A new online driver license renewal program will hopefully reduce wait times for residents in Alabama.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency released on Friday new initiatives in “modernizing” the driver license system to “ensure efficiency and effectiveness for Alabama citizens,” according to a release from ALEA.

“Throughout the transition process, we examined the core functions of each legacy agency and determined the driver license system was inefficient and archaic,” Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said in a release. “As Secretary of Law Enforcement, one of my top priorities was to find and implement a solution for Alabama driver license. I am please 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 license system improvements include:

•Online scheduling where 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 license renewals for licensed drivers who may choose to renew their standard driver licenses or order a duplicate license via Internet when it is most convenient.

•Self-serve kiosks, which will allow individuals the option to avoid waiting for a driver license examiner. Customers who seek to renew standard driver licenses, non-driver IDs, or order a duplicate license may opt to use the self-serve equipment that trims a visit to mere minutes, according to the release.

•Customers who have smart phones can download a digital license to show as a secure form of identification (online renewal required for digital license).

•Equipment upgrades statewide where 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 www.alrenewal.com.