When and how to replace your Alabama driver's license

You can replace your Alabama driver's license at any time, whether it's lost, stolen, damaged, or straightforward worn out. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all replacements through their Driver License Division. You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement is a straightforward transaction that takes about 15 minutes in person.

The process depends on whether you're replacing it in person at an Alabama DPS office or renewing it by mail. Most people replace their license in person because it's faster and you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Mail replacement takes longer but works if you live out of state or cannot visit an office.

You'll need to bring your current license (if you still have it), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama residency. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and bring the report number with you — this protects you if someone tries to use your old license.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your Alabama driver's license at any DPS Driver License office without retaking any tests.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Alabama residency to replace it in person.
  • An in-person replacement takes about 15 minutes and you receive a temporary paper license when ready; the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the DPS office.
  • Mail replacement is available but takes longer; call your local DPS office to confirm they offer this option.

What documents you need to bring

Alabama requires three categories of documents for a replacement: your current license (or a description of it if lost), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate or passport instead.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current Alabama address. A driver's license renewal notice from DPS also counts.

If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you filed one. This is not required but protects you legally if someone uses your old license. If your license is damaged but still readable, bring it anyway — DPS can process the replacement even if the card is cracked or faded.

In-person replacement at a DPS office

Walk into any Alabama DPS Driver License office during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment. The office will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement on the spot.

You'll pay a replacement fee. The fee varies depending on how many years remain on your current license, but it is typically between $20 and $30. DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices, though a few locations may be cash-only — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license works everywhere a plastic license does — you can drive, board a plane, or use it for identification. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, call the DPS Driver License Division to check the status.

DPS offices are located in most Alabama counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama DPS website. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Mail replacement if you cannot visit an office

If you live out of state or cannot visit a DPS office in person, you may be able to replace your license by mail. Not all DPS offices offer this option, so call the Driver License Division first to confirm your local office does and to request the mail replacement form.

You'll mail your current license (or a photocopy), the completed form, copies of your proof documents, and the replacement fee to the address DPS provides. Mail replacement takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your package, plus mailing time both ways. This is much slower than in-person replacement, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.

If your license was stolen, mail replacement is riskier because your old license is in the mail system. In-person replacement is safer in this case because you can report the theft to DPS directly and they can flag your old license when ready.

What to do if your license was stolen

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need to wait for the report to be completed — you can bring the report number to DPS even if the full report is still being processed. The report number proves you reported the theft and protects you if someone uses your old license fraudulently.

Bring the police report number to the DPS office when you replace your license. DPS will flag your old license in their system so it cannot be used for official purposes. This does not prevent someone from using it casually (like at a bar), but it prevents them from using it for government transactions like voting or getting a job.

If you notice fraudulent activity on your old license — for example, someone was arrested using it — contact the DPS Driver License Division when ready with the police report number and details of the fraud. DPS can work with law enforcement to investigate.

Damaged or unreadable licenses

If your license is cracked, faded, or the information is no longer readable, you can replace it even if it has not expired. Bring the damaged license to a DPS office along with your other proof documents. DPS will process it as a replacement, not a renewal, so you do not need to retake any tests.

The replacement fee is the same whether your license is damaged, lost, or stolen. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Timeline and what to expect after replacement

In-person replacement is the fastest option. You walk out with a temporary paper license valid when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is fully legal and works for all purposes.

Mail replacement takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your package, plus time for mailing. This means the total time from when you mail your documents to when you receive your new license is typically 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, you do not have a valid license unless you request a temporary one in person first.

If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks of your in-person replacement, or within eight weeks of your mail replacement, contact the DPS Driver License Division. Provide your driver's license number or Social Security number and they can check the status. Occasionally licenses are lost in the mail and DPS can reissue one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it's expired?

Yes. A replacement and a renewal are different transactions. You can replace an expired license at any time without retaking tests. If your license is also expired, you may want to renew it at the same time to extend its validity, but replacement alone is available regardless of expiration date.

Do I need to take the written or road test again?

No. Replacement does not require any tests. You only retake tests if you're renewing after your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you're changing your license class (for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement).

What if I lost my Social Security card and don't have other proof?

Bring a birth certificate or passport instead. DPS accepts these as proof of your Social Security number. You can also contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card, though that takes several weeks.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Alabama does not offer online license replacement. You must replace it in person at a DPS office or by mail. In-person is faster and recommended if you can visit an office.

What if my name has changed since my current license was issued?

Bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other documents. DPS will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name. This counts as a replacement, not a renewal.