Get a replacement license by visiting an Alabama Department of Public Safety office with proof of identity and residency

To replace a lost Alabama driver's license, you need to go in person to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office, bring proof of your identity and Alabama residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew or replace your license online or by mail in Alabama.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first — not because it is required to get a replacement, but because a police report can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently. Keep the report number for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person; Alabama does not offer online or mail replacement for lost licenses.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) plus one document showing your current Alabama address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The replacement fee is $25.50 for a standard license and $32.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
  • Your replacement license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to drive legally while you wait.
  • If your license was stolen, consider filing a police report to protect yourself against fraud, though it is not required for replacement.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one form of government-issued photo identification and one proof of your current Alabama address. Your photo ID can be a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask the DPS office which ones they will accept, because the rules are complex for people without standard photo ID.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy with your name and current Alabama address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license renewal notice from DPS also counts. If you have just moved and do not have a document in your new address yet, call your local DPS office to ask what they will accept — some offices will take a signed statement from a landlord or family member.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (Social Security card, tax return, W-2). You will also need to know your current license number if you remember it, though the office can look it up if you cannot recall it.

Finding your nearest DPS Driver License office and hours

Alabama has Driver License offices in most counties. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website at dps.alabama.gov. Search for "Driver License Office Locations" or call 334-242-4437 to confirm hours before you go, because some offices have limited schedules and may close for lunch.

Many offices are busier on Fridays and at the beginning of the month. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you will likely wait less time. Some offices do not take walk-ins after a certain time — arrive early enough to be served before closing.

The replacement fee and what type of license to choose

A standard Alabama driver's license replacement costs $25.50. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $32.50. The difference is that a REAL ID license meets federal standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings without a passport. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025.

If you fly domestically or plan to enter a federal courthouse or military base, get the REAL ID version. If you rarely fly or do not need to enter federal facilities, the standard license is sufficient for driving. You can upgrade to REAL ID later when you renew, though you will pay the higher fee then as well.

Pay the fee at the office when you submit your process. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location.

Getting a temporary license to drive while you wait

When you submit your replacement process, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license. This is a printed document that allows you to drive legally for 45 days while your permanent license is being mailed to you. You do not pay extra for it — it is included with your replacement. The office will give it to you before you leave.

Keep the temporary license with you when you drive. It is not a physical card, so treat it carefully and do not fold it. If you lose the temporary license before your permanent one arrives, you will need to return to the DPS office and request another one.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you have the option to file a police report. This is not required to get a replacement, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number for fraud or identity theft. Contact your local police department (not the DPS) and report the theft. Keep the report number they give you.

You do not need the police report to replace your license at the DPS office — just bring your documents and pay the fee as usual. However, if you later discover that someone used your license fraudulently, the police report will help you dispute the charges and protect your record.

Timeline and what to do if your license does not arrive

Your replacement license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of your office visit. Mail delivery times can vary depending on where you live in Alabama. If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received it, contact the DPS office where you applied and provide your name and date of birth. They can check the status of your license and remail it if there was a delivery problem.

If you need to drive before your license arrives and you did not receive a temporary paper license at the office, return to the office and request one. You can also ask the office to issue a replacement license with expedited mailing, though this may cost extra — call ahead to ask if your office offers this service and what the fee is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license at any DPS office or only the one in my county?

You can visit any DPS Driver License office in Alabama, not just the one in your county. However, your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide, so make sure the address on your process is correct regardless of which office you visit.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Contact your local DPS Driver License office before you visit. They can tell you what documents you can bring instead of a Social Security number or card. You may need to bring additional identity documents or a letter from a government agency.

Do I need to take a new photo or pass a test to replace a lost license?

Yes, you will have a new photo taken at the office. You do not need to pass a written or driving test — replacement is not the same as retesting. The photo is taken during your visit and printed on your new license.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provide on your process. You cannot have it mailed to someone else or pick it up at the office. If you need to change the mailing address after you explore, call the DPS office when ready.

What if my address has changed since my lost license was issued?

Provide your current address on the replacement process. Bring a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Your new license will reflect your current address and will be mailed there.