You can replace your Alabama driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, but only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years

Alabama's online replacement service is the fastest route if your license meets the requirements. You'll pay a fee, upload a photo, and receive your replacement license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The entire process takes about 15 minutes from your computer or phone.

If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired beyond five years, you cannot use the online system. You'll need to visit an ALEA office in person instead. The same applies if you need to change your name, address, or other information on the license itself — the online service only replaces the physical card with the same details.

Key Takeaways

  • The online replacement service works only for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses that are still valid or expired less than five years.
  • You will need a valid payment method (debit or credit card) and a digital photo that meets ALEA's requirements.
  • The replacement fee is $20.25, paid during the online process.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your old license until it arrives.
  • If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years, you must visit an ALEA office in person.

Check your license status before you start

Before beginning the online replacement, verify that your license is not suspended or revoked. You can check this on the ALEA website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. A suspended or revoked license cannot be replaced online — you must resolve the suspension or revocation first, then visit an office in person.

Also confirm that your license has not been expired for more than five years. If it has, the online system will reject your request. In that case, you'll need to renew your license through the standard renewal process at an ALEA office, not straightforward replace it.

Gather your photo and payment information

You'll need a digital photo of yourself that meets ALEA's standards: a color photo taken within the last 30 days, head-and-shoulders only, plain light background, and your face clearly visible and centered. Glasses are allowed if you wear them for driving. The photo must be in JPG or PNG format and no larger than 2 MB.

If you don't have a photo that meets these requirements, you can take one with your phone camera or use a recent photo from your computer. Many people use a selfie against a white wall or plain background. If your photo is rejected during upload, the system will tell you why, and you can retake it.

Have a debit or credit card ready for the $20.25 replacement fee. This is the only cost; there are no additional charges for the online service.

Complete the online replacement form

Go to the ALEA website and select the driver's license replacement option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason your license needs replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). The system will pull up your current license information.

Review all the details on your license — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If any information is incorrect, you cannot fix it online. Stop here and visit an ALEA office instead, because replacing the card won't correct the underlying record.

Upload your digital photo when prompted. The system will check it against ALEA's requirements and tell you when ready if it doesn't meet the standards. If it's rejected, take another photo and try again.

Pay the fee and submit

Enter your debit or credit card information to pay the $20.25 replacement fee. The system is find and encrypted. Once you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save this number — you may need it if you have questions about your order.

Do not close the browser or navigate away from the page until you see the final confirmation. If the page closes before confirmation appears, contact ALEA to verify whether your payment went through.

Track your replacement license and what to expect

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your old license until the replacement arrives, even if it's damaged or you reported it stolen. There is no waiting period.

If you don't receive your license within 10 business days, contact ALEA with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your order and remail it if necessary. Keep your confirmation email until the license arrives.

When you must visit an ALEA office instead

The online replacement service has clear limits. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it online — you must first address the suspension or revocation through the court or ALEA, then visit an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you need to renew it, not replace it, and that requires an in-person visit.

You also cannot use the online service to change your name, address, or any other information on the license. If you need to update details, visit an ALEA office with your current license, proof of residency, and any documents supporting the change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the online replacement if my license was suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or ALEA. Once the suspension is lifted, you can replace your license online or in person.

What if my photo is rejected during upload?

The system will explain why — usually because the background is not plain, your face is not centered, or the photo is too old. Retake the photo following ALEA's requirements and upload it again. You can try as many times as needed without additional charges.

Can I change my address when I replace my license online?

No. The online replacement keeps all your current information the same. If you've moved, you must visit an ALEA office in person to update your address at the same time you replace your license.

What if I don't receive my replacement license within 10 days?

Contact ALEA with your confirmation number. They can verify the mailing status and resend your license if it was lost in the mail. Keep your confirmation email until the license arrives.

Do I need to bring anything to the mailbox when my license arrives?

No. Your replacement license will arrive in a standard envelope with no signature required. Once it arrives, you can start using it when ready and discard your old license.