Roadwise States Alabama Driving lessons Renewal, duplicates, changes and ID cards Alabama driving lesson · Your License
Renewal, duplicates, changes and ID cards A 3-minute lesson from the Alabama course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Your License
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 14, 15, 16, 18 An Alabama license lasts four years. Know the renewal window, the grace period, how to replace a lost license and how fast you must report a move.
4 years An Alabama driver license expires this long after it's issued
Handbook p. 15 ↗ 180 days You may renew any time within this many days before expiration
Handbook p. 15 ↗ Know the rule
Renew at a Probate Judge office, License Commissioner's office or DL Examining Office, or online at www.AlabamaDL.alea.gov if eligible.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ 60 days Grace period after expiration: the license stays valid for renewal
Handbook p. 15 ↗ Know the rule
You may renew without examination within 3 years after expiration; the new license runs four years from the last expiration date. But you cannot legally drive on an expired license.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ Know the rule
Military personnel, their dependents, college students and others temporarily out of state for work may be eligible to renew by mail if they got a license with photo and signature in the last four years.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ Know the rule
If your unexpired license is lost, destroyed or illegible, apply for a duplicate at a Probate Judge or License Commissioner office. No exam is needed, but you need proof of identity, such as a certified birth certificate.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ Know the rule
Making a false affidavit to get a duplicate may be charged as Forgery, Perjury or both.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ Know the rule
To add, change or remove license classes, restrictions or endorsements, you must see a driver license examiner. Licenses and ID cards are not forwarded to another address.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ 30 days Time to notify the Driver License Division after moving within Alabama
Handbook p. 16 ↗ Know the rule
To change your name, present a marriage certificate or court order with an updated Social Security card. A duplicate fee is charged. STAR ID holders must visit an ALEA office.
Handbook p. 16 ↗ Know the rule
Address updates on your record are free, but a new license or card is not reissued.
Handbook p. 16 ↗ Know the rule
You must have your license (or learner permit) with you while driving and show it to any law enforcement officer who asks.
Handbook p. 18 ↗ Non-driver ID card Needs the same proof of identity as a license. For people who don't qualify physically, lack a current AL license, or surrender their license.
Handbook p. 14 ↗ Put it into practice
Your license expired 45 days ago. You're still inside the 60-day grace period, so it remains valid while you renew, and you won't need an exam.
A useful reminder Memory chain 4-180-60-3: a 4-year license, renew up to 180 days early, a 60-day grace period, and 3 years to renew without an exam.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
How many years after issue does a standard Alabama driver license expire? Four years Two years Eight years Six years Answer: Four years
An Alabama driver license expires four years after it is issued.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ Within how many days before expiration can you renew your Alabama license? 90 days 180 days 365 days 30 days Answer: 180 days
A license may be renewed at any time within 180 days prior to its expiration date.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ Alabama law gives a grace period after a driver license expires, during which it stays valid for renewal. How long is it? 180 days 30 days 60 days 90 days Answer: 60 days
There is a 60-day grace period after expiration during which the driver license remains valid for renewal purposes.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ An expired Alabama license may still be renewed without a new examination within how many years after expiration? 1 year 5 years 6 months 3 years Answer: 3 years
A license may be renewed without examination within a 3-year period after expiration.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ How many days do you have to notify the Driver License Division of a change of address within Alabama? 30 days 60 days 10 days 90 days Answer: 30 days
After moving within Alabama, you have 30 days to notify the Driver License Division of your new address.
Handbook p. 16 ↗ You may add a new license class or restriction just by renewing online without seeing an examiner. True False Answer: False
To add, change, or remove license classes, restrictions, or endorsements you must see a driver license examiner.
Handbook p. 15 ↗ Previous lesson GDL rules for teen drivers Next lesson License classes, motorcycles and vessels About the source Roadwise’s Alabama course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 14, 15, 16, 18. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check Alabama’s ALEA. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.