Renewal, address changes and license classes

Key points

1. Your license expires four years after it is issued and may be renewed any time within 180 days before expiration.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “Your driver license expires four years after it is issued and the expiration date is shown on the license. The license may be renewed at any time within 180 days prior expiration”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 13

2. There is a 60 day grace period after expiration, during which the license stays valid for renewal.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “Alabama law provides a grace period of 60 days after expiration date of a driver license for the purpose of driver license renewal”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 13

3. You can renew without an exam within 3 years after expiration.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “An Alabama driver license may be renewed without examination within a 3-year period after expiration.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 13

4. After moving within Alabama, you have 30 days to report your new address.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “After changing your address within Alabama, you have 30 days”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 14

5. Class D covers generally all passenger vehicles, except those in Classes A, B, C or M.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “all passenger vehicles, except D Generally, vehicle in Classes A, B, C, or M”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 14

6. A licensed vessel operator 14 or older may operate a boat alone.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “A licensed operator, 14 years old or older, may operate alone.”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 15

7. You must have your license or learner permit with you while driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “a driver must have an appropriate driver license (or learner permit) in his or her possession while operating a motor vehicle”
   Alabama Driver Manual, Handbook p. 16

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Alabama practice test

1. 1. How early may an Alabama driver license be renewed?

   1. Only in the last week
   2. Only after expiration
   3. Up to two years early
   4. Any time within 180 days before expiration
   Show answer

   Any time within 180 days before expiration. An Alabama driver license expires four years after issue, and it may be renewed at any time within 180 days prior to expiration at a probate judge's office, license commissioner's office, examining office, or online if eligible. Alabama also provides a 60 day grace period after expiration during which the license remains valid for renewal purposes. Military and students out of state have mail options.

2. 2. How long is Alabama's grace period after a driver license expires?

   1. 60 days, during which the license remains valid for renewal
   2. One year
   3. There is no grace period
   4. 10 days
   Show answer

   60 days, during which the license remains valid for renewal. Alabama law provides a grace period of 60 days after the expiration date of a driver license for the purpose of renewal, and the license remains valid during that period. Renewal can also be done up to 180 days before expiration. A license may be renewed without examination within a three year period after expiration; beyond that, testing is required.

3. 3. After moving within Alabama, how long does a driver have to notify the Driver License Division of the new address?

   1. 30 days
   2. 10 days
   3. 90 days
   4. One year
   Show answer

   30 days. After changing your address within Alabama, you have 30 days under Alabama Code 760-X-1-.07(7) to notify the Driver License Division of the new address. An Alabama citizen may update the address on the state driver record without charge online, though a corrected card carries a duplicate fee. Keeping the address current ensures renewal and suspension notices reach you, and it is required even if the mail is forwarded.

Source: the Alabama Driver Manual, Chapter 1: Your License to Drive. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.