What You Need to Do to Replace Your Alabama License
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alabama driver's license, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Alabama does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You will need to bring specific documents, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all required documents and no issues with your driving record.
Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license and the same expiration date. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless the examiner identifies a problem during the replacement process.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at a DPS Driver License Examiner's Office; there is no mail-in or online option for replacements in Alabama.
- Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of Alabama residency, and a valid form of identification.
- The replacement fee is $20.50 for a regular driver's license; fees are higher for commercial licenses or if you need a REAL ID-compliant license.
- Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your process at the office.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue before you can receive a replacement.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Alabama requires three categories of documents: proof of Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You cannot complete your replacement without all three.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. A birth certificate does not count as proof of your Social Security number.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a military ID, a state ID from another state, a tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. A school ID, work ID, or credit card will not work. If you are under 18, a school ID is acceptable.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document showing your current Alabama address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count.
Fees and Payment Methods
A standard replacement driver's license costs $20.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (which meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access), the fee is $25.50. Commercial driver's license replacements cost more; the exact amount depends on the class of license you hold.
The DPS office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may have ATMs on site, but do not assume this—bring cash or a card to be safe. Fees are non-refundable.
Finding Your Nearest DPS Driver License Examiner's Office
Alabama has 49 Driver License Examiner's Offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website by entering your county or city. The website also lists the hours of operation for each office, which vary by location.
Many offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you are traveling a distance. Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter wait times.
What Happens During Your Replacement Appointment
When you arrive at the DPS office, you will check in and wait to be called. The examiner will review your documents, verify your information against state records, and ask you to sign a form confirming your process details. You will have your photo taken for your new license.
The examiner will also check your driving record to confirm there are no active suspensions or revocations. If your record is clear, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt. Your physical replacement license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your receipt as proof of a valid license until your new card arrives.
If the examiner finds a suspension or revocation on your record, you will not be able to receive a replacement until that issue is resolved. The examiner will tell you what steps you need to take and may provide a phone number or website for the relevant DPS division.
If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
If your driving record shows a suspension or revocation, you cannot receive a replacement license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence.
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore it. Some suspensions can be lifted by paying outstanding fines or fees; others require you to complete a program or wait out a mandatory suspension period. The DPS can tell you the exact steps and any costs involved.
REAL ID Compliance and Your Replacement License
A standard Alabama driver's license is not compliant with REAL ID Act requirements. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you will need either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or another federal ID.
When you explore for your replacement license, you can request a REAL ID-compliant license for an additional $5 fee (total $25.50). You will need to bring the same documents as for a standard replacement, plus one additional document proving your date of birth if it is not already on your proof-of-identity document. A certified birth certificate works for this purpose.
Your REAL ID-compliant license will have a gold star in the upper right corner. It is valid for eight years, the same as a standard license.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume you can mail in your process or use an online service. Alabama requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Scam websites sometimes offer to process replacements for a higher fee—these are not legitimate. Only the official Alabama Department of Public Safety handles driver's license replacements.
Do not bring expired documents as proof of residency. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill from six months ago will not work. Also, do not bring a post office change-of-address form as your only proof of residency; the DPS does not accept it.
If you have changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Without this, the examiner may not be able to process your replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my receipt as a valid license while I wait for my replacement to arrive?
Yes. The receipt you receive at the DPS office is a valid temporary license. You can drive and use it as proof of a valid license until your replacement arrives by mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
What if I never received my replacement license in the mail?
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 with your receipt number and the date you applied. They can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There may be a small fee for a reissue.
Do I need to bring my old license if it was damaged?
No. If your license was damaged, lost, or stolen, you do not need to bring it. Bring the three categories of documents listed above: proof of Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
Can I get a replacement license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
It depends on the fine. If the fine has resulted in a suspension of your driving privileges, you cannot receive a replacement until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DPS Driver License Division to learn about your record has an active suspension.
How long is my replacement license valid?
A standard Alabama driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your replacement will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you will not get an extra eight years—you will keep the original expiration date.