How to Replace Your Alabama Driver's License

How to replace your Alabama driver's license

You can replace your Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet specific conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $25.50 for a standard replacement. The mail route costs $20 and takes two to three weeks but requires that your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical or legal holds on your record.

You will need to bring your current license (or a valid ID if your license is lost), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Alabama address. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must go in person and resolve the suspension before a replacement is issued. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one — it is not required, but it speeds the process.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at a DPS Driver License Office takes 30 minutes, costs $25.50, and works for all situations including suspended licenses.
Mail replacement costs $20 and takes two to three weeks, but only works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and has no suspension or medical holds.
You need your current license or valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama address for either method.
If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension in person before a replacement is issued.
A police report for a lost or stolen license is not required but can speed up processing.

In-person replacement at a DPS Driver License Office

Walk into any Alabama DPS Driver License Office with your documents and complete the replacement on the spot. Bring your current license, or if it is lost or stolen, bring another valid photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. You will also need to provide your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return works) and proof of your current Alabama address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

The fee is $25.50 and you pay at the office. You will receive your new license when ready or within a few days, depending on the office's workload. If your license is suspended or revoked, the DPS staff will tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension — usually paying a reinstatement fee or completing a required course — before they can issue a replacement. Do not leave without asking what the next step is; suspensions do not resolve on their own.

To find the DPS Driver License Office nearest you, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some offices have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead can tell you whether there is a wait.

Mail replacement for unexpired or recently expired licenses

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no suspension or medical holds, and your license was not lost or stolen, you can mail in a replacement request. You will need to complete the DPS Driver License Replacement by Mail form (available on the Alabama DPS website), include a copy of your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama address. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form.

The fee is $20, which you can pay by check or money order included with your process. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. This method does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or has a medical hold, or if your license expired more than five years ago — in those cases, you must go in person.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

Report the loss or theft to local police and ask for a report number. Bring that report number (or the full police report) to the DPS Driver License Office when you explore for a replacement. The report is not required — the DPS will issue a replacement without it — but it protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently and it can speed up processing.

You cannot use the mail-in method if your license is lost or stolen. You must go in person to the DPS Driver License Office. Bring your police report, a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Alabama address. The replacement fee is still $25.50.

Replacing a suspended or revoked license

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot receive a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DPS will not issue a new license while a hold is active. You must go in person to the DPS Driver License Office to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to resolve it.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. Each reason has a different resolution process. For unpaid fines, you may need to pay the court or set up a payment plan. For failure to appear, you may need to contact the court and reschedule. For child support, you may need to contact the Department of Human Resources. The DPS staff can tell you which agency to contact and what documents you need. Once the suspension is lifted, you can get your replacement license at the same visit or return later.

Fees and what they cover

A standard replacement license costs $25.50 if you go in person or $20 if you mail in your request. This fee covers a four-year license for drivers under 65 and an eight-year license for drivers 65 and older. The fee does not include any reinstatement fees if your license is suspended — those are separate and vary depending on the reason for suspension.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel), the cost is the same. You do not pay extra for Real ID compliance; you just need to bring additional proof of identity and residency. If you want a REAL ID license, tell the DPS staff when you explore.

Processing times and receiving your new license

In-person replacements are issued when ready or within a few days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid until your plastic card arrives by mail, usually within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your plastic license arrives, the temporary license is valid for all purposes.

Mail-in replacements take two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on your process. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the DPS Driver License Bureau to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is suspended?

No, not by mail. You must go in person to the DPS Driver License Office, find out why it is suspended, and resolve the suspension first. Once lifted, you can get your replacement at the same visit or return later. The DPS staff will tell you exactly what you need to do.

Do I need a police report if my license is lost?

No, a police report is not required. The DPS will issue a replacement without one. However, filing a report protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently and can speed up processing, so it is worth doing if you have time.

Can I mail in a replacement if my license expired more than five years ago?

No. Mail-in replacement only works if your license expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired longer ago, you must go in person to the DPS Driver License Office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

What is the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID license?

A REAL ID license costs the same but requires additional proof of identity and residency. It is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. If you want REAL ID compliance, tell the DPS staff when you explore and bring extra documents like a passport or birth certificate.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid until your plastic card arrives by mail, usually one to two weeks. It works for all purposes, including driving and identification. Once your plastic license arrives, the temporary is no longer valid.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.