What you need to do right now
To replace a lost driver's license in Alabama, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Examiner's Office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, since a stolen ID can be misused. However, the replacement process itself is the same whether your license is lost or stolen.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS Driver License Examiner's Office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of your current Alabama address.
- The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license or $25.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and payment must be made at the office.
- You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, since you will need it to complete the replacement form.
Documents to bring to the DPS office
You must bring two forms of identification to prove who you are. Acceptable primary ID documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a state ID from another state. If you do not have one of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents such as a Social Security card, a school or work ID, a bank statement, or a utility bill.
You also need proof that you currently live in Alabama. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must show your address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and your documents do not yet reflect your new address, bring a lease or mortgage statement along with a piece of mail from a government agency or financial institution showing your new address.
Bring your Social Security number written down or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. You will also need to know your current license number if you remember it, though the DPS can look it up if you cannot recall it.
Where to go and how to find your nearest office
Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. You can visit any office in the state; you do not have to go to the one in your home county. To find the office nearest you, go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool, or call 334-242-4437 to ask for the address and hours of the office closest to you.
Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations accept appointments. Call ahead to ask whether the office you plan to visit takes appointments or walk-ins. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, but hours vary by location. Some offices close for lunch, so plan accordingly.
The replacement fee and payment methods
The fee to replace a lost standard driver's license is $20.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead (which is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025), the fee is $25.50. You must pay in cash or by debit card at the office; credit cards are not accepted at all locations, so bring cash as a backup.
The fee covers the cost of the replacement license and the new photo. There are no additional fees for the temporary paper license you receive on the spot. Payment is collected at the time of your visit, and no refunds are issued if you change your mind about the replacement.
What happens at the office and what you receive
When you arrive, you will fill out an process for Alabama Driver License form (DL-43). The staff will review your documents, verify your information in the system, and take a new photo for your license. The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same legal standing as a plastic license—you can use it to drive, as proof of identity, and for any other purpose. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address at any DPS office or online through the Alabama DPS website.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud
If your license was stolen rather than lost, consider filing a police report with your local law enforcement agency. This creates an official record and may help if the license is later used fraudulently. You do not need a police report to replace your license, but having one on file is useful if someone uses your stolen ID to open accounts or commit fraud.
You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This step is free and takes about 15 minutes. You can initiate a fraud alert by phone, online, or by mail, and it will remain in place for one year.
Renewing versus replacing: which do you need?
If your license is lost or stolen, you are replacing it, not renewing it. A replacement keeps your current license number and expiration date. You only renew when your license is about to expire or has already expired. If your lost license was close to expiration, you may want to ask the DPS staff whether it makes sense to renew at the same time, though this would involve an additional fee and is not required.
The advantage of replacing rather than renewing is that you keep your existing license number and do not have to worry about your expiration date changing. If you choose to renew at the same time as replacing, the DPS will issue you a new license with a new expiration date, and you will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Alabama requires you to replace a lost license in person at a DPS Driver License Examiner's Office. You must bring documents and have a new photo taken. There is no online or mail-in option for replacements.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your plastic license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, so you have time to drive and use it as ID while you wait. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a combination of secondary documents instead. Bring items like a Social Security card, school or work ID, bank statement, or utility bill. The DPS staff will help you determine whether your combination of documents meets the requirements.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
You do not need a police report to replace your license. However, if you believe your license was stolen or are worried it might be used fraudulently, filing a report creates an official record and is a good precaution.
Can I get a REAL ID license when I replace my lost license?
Yes. When you visit the DPS office, tell the staff you want a REAL ID-compliant license. The fee is $25.50 instead of $20.50, and you will need to bring additional documents proving citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. The process takes the same amount of time.