What a duplicate license is and when you need one

A duplicate Alabama driver's license is an exact replacement of your current license with the same number, expiration date, and restrictions. You order one when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged — not when you renew it or change your address. The Alabama Department of Public Safety issues duplicates, and the process takes about one to two weeks by mail.

You do not need a duplicate if you are renewing your license on schedule, changing your name, or updating your address. Those are separate transactions. A duplicate is only for replacing a license that still has time left on it but is no longer in your possession or is too damaged to use.

Key Takeaways

  • A duplicate license costs $20 and keeps your same license number and expiration date.
  • You can order a duplicate by mail, in person at a Driver License Office, or online through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail; in-person service is faster but requires a trip to an office.
  • You will need to prove your identity and residency, just as you would for an original license.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to order a duplicate.

Ordering a duplicate by mail

To order by mail, fill out Form DL-44 (process for Alabama Driver License or Identification Card) or Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card). Form DL-43 is shorter and designed specifically for duplicates. Both forms are available on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.

Include a copy of your proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or military ID) and proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Write a check or money order for $20 payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive your duplicate at the address you provide on the form. If you need your license sooner, visit a Driver License Office in person instead.

Getting a duplicate in person at a Driver License Office

Walk-in service is available at any Alabama Driver License Office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency (the same documents required by mail), your Social Security number, and $20 in cash or card. You will fill out Form DL-43 at the office.

Processing time at the office is usually the same day or within a few days, depending on how busy the location is. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Some offices accept appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ordering online through the Alabama website

The Alabama Department of Public Safety offers online ordering for duplicates on its official website. You will need to create an account, provide your license number and personal information, upload digital copies of your proof of identity and residency, and pay the $20 fee by card.

Online orders are mailed to your address and take the same one to two weeks as mail orders. This option is convenient if you prefer not to visit an office or mail physical documents, but it requires you to have digital copies of your documents ready.

What documents you need to bring or send

You must prove both your identity and your current Alabama address. For identity, the Alabama Department of Public Safety accepts a birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a current proof of residency, you may be able to use an affidavit of residency signed by a notary public. Call your local Driver License Office to ask whether this option is available in your situation.

Cost and payment methods

A duplicate Alabama driver's license costs $20. By mail, you can pay by check or money order. In person at a Driver License Office, you can pay in cash or by card. Online, you pay by card only.

There are no additional fees for processing or shipping. If you order by mail and your process is incomplete or rejected, the office will return your payment and ask you to resubmit.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number for fraud. However, reporting to police is not required in order to order a duplicate from the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

When you order your duplicate, your old license number becomes invalid once the new one is issued. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a duplicate license?

By mail or online, one to two weeks. In person at a Driver License Office, usually the same day or within a few days, depending on how busy the office is. Call ahead to ask about wait times at your nearest office.

Can I drive while I wait for my duplicate?

Not legally. Once your original license is lost or stolen, you should not drive until you have the duplicate in hand. If you are stopped by police without a valid license, you can be cited. If you need to drive before your duplicate arrives, contact your local Driver License Office to ask about a temporary permit.

What if I find my original license after I order a duplicate?

You can still use your original license. Once your duplicate arrives, you will have two valid licenses with the same number. Keep both in a safe place or destroy the one you do not use. There is no penalty for having both.

Do I need to renew my license if I order a duplicate?

No. A duplicate keeps your same expiration date and all your current restrictions or endorsements. You only renew when your license is about to expire, which is a separate process.

Can I change my address when I order a duplicate?

No. A duplicate is an exact replacement and does not allow you to change your address, name, or other information. If you need to update your address, you must submit a separate address-change form or renew your license.