You can order a replacement Alabama driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, but only for a standard renewal or a duplicate of your current license
Alabama's online replacement system works for two situations: renewing a license that is about to expire or still valid, or ordering a duplicate of your current license if yours was lost, stolen, or damaged. You cannot use the online system to replace a suspended, revoked, or expired license (more than two years old). The process takes place entirely on the ALEA website, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
The online system costs $20.50 for a duplicate and $24 for a renewal. You will need a valid credit or debit card to pay, and you must have your current Alabama driver's license number or Social Security number to start the order. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot use this route — you must visit a Driver License Office in person and resolve the suspension or revocation first.
Key Takeaways
- The online replacement system only works if your license is currently valid or about to expire; suspended, revoked, or very old licenses require an in-person visit.
- You can order a duplicate (for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses) or a renewal online through the ALEA website for $20.50 to $24.
- Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person through the online system.
- You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to complete the order.
Step-by-step process for ordering online
Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and locate the Driver License section. Select either "Duplicate License" (if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged) or "Renewal" (if your license is still valid or expiring soon). You will be asked to enter your driver's license number or Social Security number to pull up your record.
Review your current information on file. If any details are wrong — your address, name, or date of birth — you cannot correct them online. Stop the process and visit a Driver License Office in person instead. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card information and confirm the $20.50 or $24 charge. You will receive a confirmation number by email.
Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file with ALEA. If you have moved recently and updated your address with the post office but not with ALEA, contact a Driver License Office before ordering to make sure your new license goes to the right place. Do not rely on mail forwarding for a government ID.
When you must visit a Driver License Office instead
If your license is suspended or revoked, the online system will reject your order. You must visit a Driver License Office in person, pay any outstanding fines or fees, and resolve the suspension or revocation before you can order a replacement. The office staff will tell you what steps are required and what you need to bring.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it online. You will need to explore for a new license in person, which involves a vision test and a new photo. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport).
If any of your personal information has changed — your legal name, address, or date of birth — and those changes are not yet reflected in the ALEA system, visit an office in person. The staff can update your record and issue your replacement at the same time.
What to expect after you order
Once your order is confirmed, ALEA will print your new license and mail it to your address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time ALEA processes your order. Do not expect your license to arrive on a specific day; mail times vary by location and season.
If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Driver License Section at the ALEA office. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your order and tell you whether it has been mailed or if there was a problem with the address.
Once your replacement arrives, destroy your old license if you have it. If your old license was lost or stolen, you do not need to do anything else — the new one replaces it automatically in the system.
Duplicate versus renewal: which one do you need
A duplicate license is a replacement of your current license with the same expiration date. Order a duplicate if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged but is still valid. You keep the same license number and expiration date. A duplicate costs $20.50.
A renewal is a new license with a new expiration date, usually five years from the date of issue. Order a renewal if your current license is about to expire or has recently expired (within two years). A renewal costs $24. If you order a renewal online, your new license will have the same number as your current one but a new expiration date printed on it.
If you are unsure which one you need, check your current license. If the expiration date has passed or is within 30 days, order a renewal. If your license is valid but you lost it or it was damaged, order a duplicate.
Payment and what happens if your order fails
The online system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Your card will be charged $20.50 for a duplicate or $24 for a renewal at the time you submit your order. The charge will appear on your statement as "ALEA" or "Alabama Law Enforcement Agency."
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready. Check that your card number, expiration date, and CVV are correct and try again. If the problem persists, use a different card or visit a Driver License Office in person to pay by cash or check.
If you are charged but do not receive a confirmation number, do not place another order. Contact the Driver License Section and provide your name and the date you attempted to order. They can look up your transaction and tell you whether your order went through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick up my replacement license at a Driver License Office instead of waiting for mail?
No. When you order online, your license is mailed to your address on file. There is no option to pick it up in person. If you need your license urgently, visit a Driver License Office in person and request expedited service; some offices can issue a temporary license the same day.
What if my address has changed since I got my current license?
Update your address with ALEA before you order online. Visit a Driver License Office or call the Driver License Section to change your address in the system. If you order before updating, your replacement will be mailed to your old address and you will have to request a second replacement.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online replacement?
No. A duplicate or online renewal uses your current photo from your existing license. If you want a new photo, you must visit a Driver License Office in person and request a new license with a new photo, which costs more and takes longer.
Can I order a replacement if my license is suspended?
No. The online system will reject your order if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a Driver License Office in person, resolve the suspension, and then order your replacement.
How long does the whole process take from order to delivery?
The online order takes about 5 minutes to complete. ALEA typically processes orders within 1 to 2 business days, and mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after that. Total time is usually 8 to 12 business days, but can be longer depending on mail service in your area.