Is it time to renew your driver’s license in Alabama? All Alabama drivers must eventually renew their license. Even if the renewal procedure could appear dull, it’s crucial to do it quickly. So, how can you do an Alabama driver’s license renewal?
Like many states, driving without an expired license is illegal in Alabama. Though the state offers a grace period, renewing your Alabama driver’s license early or on time is better. If you don’t, you risk driving with a suspended or expired license, which can result in high fines and even jail time!
So, which are the ways by which you can do an Alabama driver’s license renewal? How much does it cost to renew a driver’s license in Alabama? Keep reading about renewing your Alabama driver’s license in-depth via our blog!
How often should you renew your driver’s license in Alabama?
Every driver must have an Alabama driver’s license renewal every four years. You can renew your driver’s license in Alabama around 180 days before the expiration date.
Look below the class to the right of your birth date to find the license expiration date. You must keep track of this date since the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver’s License Department does not issue a reminder to remind you to renew.
What documents do I need to renew my driver’s license in Alabama?
You must present three documents when doing an Alabama driver’s license renewal.
- Your current Alabama driver’s license.
- Identity proof.
- Residency proof.
The documents you submit to prove your identity and residency must be current and legal. For instance, some common identity-proving documents are a US passport, an original birth certificate, or appropriate citizenship documents. But in Alabama, you can show utility, mortgage, or lease documents with your name to prove your residency.
How to renew an Alabama driver’s license
There are many ways by which a driver can renew their driver’s license in Alabama.
- Online
- In-person
- By mail
However, know that the renewal process via mail or online depends on your circumstance.
How to renew it online
Every eight years, ALEA permits drivers to renew their licenses online. In other words, you can only renew your subscription online every other time.
For online Alabama driver’s license renewal, visit ALEA’s website and performs the steps as instructed. Then, use a valid credit card to pay the renewal fee of $36.25. Depending on your county, there will be extra processing fees. On completion of the process, ensure to print the 30-day temporary license. You can use this until the permanent license arrives in the mail.
Online renewal won’t be possible if you have these requirements.
- You need to change your name or address.
- Need a new photo for your license.
- The last renewal mode was online.
- You need to add a STAR ID to your license.
- Remove a restriction or endorsement from it.
You can deal with these only in person at a nearby DMV office.
How to renew it in-person
The most conventional method of renewing an Alabama driver’s license is in person. If you recently renewed it online and are not qualified to renew by mail, visit your local DMV driver’s license office to renew your license in person.
You need the following to complete the renewal process.
- Current Alabama driver’s license
- Two identity proofs
- One state residency proof
- Pay the renewal fee by cash or money order.
Upon your renewal, the driver’s license office will provide you with a temporary 30-day printed license; your new driver’s license will arrive in the mail within 30 days.
How to renew by mail
In Alabama, you can renew your license by mail if stationed out-of-state or due to the following conditions of the driver.
- They are a full-time student stationed out-of-state
- They cannot physically visit the driver’s license office for in-person renewal.
- Work in another state or is a missionary serving out of state.
- The driver is getting or giving medical care in another state.
- The driver is a deployed military personnel or dependent.
You must include the necessary documents to prove your eligibility. Depending on your situation, this could involve the following.
- Verification of full-time student enrollment.
- A copy of the military’s picture ID and orders.
- A letter verifying your employment outside of the state from your employer.
- From the church, a letter (on letterhead) verifying out-of-state assignments.
- A doctor’s letter confirming your medical treatment or role as the primary caregiver.
What to do
You can send the renewal form, documents, and fee of $36.25 to the following address.
Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division,
PO. Box 1471
Montgomery, AL, 36102.
How long does it take for an Alabama driver’s license renewal?
You should receive your driver’s license within 30 days of renewal. ALEA will issue a temporary 3-day license that you can use till you get the new one. Call the driver’s license office to find out the status of your renewal if your temporary license is due to expire and you haven’t yet gotten your permanent one.
How much does it cost to renew your driver’s license in Alabama?
Alabama driver’s license renewal will cost you around $36.25.
How long do you have to renew your driver’s license after it expires in Alabama?
According to Alabama law, a driver’s license has a grace period of 60 days beyond its expiration date, during which you can renew it. During this time, the license remains valid as long as the holder is in Alabama.
How much does it cost to get your driver’s license reinstated in Alabama?
It will cost you between $100 and $275 to reinstate an Alabama driver’s license. For offenses involving drugs or alcohol, the reinstatement fee is $275. In addition, the fee is $100 for additional cancellations and suspensions and $175 for additional revocations.
Where do I go to reinstate my driver’s license in Alabama? Go to the nearest Driver’s License Office to reinstate your license.
Can you change your driver’s license address online in Alabama?
No. You can only update your Alabama driver’s license address when doing an in-person renewal.
Can I renew my driver’s license online in Alabama?
Yes. Doing an Alabama driver’s license renewal online is the easiest way to renew it.
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Meet Gerard Stevens! He is a writer with over a decade of experience in air travel and insurance. Gerard is a firm believer in the power of research and data, and he spends countless hours researching car and travel topics before sharing his insights with the world. When he’s not working, Gerard enjoys curling up with a good book, exploring new destinations, and getting his adrenaline rush by cheering for his favorite soccer team.
