How to Replace Your Lost Alabama Driver's License

Get a replacement license at your local Alabama DMV office with your Social Security number and proof of identity

To replace a lost Alabama driver's license, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office in person. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online. The office will issue you a replacement license the same day if you bring the correct documents and pay the replacement fee, which is $25.50 for a standard four-year license or $38.50 for an eight-year license.

The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour from arrival to leaving with your new license in hand. You will need to pass a vision test and have your photograph taken. If you have moved since your last license was issued, you will also need to provide proof of your current address.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person; there is no mail-in or online replacement option for a lost license in Alabama.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of current address if you have moved.
The replacement fee is $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.50 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
Your new license will be issued the same day you visit, and you will pass a vision test and have a new photo taken as part of the process.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with local police, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV office

Alabama requires two forms of identification to replace a lost license. Your primary ID should be an original or certified copy of one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. A photocopy of your passport will not work; it must be the original document or an official certified copy.

Your second form of ID can be a Social Security card, a work ID, a school ID, a credit card, or a bank statement with your name on it. You will also need to provide your Social Security number verbally or in writing at the office. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document with your current address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Finding your nearest Alabama DMV office and scheduling

Alabama DPS Driver License offices are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website by entering your county or city. The website lists the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each office.

Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest in the morning and on Fridays. If you want to reduce your wait time, call your local office ahead of time to ask when they are least busy, or check the website to see if your office offers online scheduling. Not all Alabama offices have online scheduling yet, so calling first is the safest option.

What happens during your visit to replace your license

When you arrive at the office, you will check in at the front desk and provide your documents. A staff member will review your ID and proof of address, take your Social Security number, and ask you to confirm your current address and any other information on your license. You will then be directed to the vision testing station.

The vision test is a standard screening that checks whether you can read a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form before your license can be issued. After the vision test, you will have a new photograph taken. Smile or neutral expression is acceptable; the photo will be used on your license for the next four or eight years.

Once your photo is taken, you will go to the payment window, pay the replacement fee, and receive your new license. Your old license, if you still have it, will be taken and destroyed. If you do not have your old license (because it is lost), straightforward tell the staff member, and they will note that in the system.

Replacement fees and payment methods

The replacement fee for a lost Alabama driver's license is $25.50 for a four-year license or $38.50 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you pay. The four-year license is less expensive but must be renewed more often; the eight-year license costs more but lasts longer. Most people choose based on how long they plan to stay in Alabama or how often they want to renew.

Alabama DPS offices accept cash, personal checks, and credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). Some smaller offices may accept only cash or check, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific location. There are no additional fees for paying by card.

If your license was stolen, consider filing a police report

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you may want to file a report with your local police department. A police report creates an official record that your license was stolen, which can help protect you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. However, filing a police report is not required to get a replacement license from Alabama DPS.

If you are concerned that your license may be used for identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. These steps are separate from the license replacement process but may help protect your identity.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

Alabama does not offer mail-in or online replacement for a lost license. You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person. If you are unable to travel to an office due to a disability or medical condition, call your local office to ask whether they can make an exception or arrange an alternative. Some offices may be able to work with you on a case-by-case basis, but this is not may provide.

If you are temporarily out of state, you will need to return to Alabama to replace your license. You cannot replace an Alabama license at a DMV office in another state. If you have moved out of Alabama permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

No. Alabama does not issue temporary licenses. Your replacement license is issued the same day you visit the office, so you will have a valid license to use when ready after your visit. If you need to drive before you can visit an office, you will be driving without a valid license, which is illegal.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still replace your license if you have another form of primary ID (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or similar). You do not need your Social Security card; you only need to provide your Social Security number verbally or in writing at the office. If you do not know your Social Security number, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to retrieve it before you visit the DMV.

Do I have to take a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes. Alabama requires a new photograph for every replacement license, even if your old license photo is recent. You cannot use your old photo or provide your own photograph. The photo will be taken at the office during your visit.

How long is my replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid for either four or eight years from the date it is issued, depending on which term you chose and paid for. The expiration date will be printed on your license. You will need to renew your license before the expiration date if you want to continue driving legally in Alabama.

What if I move to another state after I get my replacement license?

Your Alabama license will remain valid in other states for the duration of its term, but you will eventually need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Most states require you to obtain a local license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. Check your new state's DMV website for specific requirements.

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.