What You Need to Do to Replace an Alabama Driver's 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 allow online or mail-in replacements for standard driver's licenses. You will need to bring specific documents, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on office traffic.

The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard driver's license valid for four years. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required by DPS to issue a replacement. If your license was damaged but still readable, DPS may ask you to surrender it before issuing the new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at an Alabama DPS Driver License Examiner's Office; there is no online or mail option for replacements.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — a passport, military ID, or birth certificate works for identity.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50 and covers a four-year license; payment by cash, check, or card is accepted at most offices.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and bring the report number to your appointment, though it is not required.
  • Your new license will be issued the same day you visit, though processing times vary by office location.

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 the following: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID card, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Alabama address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document with your address. A driver's license or ID card cannot be used as proof of residency, even if it shows your address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number at the office. Bring it written down or memorized; you do not need to bring a Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Where to Find Your Nearest DPS Examiner's Office

Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. The Alabama Department of Public Safety website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations may have limited hours or be closed on certain days. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit, as some offices close for lunch or may have reduced staffing on certain days.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Urban offices in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville tend to be busier during mid-morning and early afternoon. Rural offices often have shorter wait times. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the morning when the office opens or on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and provide your documents. A staff member will verify your identity and residency documents, check your Social Security number against DPS records, and confirm that you are not disqualified from holding a license. This verification usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Next, you will have your photo taken for the new license. Wear clear glasses if you normally do; sunglasses are not allowed. The photo must show your face clearly and be taken against a plain background. You will then pay the $20.50 replacement fee. Most offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards, though some smaller offices may accept cash only — call ahead to confirm payment methods.

Your new license will be printed and issued to you the same day. The license is valid for four years from the date of issue. If you need a replacement before then, you must return to an examiner's office and pay another replacement fee.

If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. The report is optional but recommended if you are concerned about identity theft. Bring the police report number to your DPS appointment; it helps document that the license was stolen rather than lost.

When you report a stolen license to DPS, the old license number is deactivated and cannot be used. Your new license will have a different number. If you are worried about fraud, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or request a credit freeze, though these steps are separate from the DPS replacement process.

Special Situations and Exceptions

If your license has a medical restriction (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), that restriction will carry over to your replacement license unless you request a change. If your vision or medical condition has changed, bring documentation from your eye doctor or physician and ask the examiner whether the restriction can be removed or modified.

If you are unable to visit an office in person due to a disability or medical condition, contact the Alabama DPS directly at the phone number listed on their website. In rare cases, DPS may arrange an alternative process, though this is not may provide and must be approved in advance.

If your license shows an incorrect name, date of birth, or address, you can correct it during the replacement process. Bring documentation supporting the correction — a marriage certificate for a name change, a birth certificate for a date of birth correction, or a proof of residency document for an address change. The examiner will review the documents and update your record.

Fees and Payment

The replacement fee for a standard four-year Alabama driver's license is $20.50. This is a flat fee regardless of whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. If you need a duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license with the same number and expiration date), the fee is also $20.50.

If you want to renew your license at the same time you replace it, you will pay both the replacement fee ($20.50) and the renewal fee (which varies based on license type and validity period). Most people do not renew and replace at the same time unless their license is expiring within a few months.

Payment is due at the time of your visit. Most offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Some smaller or rural offices may accept cash only. If you are unsure about payment methods at your specific office, call ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

No. Alabama does not issue temporary or interim licenses. Your new license is printed and issued the same day you visit the examiner's office. If you need to drive before your appointment, you may request a letter from DPS stating that your license was lost or stolen, though this letter is not an official driving document and police may not accept it in place of a license.

How long is my replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you will need to renew it at a DPS office or through the mail, depending on your age and license type at that time.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must still visit an Alabama DPS examiner's office in person to replace it. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Alabama, or you can travel to the nearest examiner's office if you need the replacement urgently. Some people choose to get a replacement before traveling to avoid driving without a license.

Do I need an appointment to visit the examiner's office?

Most Alabama DPS examiner's offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some offices may offer appointment scheduling during certain hours. Call your local office to ask whether appointments are available; if they are, booking one can reduce your wait time.

What if my documents are expired?

Your proof of identity document (passport, military ID, birth certificate) does not need to be current. Your proof of residency document must be dated within the last 60 days and must show your current address. If your residency document is older than 60 days, bring a different one that meets the date requirement.