Where to go and what you need

Alabama's Department of Public Safety issues replacement driver's licenses. You can get one in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office across the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster — most people walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route works if you cannot visit an office or your license was lost or stolen out of state.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current Alabama driver's license (if you still have it), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one — it is not required, but it speeds things up.

The replacement fee is $20.50 for a regular license or $25.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license. You pay this fee at the examiner's office or include a check or money order if you are explore by mail. Bring your payment method with you; most offices accept cash, card, or check.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within 60 days.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot; your permanent replacement arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license or $25.50 for a REAL ID license, payable by cash, card, or check.
  • If you lost your license out of state or cannot visit an office, you can mail your documents and fee to the Department of Public Safety, though processing takes longer.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN, such as a tax return or W-2 form.

Finding the nearest examiner's office

The Department of Public Safety maintains a list of Driver License Examiner's Offices on its website at dps.alabama.gov. You can search by county or city to find the office closest to you. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have reduced hours on Fridays. A few offices in larger cities stay open one evening per week.

Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or ask whether the office is particularly busy on the day you plan to visit. Some offices have walk-in service only, while others allow you to schedule an appointment. Calling first takes five minutes and can save you a wasted trip.

What happens when you arrive at the office

Hand your documents to the clerk at the counter. They will verify your identity, check your Social Security number against state records, and confirm your residency. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will then go to the photo station, where staff will take a new photograph for your license.

After your photo is taken, you pay the replacement fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent one — you can drive with it, use it for age verification, and present it to police. Your permanent replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Department of Public Safety to check the status.

Replacing a license by mail

You can mail in your replacement request if your license was lost or stolen outside Alabama, if you are unable to visit an office due to disability or military deployment, or if you straightforward prefer not to go in person. Mail your completed process form (DL-43, available on the Department of Public Safety website), a photocopy of your proof of residency, and your payment to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than in-person replacement. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before your replacement comes, you must visit an examiner's office in person instead.

Include a check or money order for the replacement fee. Do not send cash through the mail. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

If your license was suspended or revoked

A replacement license does not restore driving privileges if your license was suspended or revoked. The Department of Public Safety will tell you at the examiner's office whether your license status allows a replacement. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must first resolve the underlying issue — paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or waiting out a suspension period — before you can get a replacement.

Ask the clerk what caused the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your privileges. The Department of Public Safety can provide a written explanation of your status and the requirements to reinstate your license.

REAL ID versus standard license

Alabama offers two types of replacement licenses: a standard driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The REAL ID license costs $5 more ($25.50 instead of $20.50) but meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you plan to fly within the United States or visit a federal courthouse or military base, a REAL ID license is useful.

Getting a REAL ID requires one additional document: proof of your date of birth and citizenship. This can be a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If you already have a REAL ID license and are just replacing it, you do not need to provide these documents again — the examiner's office has your information on file.

What to do if you cannot find your documents

If you cannot locate your proof of residency, the examiner's office may accept alternative documents. Call ahead and describe what you have — a recent credit card statement, insurance bill, or letter from a government agency might work. The key requirement is that the document shows your name and current Alabama address and is dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a tax return, W-2 form, or 1099 showing your full Social Security number. The examiner's office can also verify your SSN directly through state records if you provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Do not delay your visit waiting for a perfect document — call the office and ask what alternatives they will accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a replacement license take if I go in person?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the examiner's office. Your permanent replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is fully legal.

Can I get a replacement license if I do not have my Social Security card?

Yes. Bring a tax return, W-2, or 1099 showing your Social Security number, or let the examiner's office verify it through state records using your name, date of birth, and current license number. Call ahead to ask which option is fastest at your local office.

What if my license was lost or stolen and I need to drive right away?

Visit an examiner's office in person. You will get a temporary paper license the same day that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail.

Do I need to take a new photo and pass a vision test to get a replacement?

You will have a new photo taken, but you do not need to pass a vision test or written exam for a replacement license. A replacement is straightforward a duplicate of your current license with a new card and photo.

Can I renew my license at the same time I get a replacement?

No. A replacement is for a lost, stolen, or damaged license. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you will need to renew it separately. Ask the examiner's office about renewal requirements and fees when you arrive for your replacement.