What You Need to Do to Replace Your License in Alabama
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in Alabama, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online. Alabama will issue you a replacement license the same day if you have all required documents and pay the fee — there is no waiting period.
The process is straightforward: bring your documents, complete the process form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the replacement fee. Your new license will be printed and handed to you before you leave. If your license was stolen, you should also report the theft to local police and bring the police report number with you, though it is not required to get the replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person — no mail-in or online replacement is available in Alabama.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of Alabama residency, and your Social Security number or card.
- The replacement fee is $25.00 for a standard license, and you will receive your new license the same day.
- If your license was stolen, bring a police report number, though it is not required to process the replacement.
- You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has expired for more than five years.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Alabama requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid military ID, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a Social Security card, or a state ID from another state. Your expired Alabama driver's license counts as identity proof if you still have it.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Alabama address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued mail piece (such as a tax return or court document). A piece of mail from your insurance company or employer also works. The name on the residency document must match the name on your identity document.
Bring your Social Security number or card as well. If you do not have your card, you can provide your number verbally, but having the card speeds up the process. You will also need to know your current address and any previous addresses you have lived at in Alabama during the past five years.
Where to Find a DPS Driver License Office Near You
Alabama has DPS Driver License offices in most counties. The main office is located in Montgomery, but you can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your home county. To find the office nearest you, visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool, or call 334-242-4437 during business hours.
Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m. A few offices have extended hours on certain days. Check the specific office's hours before you go, because some smaller county offices have limited schedules. Arriving early in the morning typically means shorter wait times.
The Replacement Fee and Payment Methods
The replacement fee for a standard Alabama driver's license is $25.00. This fee applies whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. If you are replacing a license that was damaged due to a manufacturing defect (for example, the card is cracking or the photo is fading), you may be able to get a free replacement, but you will need to bring the damaged license to the office and explain the defect.
DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may have ATMs on site if you need to withdraw cash. If you pay by check, make it out to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. There are no additional fees for same-day issuance.
What Happens If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you should report the theft to your local police department and obtain a police report number. Bring this number with you to the DPS office — it is not required, but it creates a record that your license was stolen, which can help protect you if someone tries to use your information fraudulently.
You do not need to wait for the police report to be filed before you go to the DPS office. You can go when ready and provide the report number when you have it, or you can call the office after your replacement is issued and provide the number over the phone. If you are concerned about identity theft, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report.
When You Need to Retake the Written or Road Test
In most cases, you do not have to retake any tests to get a replacement license. Alabama straightforward issues a new card with the same restrictions, endorsements, and class as your original license. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you will have to retake the written test and the road test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time.
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can replace it without testing. If you are unsure whether your license is within the five-year window, ask the DPS staff when you arrive — they can check your record when ready.
Your New License and What to Expect
Your replacement license will be printed at the office while you wait. The new card will have a new license number, a new expiration date (typically eight years from the date of issue for a standard license), and your current photo. The license number change is normal and does not affect your driving record or insurance — your driving history stays with you under your name and date of birth.
Before you leave the office, check that all information on the license is correct: your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If there is an error, tell the staff when ready so they can reprint it. Once you leave the office, you own the license and cannot return it for corrections without paying another $25.00 replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Department of Public Safety to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or wait out a suspension period.
What if I do not have a Social Security card or number?
You must provide your Social Security number to get a driver's license in Alabama. If you do not have a number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a replacement license. You can explore in person at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.
Can I get a replacement license if I moved out of Alabama?
No. A replacement Alabama license requires proof of current Alabama residency. If you have moved to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Alabama license to that state's DMV when you obtain your new license.
How long does a replacement license last?
A replacement license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, the same as a new license. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of the card. You will need to renew it before that date if you want to keep driving legally in Alabama.
What if I lost my license while traveling outside Alabama?
You will need to return to Alabama to replace it in person at a DPS Driver License office. There is no way to replace an Alabama license remotely. If you need to drive before you can get back to Alabama, you can request a temporary driving permit from a DPS office, though this is not a standard replacement option — ask the office staff about your specific situation.