What you need to do to replace a lost Alabama driver's license

To replace a lost Alabama driver's license, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person with proof of identity and residency. Alabama does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost licenses. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot use a lost license as proof of identity to get a replacement — you'll need a different document. The state accepts a passport, birth certificate, military ID, or other government-issued ID. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents that together prove your identity and residency, such as a utility bill plus a bank statement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office in person; there is no online or mail option for replacements.
  • Bring a government-issued ID (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) or two documents proving identity and residency together.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50 for a four-year license or $31 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • 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

Alabama requires one of two document paths. The first is a single government-issued photo ID: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID card, or a passport card. If you have any of these, bring it and you're done with the identity requirement.

If you don't have a government-issued ID, bring two documents that together prove both who you are and where you live. The state accepts combinations like a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) plus a bank statement, or a lease agreement plus a tax return. Both documents must show your current Alabama address and your name. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.

You will also need to know your Social Security number. Write it down before you go, or bring a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 that shows it.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest Driver License Examiner's Office on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. The office locator shows hours, addresses, and phone numbers for all 52 offices statewide. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.

Walk in with your documents and tell the staff you need a replacement license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the fee. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you're replacing a license that was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report first. This is not required by Alabama, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your old license number for fraud. Bring the police report number to the examiner's office if you have one.

Cost and payment methods

The replacement fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license costs $20.50. An eight-year license costs $31. You pay at the examiner's office when you submit your documents.

The office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. If you're paying by check, make it out to the State of Alabama. Some offices may have ATMs on-site, but don't count on it — bring cash or a card to be safe.

If your temporary license expires before your card arrives

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. In almost all cases, your plastic card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you'll have it well before the temporary expires. If for some reason your card hasn't arrived after two weeks, call the examiner's office where you applied. They can check the status of your order and reissue a temporary if needed.

While you're waiting for your card, the temporary license is valid for driving. Police will accept it as proof of a valid license. You can also use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, though some TSA agents may ask for additional ID.

Reporting a stolen license

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you have the option to report it to local police. This step is not required to get a replacement, but it creates an official record. If someone later tries to use your old license number for fraud or a traffic violation, the police report will help prove it wasn't you.

To file a report, contact your local police department's non-emergency line. You'll need to describe when and where you last had the license. Keep the report number — you can bring it to the examiner's office, though it won't speed up the replacement process.

What to do if you don't have the required documents

If you don't have a government-issued ID and can't gather two documents proving identity and residency, you have a few options. First, check whether you can obtain a birth certificate from the county where you were born — this is often the fastest path to getting a may have access to document. You can request one by mail or in person from the vital records office in that county.

Second, if you have a passport process in progress, you can use the receipt as temporary proof of identity while you wait. Third, some people in this situation have used a combination of documents the examiner's office initially rejected — call ahead and ask the specific office whether they'll accept your documents before making the trip.

If you're stuck, the examiner's office staff can sometimes suggest alternatives based on what you have. It's worth calling your local office to ask before you give up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Alabama requires you to appear in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. There is no mail-in or online replacement option for lost licenses. You must bring documents and have a new photo taken.

How long does it take to get my plastic license in the mail?

Your plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days of your visit to the examiner's office. You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days, so you can drive while you wait.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to go to an Alabama examiner's office to replace it. If you're out of state and can't return soon, you can wait until you're back in Alabama. In the meantime, a passport or passport card can serve as a valid ID for driving if you're stopped by police.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No. You can replace a stolen license without filing a police report. However, filing a report creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently. It's optional but recommended.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to the address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the examiner's office. If your mailing address has changed since you applied, contact the examiner's office when ready to update it before your card is sent.