Get a replacement license in person at an Alabama DMV office

To replace a lost driver's license in Alabama, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Alabama does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew or replace your license at a county tag office or courthouse. Only Driver License Examiner's Offices handle replacements. Alabama has offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person with valid ID and proof of residency to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
  • Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; do not expect it faster.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because Alabama will verify it during replacement.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one form of primary identification. This can be a passport, passport card, military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two forms of secondary ID instead, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card, or a birth certificate and a bank statement with your name on it.

You also need proof of residency showing your current Alabama address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The name on the residency document must match the name on your ID.

Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. Alabama verifies your Social Security number as part of the replacement process.

The replacement fee and what you pay for

A standard replacement license costs $20.50. This is the fee for a regular driver's license valid for eight years. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $26.50. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings; a standard license cannot.

You pay at the examiner's office when you submit your documents. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. There are no additional fees for the temporary paper license or for mailing your permanent card.

What happens after you submit your documents

The examiner will take a new photo of you and verify your information against state records. You will be asked to sign a form confirming your address and that your license was lost. If everything matches, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of identity and driving privilege while you wait for your permanent card.

Your permanent plastic license is printed and mailed to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. Do not expect expedited mail; Alabama does not offer rush processing for replacements. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the examiner's office where you applied.

Finding the nearest Driver License Examiner's Office

Visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool. Enter your county or city, and the tool will show you all nearby examiner's offices, their hours, and their phone numbers. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you are traveling a distance.

Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but wait times vary. If you want to avoid a long wait, some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's website or call them directly to see if appointments are available.

If your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to local police is optional but recommended. A police report creates a record that your license was stolen rather than lost, which can protect you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. You do not need a police report to get a replacement from the DMV, but having one on file is useful if identity theft occurs later.

If you believe your stolen license has been used fraudulently, contact the police non-emergency line in your county and file a report. Provide them with the license number if you remember it. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor for unauthorized accounts opened in your name.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

Alabama law requires you to explore for a replacement in person. There is no exception for people who are homebound, out of state, or unable to travel. If you are temporarily out of Alabama, you can wait until you return to visit an examiner's office. If you are permanently disabled and cannot leave home, contact the examiner's office in your county to ask about accommodations; some offices may be able to discuss your situation, though they cannot mail you a license.

If you are in the military and stationed outside Alabama, you may be able to use a military ID office to renew or replace your license, but this varies by base. Contact your base's administrative office or the Alabama DMV directly to ask whether your branch participates in the military license program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to fly or drive out of state?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in Alabama and other states for 30 days. However, it is not accepted for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings, even if you have a REAL ID. You will need your permanent plastic license for those purposes. If you are flying before your permanent license arrives, bring your passport instead.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The examiner will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. There is no additional fee for a name change during replacement.

Do I need to take a new photo and vision test?

Yes, you will have a new photo taken at the examiner's office. You will also take a vision test unless you had one within the past 12 months. If you recently had a vision test at an eye doctor's office, bring the results and you may not need to repeat it.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued, just like a new license. Your expiration date will be printed on the card. You do not need to renew it sooner because it is a replacement rather than a new license.

What if I lost my license outside of Alabama?

You must still visit an Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office to replace it. If you are out of state and need to drive, you can use your temporary paper license for 30 days. If you are permanently moving to another state, contact that state's DMV about transferring your license instead of replacing it in Alabama.