What you need to do to replace your Alabama driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alabama driver's license, you will visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. Your replacement license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
Alabama does not offer online replacement or mail-in replacement for lost or stolen licenses. You must appear in person at a DPS Driver License office. If your license is damaged but still readable, some offices may replace it without requiring a full in-person visit — call your local office first to ask.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Alabama address.
- The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license and $24.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
- Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to replace it.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as you will need to verify it during replacement.
Documents to bring to the DPS office
Bring one valid form of photo ID — your passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have photo ID, bring two non-photo documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.
You will also need proof that you currently live in Alabama. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it — your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
Where to go and how to find your local office
The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates Driver License offices across the state. You can visit any DPS office, not just the one in your county. To find the office nearest you and its hours, go to the Alabama DPS website and use their office locator tool, or call 334-242-4437.
Some offices are busier than others, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. If you want to avoid a long wait, call ahead to ask about current wait times. A few offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website — check whether your local office does before you go.
The replacement fee and what it covers
The fee for a standard Alabama driver's license replacement is $20.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025), the fee is $24.50. You pay this fee at the office when you explore, and it covers the cost of your new license and the mailing.
The fee does not change based on how long your license has been lost or stolen. If you are replacing a damaged license that is still in your possession, the fee is the same.
Getting a temporary license while you wait
When you complete your replacement process at the DPS office, ask for a temporary paper license. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being mailed to you. The temporary license is printed on the spot and given to you before you leave the office.
The temporary license shows your name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date. It is not a photo ID, so it will not work for boarding flights or entering federal buildings, but it is valid for driving. Keep it with you while driving until your permanent license arrives.
If your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report the theft to your local police department. This creates an official record and can help protect you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud. However, reporting the theft is not required in order to replace your license through the DPS.
If you are concerned that your identity has been compromised, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but can help protect you from identity theft.
What happens if your license is damaged but you still have it
If your license is damaged — for example, the laminate is peeling, the photo is faded, or the card is cracked — but you still have it in your possession, call your local DPS Driver License office before going in. Some offices will replace a damaged license without requiring you to appear in person, though policies vary by location.
If the office says you must come in, bring the damaged license with you along with your other documents. You will still pay the $20.50 or $24.50 replacement fee. The office will take the damaged license from you and issue a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my replacement license in the mail?
Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days of your visit to the DPS office. This timeline assumes normal mail delivery. If you need your license sooner, use the temporary paper license while you wait. If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS office where you applied.
Can I replace my license if I owe traffic fines or child support?
Alabama will not issue a replacement license if you have an active suspension on your driving record, which can result from unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or other violations. Before you go to the DPS office, call 334-242-4437 to check whether your license is suspended. If it is, you will need to resolve the underlying issue first.
What if I have moved since my last license was issued?
Bring proof of your new Alabama address to the DPS office. Your replacement license will show your current address. If you moved out of state and are now back in Alabama, bring proof of your current Alabama residency along with your out-of-state ID or other documents showing your identity.
Do I need a REAL ID license, or can I get a standard license?
You can choose either. A standard license costs $20.50 and works for driving. A REAL ID license costs $24.50 and is required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings after May 7, 2025. If you fly or visit federal facilities, get the REAL ID version. Otherwise, a standard license is sufficient.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must replace it through Alabama, since your license was issued by Alabama. Contact your local Alabama DPS Driver License office or the main office at 334-242-4437 to ask whether you can mail in your documents or whether you must appear in person. Some offices may make exceptions for people who have moved out of state.