What to do if your Alabama driver's license goes missing

If you've lost your Alabama driver's license, you can replace it through the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). You have two main routes: go in person to a DPS Driver License Examining Station, or order a replacement online through the Alabama DPS website. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The online route takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail.

You do not need to retake any tests — a replacement license is a straightforward document reissue. You will need to pay a replacement fee (currently $20.50 for a standard license, though this can change), bring one form of identification, and provide your Social Security number. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama lets you replace a lost license either online (7 to 10 days by mail) or in person at a DPS Driver License Examining Station (same-day temporary license).
  • You need one form of ID, your Social Security number, and the $20.50 replacement fee; you do not retake any written or road test.
  • If you go in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, consider filing a police report, though it is not required to order a replacement.
  • Your license number stays the same whether you replace it online or in person.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

The fastest way to get back on the road is to visit a DPS Driver License Examining Station in person. Bring your Social Security number, one form of valid identification (a passport, birth certificate, state ID, or military ID all work), and $20.50 in cash or card. You do not need to bring the lost license itself.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will verify your information, take a new photo, and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent card arrives. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

To find the DPS office nearest you, visit the Alabama DPS website and use their office locator tool. Most stations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm wait times, as busy locations can have lines during lunch hours and late afternoon.

Ordering a replacement online through Alabama DPS

If you cannot get to an office, you can order a replacement license through the Alabama DPS website without leaving home. You will need your driver's license number (or your date of birth and Social Security number if you do not have it), a valid email address, and a payment method for the $20.50 fee.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You upload a digital photo (or use the photo already on file with DPS), confirm your personal information, and pay the fee. Once your order is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address DPS has on record and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

One drawback to the online route is that you do not receive a temporary license. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, you will need to go in person to get the temporary paper license instead. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, update it on the Alabama DPS website before ordering online, or call the DPS to update it by phone.

What identification counts as proof of identity

Alabama DPS accepts several forms of ID to verify who you are when you replace your license. A U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID all work. If you are replacing your license in person, bring whichever of these you have available.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can still get a replacement, but you will need to visit a DPS office in person rather than ordering online. Staff can work with you to verify your identity using other documents, such as a Social Security card, school records, or utility bills. Call your local DPS office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your documents will be accepted.

If your license was stolen

A stolen license carries a small extra risk: someone else could theoretically use it. For this reason, filing a police report is a good idea, even though it is not required to get a replacement. A police report creates an official record that the license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, which can protect you if the old license is ever used fraudulently.

You can file a report with your local police department or sheriff's office in person, by phone, or online through their website. You do not need the report to order your replacement — you can do both at the same time. Keep the report number for your records. Once your replacement arrives, the old license is no longer valid, and DPS will not honor it.

Updating your address while replacing your license

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address at the same time you replace it. When you go in person, straightforward tell the staff member your new address and they will print it on your temporary license and permanent card. If you are ordering online, update your address through the Alabama DPS website before submitting your replacement order.

If you realize after ordering that your address is wrong, call the Alabama DPS right away. Depending on how quickly they process your order, they may be able to correct it before your license ships. If your license arrives with the old address, you will need to visit a DPS office to get it corrected, which requires another fee.

What to expect after you order your replacement

After you submit your replacement order (whether in person or online), your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can occasionally take longer depending on postal service delays. If you ordered in person, you have a valid temporary paper license to drive with in the meantime.

If your replacement does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Alabama DPS to check the status. Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. If the license was lost in the mail, DPS can reissue it, though you may have to pay another replacement fee depending on their policy at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready after you receive it at a DPS office. It remains valid until your permanent card arrives by mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Law enforcement will accept it as proof of a valid license.

Do I have to retake the written or road test to replace a lost license?

No. A replacement license is a reissue of your existing license — no tests are required. You only retake tests if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than a certain period.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Contact the Alabama DPS directly to discuss your situation. They can work with you on alternative verification methods. Call your local DPS Driver License Examining Station or the main DPS office to ask what documents you can bring instead.

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Alabama DPS to find out the status of your license and what steps are needed to restore it.

Will my new license have the same number as my lost one?

Yes. Your driver's license number stays the same when you replace a lost license. The new card will have the same number, expiration date, and restrictions as your original license.