What You Need to Do to Get a Replacement License in Alabama

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alabama driver's license, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost or stolen — you must appear in person.

Alabama does not issue temporary paper licenses while you wait for your replacement to arrive. If you need to drive before your new license comes, you can request a temporary driving permit at the DPS office, which is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally during that window.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an Alabama DPS driver license office in person with valid ID and proof of your current address to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
  • The replacement fee in Alabama is $20.50 for a standard license, and you pay at the office before you leave.
  • Your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can request a 30-day temporary driving permit at the office if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report, though it is not required by DPS to issue a replacement.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Alabama requires two forms of identification: one primary document and one secondary document. Your primary ID must show your full legal name, date of birth, and signature. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID card all work as primary documents. If you do not have a passport or military ID, you can use a certified copy of your birth certificate, which you can order from the Alabama Center for Health Statistics or obtain from the county where you were born.

For your secondary ID, bring something that shows your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all count. If you have moved recently and your address has not updated on your old license, bring the secondary document showing your new address — DPS will update your file and mail your new license there.

If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or legal guardian with a valid ID. The guardian does not need to stay for the entire appointment, but they must be present when you sign the process.

Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Visit

Alabama has DPS driver license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to book an appointment online through the DPS scheduling system. Check your local office's page to see whether appointments are required or recommended.

If your local office is closed or has a long wait, you can visit any DPS driver license office in the state — your replacement will still be mailed to your address on file. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours. Call ahead if you are unsure about wait times or whether your documents are acceptable.

The Replacement Fee and Payment Methods

The fee to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alabama driver's license is $20.50. You pay this fee at the office when you submit your process. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are replacing a license that was damaged due to a manufacturing defect (for example, the laminate is peeling or the card is cracked through no fault of your own), ask the DPS staff whether the replacement is free — some defects are covered at no cost.

If you also need to update your address, change your name, or add an organ donor designation, there is no additional fee for those changes when done at the same time as your replacement.

What Happens After You Leave the Office

After you complete your process and photo at the DPS office, your new license is printed and mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a tracking number or email confirmation — the license straightforward arrives in your mailbox. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied to verify the mailing address on file.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary driving permit you can request at the office is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. The permit is a paper document, not a card, and you must carry it with your old license (if you still have it) or your ID. Law enforcement will accept the temporary permit as proof that you have a valid license on file.

If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to file a police report, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report is not required by DPS to issue a replacement, but it creates an official record and can help if someone uses your stolen license number fraudulently. You can file a report with your local police department or sheriff's office — online filing is available in some jurisdictions.

When you go to the DPS office to replace your license, mention that it was stolen. The staff will note this in your file. If you are worried about fraud, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them — the alert will be shared across all three and will make it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit an Office in Person

Alabama law requires you to appear in person to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. There is no exception for people who are homebound, incarcerated, or living out of state. If you are temporarily out of Alabama, you must either return to the state to visit a DPS office or wait until you return. If you are permanently disabled and cannot leave your home, contact your local DPS office to ask whether they offer any accommodation — some offices may be able to discuss options, though a replacement license still requires your in-person presence and photo.

If you are incarcerated in Alabama, some facilities have DPS staff who visit to process license replacements. Ask your facility's administrative office whether this service is available at your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Alabama requires you to appear in person at a DPS driver license office to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You cannot do this by mail or online, even if you are renewing a license that is still valid.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Alabama Center for Health Statistics or from the county where you were born. This typically takes one to two weeks by mail. In the meantime, if you need to drive, you can visit a DPS office with whatever primary ID you do have and ask whether they can process your replacement — some offices may issue a temporary permit while you obtain your birth certificate.

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

No. DPS does not require a police report to issue a replacement. However, filing a report creates an official record and can help protect you if someone uses your stolen license number. You can file with your local police department or sheriff's office.

How long does the temporary driving permit last?

The temporary driving permit is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. You must carry it with your old license (if you still have it) or your ID when you drive. It is a paper document, not a card.

What if my replacement license arrives with errors on it?

Contact the DPS office where you applied when ready. If your name, date of birth, address, or other information is wrong, you can request a corrected license. Bring your new license and proof of the correct information (such as a birth certificate for name or date of birth errors). DPS will issue a corrected license at no additional charge.