What you need to do to get a replacement license in Alabama

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alabama driver's license, you visit your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, since a stolen ID can be used for identity theft.

Alabama does not offer online replacement or mail-in renewal for a lost or damaged license. You must appear in person at a DPS office. If your license was damaged but still readable, some offices may accept it in person without requiring a police report, though you should call ahead to confirm your local office's policy.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current Alabama address.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license and $25.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and payment is made at the office.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the office.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and consider a fraud alert with credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.
  • You will need to pass a vision test at the office, so bring glasses or contacts if you use them.

Documents to bring to the DPS office

Bring one form of valid photo ID. Acceptable forms include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two forms of non-photo ID such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill in your name.

You also need proof of your current Alabama address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. The document must show your name and current street address. A P.O. box is not acceptable as proof of residence.

If your original license was damaged, bring it with you. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring anything, but you should have a police report number if you filed one.

Where to go and how to find your nearest office

The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates driver's license offices across the state. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the DPS website at dps.alabama.gov. Search by county or city name. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days.

Call your local office before you go. Staff can confirm that they have the documents you plan to bring and tell you whether the office is experiencing delays. Some offices are busier than others, and a quick call can save you a trip if you are missing something.

You do not need an appointment at most Alabama DPS offices, but some locations now accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. A few offices in larger cities may offer appointment scheduling. Check the DPS website or call ahead to see whether your office uses appointments.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard Alabama driver's license replacement costs $20.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $25.50. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.

Payment is made at the DPS office when you explore. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some smaller offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

If your license was stolen and you file a police report, keep a copy of the report number. Some insurance companies offer discounts on identity theft protection if you can show a police report, and you may need it if the stolen license is used fraudulently.

What happens after you submit your process

After you complete your process at the DPS office, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Do not expect to pick up your license at the office — Alabama does not offer same-day or in-office pickup for replacements.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used while you wait for your permanent license in the mail. Ask the DPS staff whether your office issues temporary licenses and what the process is.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS office where you applied. Delays can happen, especially during busy periods. The office can check the status of your process and reissue if necessary.

If your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud

File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need the report to get your replacement license, but having a report number on file protects you if someone uses your stolen license to open accounts or commit fraud. Keep the report number for your records.

Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert by calling one bureau, and they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and is free.

You may also want to monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three bureaus. If you see accounts you did not open, contact the creditor and the credit bureau when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Most Alabama DPS offices issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Ask for one when you explore for your replacement. If your office does not issue temporary licenses, you will need to wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail before you can legally drive.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address to the DPS office. Your replacement license will be mailed to your current address on file. If you have not updated your address yet, update it at the same time you explore for your replacement license.

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

No. A police report is not required to get your replacement license from the DPS. However, filing a report protects you against fraud and is useful if someone uses your stolen license illegally. You can file a report with your local police department or sheriff's office at any time.

How long does a replacement license take if I need it urgently?

Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days by mail. Alabama does not offer expedited mail delivery for licenses. If you need to drive before your license arrives, request a temporary paper license at the DPS office, which is valid for 30 days.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with an error?

Contact the DPS office where you applied and explain the problem. Bring your damaged license and proof of identity. The office can issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by the DPS.