What You Can and Cannot Do Online in Alabama
Alabama does not offer a fully online replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license. You cannot complete the entire process from your computer or phone. However, you can start your replacement by ordering a duplicate license through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, and in some cases you may be able to renew an expiring license online — but a replacement due to loss, theft, or damage requires an in-person visit to a Driver License Examiner office.
The reason for this requirement is straightforward: ALEA needs to verify your identity and take a new photo when you are replacing a license rather than renewing one. A replacement is treated differently from a renewal because the original document is gone or unusable, and the state needs to confirm you are who you say you are before issuing a new one.
If your license is straightforward expired and you want to renew it (not replace it), you may have more online options depending on how long it has been expired and whether you meet other requirements — but that is a separate process from replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Examiner office in person to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alabama license; the process cannot be completed entirely online.
- Before your office visit, you can gather required documents and check office hours and locations on the ALEA website to save time.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to complete the replacement in person.
- The replacement license is issued the same day you visit the office, though you may receive a temporary paper license while the plastic card is mailed to you.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, which some offices request as part of the replacement process.
Documents You Need to Bring to the Office
ALEA requires specific documents when you replace a license in person. You must bring a valid form of identification — this can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or another government-issued photo ID. If your driver's license was stolen and you do not have another form of ID, call your local Driver License Examiner office before you go; they can tell you what alternatives they will accept.
You also need proof of residency, which shows your current Alabama address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on the residency document should match the name on your ID.
Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card. If you do not have your card, you can provide your number from memory, but having the card makes the process faster. You will also need to know your current address and any previous addresses you have lived at in Alabama during the past five years.
Finding Your Nearest Driver License Examiner Office
Alabama has Driver License Examiner offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the ALEA website by searching their office locator tool. The locator shows office hours, phone numbers, and sometimes wait times.
Call ahead if you can. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment, which can cut your wait time significantly. Some offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but even those can tell you over the phone how busy they are at different times of day. Weekday mornings are often less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays.
If you live in a rural area far from an office, ask whether your county has a mobile license unit that visits on certain days. Some counties run these services to serve residents who cannot easily reach a permanent office.
What Happens During Your In-Person Visit
When you arrive at the Driver License Examiner office, bring all your documents and be prepared to wait, even with an appointment. You will be called to a window where an examiner will review your identification and residency proof, verify your Social Security number, and ask you to confirm your address and any recent moves.
You will have a new photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and follow the office's photo guidelines — usually no sunglasses, hats, or heavy makeup. The photo is taken against a plain background and becomes your new license photo.
You will pay the replacement fee. In Alabama, a replacement license costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. The exact fee depends on the type of license (Class D for regular driving, Class M for motorcycle, etc.) and whether you are replacing before your original license expires. Ask the examiner for the exact amount before you pay, or check the ALEA website in advance.
Your License After the Visit
You will receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the office. This temporary license is valid for driving in Alabama and most other states while your plastic card is being printed and mailed. Do not lose this temporary license — you will need it if you are pulled over.
Your new plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can vary. If you need your license sooner, ask the examiner whether expedited mailing is available and what it costs.
Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it for your records — do not carry it as your license.
If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to file a police report before or after you visit the Driver License Examiner office. Some offices ask to see a police report number as part of the replacement process, though not all do. Call your local office to ask whether they require one.
A police report protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud or other crimes. It creates an official record that the license was stolen and not straightforward lost. You can file the report online through your local police department's website, by phone, or in person at a police station.
Keep your police report number handy when you visit the Driver License Examiner office. If the examiner asks for it, you will have it ready. If they do not ask, you still have the report on file for your own records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail instead of going to an office?
No. Alabama requires you to appear in person at a Driver License Examiner office to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You cannot complete this process by mail or online. However, if your license is straightforward expired and you are renewing it (not replacing it), you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your age and how long it has been expired.
What if I do not have a valid ID to bring to the office?
Call your local Driver License Examiner office before you visit. They can tell you what documents they will accept if you do not have a passport, military ID, or state ID card. Some offices accept alternative documents like a birth certificate or school ID, but policies vary by location.
How much does it cost to replace a driver's license in Alabama?
The cost varies depending on the type of license and how long until your original license expires. A replacement license costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. Call your local Driver License Examiner office or check the ALEA website for the exact fee before you visit.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving in most other states while you wait for your plastic card to arrive. However, some states may not recognize it, so it is safest to carry it along with another form of ID if you are traveling. Once your plastic card arrives, use that instead.
What if my plastic license does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact your local Driver License Examiner office with your temporary license number. They can check the status of your card and tell you whether it is still in the mail or whether there was a problem with the address. If the card was lost in the mail, they can reissue it.