What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost driver's license in Alabama, you will need to visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person, bring proof of your identity and Social Security number, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit, and your temporary license is issued when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace your license by mail or online in Alabama — you must appear in person at an examiner's office. The state does not mail temporary licenses; instead, you receive a paper temporary that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your Social Security number.
  • The replacement fee in Alabama is $25.50 for a standard driver's license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
  • Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and is issued the same day; your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and monitor your credit, though this is separate from the replacement process.

Documents You Must Bring to the Examiner's Office

Alabama requires two things: proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring one of these documents: a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID card, or a school or work ID with your photo. The document must show your full legal name and current address.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a bank statement with your Social Security number printed on it. If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot find any of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the examiner's office — this adds time to your overall process.

Bring your current address on one of your identity documents. If your address has changed since your lost license was issued, you will need to update it during the replacement process.

Finding Your Nearest Driver License Examiner's Office

Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website under "Driver License Examiner Offices." The site lists the address, phone number, and hours for each location.

Call ahead before you go. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some locations accept appointments or have walk-in hours. Calling also lets you confirm that the office has not changed its hours or closed temporarily.

Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended evening or Saturday hours. Plan to arrive early in the day if you cannot call ahead, as wait times can be longer in the afternoon.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, you will check in and provide your documents. A staff member will verify your identity and Social Security number, then ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. If your address has changed, you will update it at this time.

Next, you will have a new photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for the next several years. You will then pay the $25.50 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card — policies vary by office, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary is valid for 30 days and can be used anywhere your plastic license would be used — at traffic stops, to board flights, or to verify your age. Write down the temporary license number or take a photo of it in case you lose the paper.

When Your Permanent License Arrives

Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the examiner's office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit. If you move before your license arrives, contact the examiner's office with your new address so they can forward it.

If your license does not arrive within 14 days, call the examiner's office where you applied. They can check the status and reissue if necessary. Do not discard your temporary license until you have the permanent one in hand.

If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report is not required to replace your license, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your information fraudulently.

You should also monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or charges. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. These steps are separate from the license replacement process but protect you if your stolen license is used to open accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. Alabama will not issue a replacement license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or an active suspension. You must resolve the fine or suspension first. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

What if I do not have a Social Security card and cannot find any documents with my number on it?

You will need to request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you can replace your driver's license. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. This process takes 1 to 2 weeks, so plan accordingly.

Do I need to take a written test or road test to replace a lost license?

No. A replacement for a lost or stolen license does not require any testing. You only need to provide your documents, pay the fee, and have a new photo taken. Testing is only required if your license has expired or if you are renewing after a suspension.

What if my temporary license expires before my permanent license arrives?

Contact the examiner's office where you applied and ask them to issue a second temporary. They can extend your temporary status while your permanent license is in the mail. Do this before your first temporary expires so you are not without a valid license.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the examiner's office to replace your license. Alabama does not allow someone else to explore on your behalf or to pick up your license for you.