Report the loss and request a replacement through the Alabama Department of Public Safety

When your Alabama driver's license goes missing, you have two paths: report it lost to prevent fraud, then request a replacement card. You can do both in one visit to a Driver License Examiner's Office, or you can report the loss online first and handle the replacement separately. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not mail replacement licenses — you must appear in person at an examiner's office to get a new card.

Start by reporting the loss to the DPS. You can file a report online through the Alabama DPS website, by phone at 334-242-4437, or in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office. Reporting online takes about 10 minutes and flags your license number in the system so someone else cannot use it. Once reported, you can move forward with the replacement process when ready — you do not have to wait for confirmation.

The replacement card itself costs $20.50 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue (or until your original expiration date, whichever comes first). You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the permanent card is printed, which typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your lost license to the Alabama DPS online, by phone, or in person to prevent someone else from using your license number.
  • You must appear in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office to receive a replacement card; Alabama does not issue replacements by mail.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID).
  • The replacement fee is $20.50, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

Documents you need to bring to the examiner's office

Alabama requires three categories of documents at your in-person appointment: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot complete the replacement without all three.

Proof of identity means an original or certified copy of one of these: U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or passport card. A photocopy of your old license does not count. If your birth certificate is not certified (it does not have a raised seal or official stamp), you will need to order a certified copy from the Alabama Center for Health Statistics before your appointment.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A bank statement showing your SSN does not count. Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Alabama address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A post office change-of-address form does not.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have all three categories, the examiner will not process your replacement, and you will have to return another day.

Finding a Driver License Examiner's Office near you

Alabama has 52 Driver License Examiner's Offices spread across the state. You can search for the one closest to you on the Alabama DPS website by entering your county or city. Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering limited Saturday hours.

Call ahead before you go. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some accept appointments or have wait times that change throughout the day. A quick phone call to confirm they have your documents in order and to ask about current wait times can save you a wasted trip.

If you live far from an examiner's office or have mobility issues, ask about mobile examiner services. The DPS occasionally brings a mobile unit to rural counties and community centers. Check the DPS website or call 334-242-4437 to learn about a mobile unit is scheduled for your area.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked at the time you lost it, you cannot get a replacement card until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The examiner will check your driving record before issuing the replacement, and if a suspension or revocation is active, they will turn you away.

Contact the Alabama DPS to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you need to do to clear it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical suspension, or conviction of a traffic offense. Some suspensions are lifted automatically after a set period; others require you to pay a fine, complete a course, or meet other conditions. Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can return to the examiner's office and complete your replacement.

Temporary paper license and permanent card timeline

When you complete your replacement appointment, the examiner will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as a permanent card — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and present it to law enforcement. Write down the temporary license number in case you need to reference it.

Your permanent plastic card is printed at a central facility and mailed to the address you provided at the examiner's office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS at 334-242-4437 with your temporary license number and the date of your appointment. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays happen, and the DPS can track the status of your card.

If you move before your permanent card arrives, do not open mail addressed to your old address. Contact the DPS with your new address and ask them to reissue the card to the correct location. Reissuing costs an additional $20.50.

Preventing future loss and protecting your identity

After you receive your replacement card, take steps to reduce the risk of loss and identity theft. Keep your license in a dedicated slot in your wallet, not loose in a pocket or bag. Take a photo of your license and store it securely on your phone — if you lose the card again, you will have the number and expiration date on hand when you report it.

If you suspect your lost license was stolen rather than straightforward misplaced, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by contacting any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two.

Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can order a free credit report once per year from annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts or inquiries you did not authorize, contact the creditor and the Federal Trade Commission when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license without reporting the original as lost?

Yes, you can request a replacement without filing a loss report. However, reporting the loss first prevents someone from using your license number fraudulently. It takes only a few minutes online, and there is no downside to doing it.

What if I find my original license after I get the replacement?

Destroy the original license by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not carry both cards or try to use the old one — it is no longer valid once a replacement has been issued. If you find it and want to keep it as a keepsake, remove the magnetic stripe and photo first.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the examiner's office to receive your replacement. The examiner will verify your identity and take a new photo. No proxy or power of attorney is accepted for this transaction.

Do I have to replace my license if I find it after reporting it lost?

No. If you find your original license after reporting it lost but before you get a replacement, you can cancel the replacement request by calling the DPS at 334-242-4437. Your original license will remain valid. If you have already received the replacement card, you must destroy the original and use the new one.

What if I lost my license out of state?

Report the loss to the Alabama DPS using the same process. You can report it online or by phone from anywhere. However, you must appear in person at an Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office to receive the replacement card — you cannot do this at a DMV in another state. Plan your next trip to Alabama or request a replacement when you return.