewing your Alabama driver’s license will be a breeze.
How to Renew Your License In Person
Since you’re only allowed to renew your license online once every 8 years, you’ll still have to go to the office every other renewal date.
One reason for this is that you’ll need to update your photo and signature, or, if you need, change some information.
That said, here are the steps to renewing your license in person:
- Go to any local ALEA driver’s license office (click here for locations)
- Present your current AL driver’s license, proof of identity (birth cert, U.S. passport…), and proof of residency (utility or mortgage documents)
- Pay the license fee of $36.25 (cash, credit card, money order)
- Have your photo taken
- Get your temporary license (official license will be mailed to you within 30 days)
Sure, it’s not as convenient and easy as doing it online. But it’s still VERY simple.
How to Renew Your License Through the Mail
If you need to renew your license while you are temporarily out of the state, then the mailing option is available.
If so, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Print and fill out the Renewal License for Alabama Drivers Temporarily Out of State form (click here for the form)
- Get a money order or cashier’s check of $36.25 for the license fee (should be made payable to ALEA Drivers License Division)
- Obtain proof for being temporarily out of state (I’ll talk more about this below)
- If you need to make changes to your name, include a photocopy of your legal name change document and social security card
- Send all documents to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Driver’s License Division
PO Box 1471
Montgomery, AL L36102-1471
What documents do you need to prove that you are temporarily out of state?
Here is a list.
- If you are a military – a copy of your military picture ID card or military orders
- If you are a student – a copy of your full-time enrollment verification
- If you are an employee – a letterhead from your employer verifying your out of state assignment
- If you are a missionary – a letterhead from your church or sponsor verifying your out of state service
- If you are caring for someone – a doctor’s letterhead or notepad verifying you are an individuals’ primary caregiver
- If you are under a doctor’s care – a doctor’s letterhead or notepad verifying your out of state medical treatment
Alabama Driver’s License Renewal FAQs
As promised, I’m going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. See if I answer any of your questions here.
Does Alabama driver’s license expire on your birthday?
No. In Alabama, you are required to renew your license every 4 years from the date you received it. So if your license was issued on January 1, 2022, it will expire on January 1, 2026.
If you’re unsure, you can always check your license for the expiration date.
Note: the ALEA does NOT send you any notice when it expires, only 30 days AFTER expiration.
Note II: you can renew your license 180 days before it expires.
What is the grace period for driver’s license renewal in Alabama?
If you pass the expiration date without renewing, you are given a 60 day grace period. This means that your license will still be valid, giving you enough time to renew it.
Note: you CAN’T use the grace period license outside of Alabama.
What if my Alabama driver’s license has expired?
If it passes the 60 day grace period and you still haven’t renewed your license, you will need to pay extra fees on top of the base license fee. These fees will depend on how long before you renew.
If your license has been expired for 3 years, you will have to pay a big additional fee, as well as retake the written and road test.
Can I renew my license online in Alabama?
Yes, the ALEA allows you to conveniently renew your license through their online service. However, you are only allowed to renew online once every 8 years. This is because you need to change your photo and signature every other renewal period.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
Pretty easy, right?
Now that you know the steps, go check when you need to renew your license.
If it’s soon, then you can follow the steps to renew it either online, in person, or, if applicable, through the mail.
I hope this guide has answered all your questions!
This article is part of our series on Alabama Driving Laws. You can view all these laws here!