What You Need to Do Right Now

To get a replacement driver's license in Alabama, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local law enforcement and keep the report number — some offices ask for it. If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you; the office will destroy it and issue the replacement. If it's lost, you'll straightforward report that to the DPS staff when you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a DPS Driver License office with valid proof of identity and proof of your current Alabama address.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50, and you can pay by cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards.
  • Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the office.
  • If your license was stolen, bring a police report number or the report itself to speed up the process.
  • You must bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Alabama requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. You cannot use the same document for both.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy — a photocopy will not work. If your name has changed since the document was issued (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Alabama address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. A phone bill or cell phone bill does not count. Your name must appear on the document.

You must also provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return that shows it. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Where to Go and How to Schedule

Alabama has DPS Driver License offices in every county. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary widely — offices in larger cities often have longer lines, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. Some offices now offer online scheduling through the Alabama DPS website; check your county's office page to see if yours does.

To find your nearest office, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and search by county. The site lists the office address, phone number, and hours. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your office takes appointments or walk-ins, or if you want to know the current wait time.

Bring all your documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof. Arrive early in the day if possible; offices tend to be less crowded in the morning. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out any forms at the office.

The Step-by-Step Process at the Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk or kiosk. Tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. They will ask you whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, and they may ask for a police report number if it was stolen.

You will be given a form to complete — usually the DL-44 or a similar replacement form. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. Fill it out completely and legibly. If you are unsure about any field, ask a staff member before you submit it.

Next, you will present your documents to a clerk. They will verify your identity and residency documents and record your Social Security number. They will take a new photo for your license unless you have a valid reason not to have one taken (such as a religious objection). If you object to a photo, tell the staff member before they take it.

You will then pay the $20.50 fee. Most offices accept cash, checks, and debit cards. Some accept credit cards, but not all — ask before you assume. You will receive a receipt and a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

What Happens After You Leave the Office

Your new license is mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Do not expect it to arrive on a specific day — mail delivery times vary by location and season.

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification during that time. Keep it with you until your permanent license arrives. Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary license.

If your license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the DPS office where you applied. Have your receipt ready. They can check the status of your order and reissue it if there was a problem with the mailing address.

Special Situations and Common Problems

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not issue a replacement under a different name without this document.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the replacement process is the same, but the fee is $25 instead of $20.50. You do not need to take the CDL test again; the replacement straightforward reissues your existing CDL.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS to check your driving record before you go to the office. If there is a hold on your license, the staff will tell you when you arrive, and you will need to resolve the issue before a replacement can be issued.

If you are a non-citizen, you can still get a replacement license if you have a valid visa or other immigration document. Bring your passport and visa or I-94 card along with your other proof of identity. Your license will be valid only for as long as your immigration status allows.

Fees and Payment Methods

The replacement fee for a standard Alabama driver's license is $20.50. If you hold a commercial driver's license, the fee is $25. These are the only fees charged for a replacement — there are no additional processing fees or expedited shipping options.

Payment methods accepted vary by office. Cash and checks are accepted at all locations. Debit cards are accepted at most offices. Credit cards are accepted at some offices but not all — call your local office to confirm before you go. If you pay by check, make it payable to the "State of Alabama."

If you cannot pay the fee at the time of your visit, you cannot receive your replacement license that day. You will need to return with payment to complete the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Alabama mails all replacement licenses, and delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days that you can use for driving and identification while you wait for the permanent license to arrive.

What if I moved to Alabama from another state and my old license is lost?

You will need to get an Alabama license, not a replacement. Bring your out-of-state license if you have it, or bring your proof of identity and residency. The process is the same as a replacement, and the fee is $20.50 for a standard license.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement if my license was stolen?

No, but having one speeds up the process. If you have a police report number, bring it or the report itself. If you do not have one, you can still get a replacement — just tell the DPS staff that your license was stolen.

What if my address on my license is outdated?

The DPS will update your address during the replacement process. Bring proof of your current address, and the new license will be mailed to that address. You do not need to pay an extra fee for the address change.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your license is mailed directly to the address you provide, and only you can receive it. You cannot have it mailed to someone else's address or pick it up at the DPS office.