What Alabama Offers Online for License Replacement
Alabama allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, but online replacement is not the same as online renewal. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot complete the full replacement process online. You can start the process and pay the fee online, but you will need to visit an ALEA office in person to provide your signature and take a new photo.
If your license has straightforward expired and you want to renew it without changes, you may be able to renew online depending on your age and when your license was last issued. The online option saves you a trip if you are renewing only — not replacing.
Alabama does not mail replacement licenses to your home after an online order. You must pick up your new license at an ALEA Driver License office within 30 days of your visit, or it will be returned to inventory.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired and you are renewing without changes; lost, stolen, or damaged licenses require an in-person visit.
- You can pay the replacement fee online, but ALEA will not issue a license without your in-person signature and photo.
- After your in-person visit, you must pick up your new license at the same ALEA office within 30 days or it will be discarded.
- The replacement fee in Alabama is $25.00 for a four-year license or $30.00 for a six-year license, payable by credit or debit card online.
When You Can Renew Online Instead of Replacing In Person
You are may be able to access to renew your license online if your current license is expired or expiring within the next 180 days, you are at least 18 years old, and your license was issued in Alabama. You cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other information on the license — those changes require an in-person visit.
To renew online, visit the ALEA website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If you are unsure whether your license is valid, call ALEA at 334-242-4437 before you attempt to renew online.
Steps to Start a Replacement Online and Finish In Person
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you will begin the replacement process on the ALEA website but cannot finish it there. Here is the order of steps:
- Visit the ALEA Driver License Services website and select "Replace License."
- Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Answer security questions to verify your identity.
- Pay the replacement fee ($25.00 for a four-year license or $30.00 for a six-year license) by credit or debit card.
- Print your confirmation receipt or save it to your phone.
- Visit an ALEA Driver License office in person with your confirmation receipt, a valid form of identification, and proof of your Alabama residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
- Provide your signature and allow ALEA to take a new photo.
- Pick up your new license at the same office within 30 days.
If you do not pick up your license within 30 days, ALEA will return it to inventory and you will need to start the process again.
What Identification and Documents You Need for In-Person Pickup
Bring your confirmation receipt from the online payment, a valid form of government-issued photo identification (such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), and proof of your current Alabama address. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are replacing a license that was damaged or defaced, bring the damaged license with you if you still have it.
ALEA offices do not accept documents by mail or email. You must present them in person at the office where you plan to pick up your new license.
Finding an ALEA Office Near You and Office Hours
Alabama has Driver License offices in most counties. The main office is in Montgomery, but you can visit any ALEA Driver License office to pick up your replacement license. Use the ALEA office locator on their website to find the office closest to you, along with its hours and phone number.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have limited hours or are closed on certain days. Call ahead to confirm the office is open before you make the trip, especially if you are traveling more than 30 minutes.
If you cannot reach an office by phone, you can also visit the ALEA website to check current wait times at some locations, though not all offices report this information online.
Fees and Payment Methods for Online Replacement
The replacement fee is $25.00 for a four-year license or $30.00 for a six-year license. You choose which term you want when you pay online. The fee is non-refundable even if you do not pick up your license within the 30-day window.
ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online payment. There is no additional processing fee for paying by card. If you lose your confirmation receipt, you can print a new one from the ALEA website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
What Happens If You Miss the 30-Day Pickup Window
If you do not pick up your replacement license within 30 days of your in-person visit, ALEA will return the license to inventory. You will not receive a refund of the replacement fee. To get a new license, you will need to start the replacement process again and pay the fee a second time.
If you know you will not be able to pick up your license within 30 days, contact the ALEA office where you had your photo taken and ask whether they can extend the important date. Some offices may hold a license longer if you have a documented reason, but this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew or replace your license online or in person if it is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with ALEA or the court that issued it. Call ALEA at 334-242-4437 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
What if I do not have a printer to print my confirmation receipt?
You can save your confirmation receipt to your phone and show it to the ALEA staff member when you arrive for your in-person visit. You do not need a printed copy, but you do need to have the confirmation number from your online payment ready.
How long does it take to get my license after I pick it up in person?
Your new license is ready to take home the same day you visit the ALEA office for your signature and photo. There is no waiting period after your in-person visit. You must pick it up within 30 days or it will be discarded.
Can I have my replacement license mailed to me instead of picking it up?
No. Alabama does not mail replacement licenses. You must pick up your license in person at the ALEA office where you provided your signature and photo. If you move before you pick up your license, you will still need to return to that office to collect it.
What if I paid the fee online but decided not to go in person?
The replacement fee is non-refundable. If you do not complete the in-person visit within 30 days, your license will be returned to inventory and your payment will not be credited toward a future replacement. You will need to pay the full fee again if you want to replace your license later.