Alabama License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Alabama
You renew your license through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). New Jersey licenses last 4 years. Yours expires on your birthday. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the ALEA renewal portal.
- In person — go to a ALEA office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Go to the ALEA site. Check that you're 18 to 62 for online.
- Gather documents — Get your license number, SSN, and payment. For Star ID, also bring ID and address docs.
- Complete the application — Use the AL online portal. Or visit an ALEA office. Check your info. Then submit.
- Pay the fee — Pay $36.25 by card or money order.
- Receive your license — Get a temp card at the office. Online? Your card comes by mail in 7 to 14 work days.
Alabama Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $36.25 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $31.25 |
| Motorcycle endorsement (Class M) | $5 |
| Name change | $36.25 |
| Knowledge test retest | $5 |
| Valid for | 4 years |
You pay $36.25 for 4 years. Star ID costs the same. There's no late fee.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Alabama driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Two proofs of Alabama residency (for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 3 years
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You have a valid Social Security number on file
- You are between 18 and 62 years old for online renewal
Renew online every other cycle. Some visits need a new photo.
Go to ALEA online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Alabama License Expires
Alabama has a 60-day grace period. You can renew late with no penalty in that window.
- Before expiry — Up to 6 months before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 3 years after expiration without retaking tests
- Long-lapsed penalty — Expired over 3 years? You must retake both tests. Driving expired is a crime. Fines go up to $500.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Alabama. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at every in-person visit. Online renewals don't need one.
- In-person visits — Renew online every other cycle. Some visits need a new photo.
- Wait time — Online takes 3 to 5 work days. Your card comes by mail in 7 to 14 work days.
Common Alabama License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not knowing online renewal cuts off at age 62
AL needs in-person visits for drivers 62+. That's lower than most states. Plan an ALEA trip.
Missing the 60-day grace period
AL gives 60 days after expiry to renew. No penalty in that window. After that, it's a crime.
Not bringing documents for Star ID upgrade
Star ID needs extra docs. Bring a birth cert or passport, SSN card, and two address proofs. Skip this and you'll waste the trip.
Going to a probate judge office for REAL ID
Some AL counties use probate offices for licenses. Not all can do Star ID. Check the ALEA site for the right spot.
REAL ID Info for Alabama
Alabama offers Star ID at no extra cost. It's REAL ID ready. Bring a birth cert or passport, SSN card, and two AL address proofs.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
Senior & Age Rules
Drivers 62 or older must go in person. They can't renew online.
What Makes Alabama Different
Alabama calls its REAL ID a "Star ID." Look for the gold star on the card.
Drivers 62+ must go in person. That's a lower age cutoff than most states.
AL gives you 60 days after expiry to renew. Most states don't offer that.