On Thursday, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) announced changes to its driver’s license system, allowing citizens to complete simple renewals online without having to travel to a license examiner’s office.

Some citizens will also be able to download their driver’s license to their smartphones as a legal form of identification, among other improvements.

“Throughout the transition process, we examined the core functions of each legacy agency and determined the driver’s license system was inefficient and archaic,” Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said. “As Secretary of Law Enforcement, one of my top priorities was to find and implement a solution for Alabama driver’s licenses.

“I am pleased to announce a series of technology-based improvements which will result in more efficient service and shorter wait times for citizens of Alabama.”

The driver’s license system improvements include:

• Online scheduling — Customers can select an appointment time that suits their schedules to make a visit to one of ALEA’s Driver License Examining Offices as convenient as possible.

• Online driver’s license renewals — Licensed drivers may choose to renew their standard driver licenses or order a duplicate license via the Internet, when it is most convenient for them.

• Self-serve kiosks — Rather than wait for a driver’s license examiner, customers who seek to renew standard driver’s licenses, non-driver IDs, or order a duplicate license may opt to use the self-serve equipment that trims a visit to mere minutes.

• Digital licensing for smartphones — Customers who have smartphones may download a digital license to show as a secure form of identification. (Online renewal is required for this digital license).

• Equipment upgrades statewide — ALEA has started updating computer stations, testing stations and other equipment at its offices, and at probate judge and license revenue commissioner’s offices, across the state.

For more information on ALEA’s Driver License services, visit online at www.alrenewal.com.