The cost of a replacement Alabama driver's license is $32.50

A replacement license in Alabama costs $32.50 if you need a standard plastic card. This is the fee you pay to the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) when you request a duplicate or replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged license. The fee is the same whether you're replacing a license that expired or one that's still valid.

You can pay this fee in person at any Alabama DPS Driver License Examiner's Office. Most offices accept cash, check, or debit/credit card, though payment methods can vary slightly by location. If you're mailing in your request, you'll typically need to include a check or money order payable to the State of Alabama.

The $32.50 covers the cost of producing and issuing the new card itself. It does not include any additional services, such as a name change or address update, which may have their own separate fees depending on what documents you need to provide.

Key Takeaways

  • A replacement Alabama driver's license costs $32.50 and is the same price whether your license was lost, stolen, damaged, or expired.
  • You can pay by cash, check, or card at any DPS Driver License Examiner's Office in person, or by check or money order if you mail in your request.
  • The $32.50 fee covers only the replacement card itself; additional services like a legal name change may have separate costs.
  • Processing time for a replacement license is typically one to two weeks if you explore in person, or longer if you mail your request.

How to request a replacement license in person

The fastest way to get a replacement license is to visit a DPS Driver License Examiner's Office in your county. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of identification. You do not need to bring the old license if it was lost or stolen—just tell the examiner what happened.

At the office, you'll fill out an process form, pay the $32.50 fee, and have your photo taken for the new card. The examiner will process your request on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 45 days, and your plastic replacement card will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks.

If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you. The examiner may be able to process the replacement more quickly if they can see the original card and verify the information.

Mailing in a replacement request

You can also request a replacement license by mail if you prefer not to visit an office in person. Send a completed process form (DL-44), a check or money order for $32.50 payable to the State of Alabama, a copy of your proof of residency, and a copy of your identification to your county's DPS Driver License Examiner's Office.

Processing a mailed request takes longer than an in-person visit—typically three to four weeks or more, depending on mail delivery time and office workload. You will not receive a temporary paper license when you mail in your request, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.

Contact your local DPS office before mailing to confirm they accept mail-in requests and to get the correct mailing address. Some offices have specific procedures for handling mailed applications.

What happens if your license was lost or stolen

If your license was lost or stolen, you still pay the standard $32.50 replacement fee. You do not need to file a police report to get a replacement, though you may want to do so if your license was stolen as part of a larger theft.

When you explore for the replacement, straightforward tell the examiner that your license was lost or stolen. They will note this in the system and process your request the same way as any other replacement. Your new license will have a different number than your old one.

If you're concerned about identity theft because your license was stolen, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at no cost. This is a separate step from replacing your license and helps protect your credit.

Replacing a damaged or worn license

If your license is damaged—cracked, faded, or unreadable—you can request a replacement for the same $32.50 fee. Bring the damaged card with you to the examiner's office so they can see the condition and verify your information before issuing the new one.

A license that is straightforward worn but still readable may not may have access to for a free replacement. The examiner will decide whether the damage is significant enough to warrant a replacement at no extra charge, or whether you'll need to pay the $32.50 fee. If you're unsure, contact your local DPS office before visiting.

Replacing a license with a name change

If you've changed your legal name since your license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or court order—you'll need to provide documentation of the name change along with your replacement request. The $32.50 fee still applies, but you must also bring the original or certified copy of the document that shows your new legal name.

For a name change due to marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order. The examiner will verify the document and update your license information before issuing the replacement card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?

You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days on the day you explore in person. Your plastic replacement card arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you need to drive when ready, the temporary license is valid for that purpose.

Do I have to go to my county's DPS office, or can I go to any office in Alabama?

You can visit any DPS Driver License Examiner's Office in the state, not just the one in your county. However, some offices may be busier than others, so calling ahead to check wait times is a good idea.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

Proof of residency is required to get a replacement license. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. If you don't have any of these, contact your local DPS office to ask what alternatives they accept.

Is the $32.50 fee refundable if I change my mind?

No, the fee is not refundable once you've paid it and the process has been processed. Make sure you want a replacement before paying.

How long is a replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in five years, your replacement will also expire in five years from the date it was issued.