Where to go and what you need before you start

To get a replacement driver's license in Alabama, you go to your county's Department of Public Safety office in person — there is no online or mail option. Bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of your Alabama residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the replacement fee.

The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license. If your license was lost or stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though Alabama does not require it to get a replacement. If your license was damaged or defaced, bring it with you so the office can see the damage.

Hours vary by county office, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger county offices stay open until 5 or 6 p.m., and a few offer Saturday hours. Check your county's specific office online or call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your county Department of Public Safety office in person with your Social Security proof, residency proof, and $20.50.
  • Bring your current license or state ID if you have it; if lost or stolen, bring a police report if you filed one.
  • The replacement license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your visit.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the office for a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days.

Step-by-step process at the county office

When you arrive at your county Department of Public Safety office, check in at the front desk and tell them you need a replacement license. You will receive a number and wait to be called. Bring all your documents with you — do not leave them in the car.

When called, hand your documents to the clerk. They will verify your Social Security number against state records, check your residency proof, and confirm your current address. If your address has changed since your last license, tell them now and they will update it. The clerk will take your payment and process your replacement order on the spot.

You will not have your new license when ready. Instead, you will receive a receipt showing your order number and the mailing address where your license will be sent. Keep this receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, call your county office with your order number and they can check the status.

What documents count as proof of Social Security number

Alabama accepts three documents as proof of your Social Security number: your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form from your employer, or a 1099 form (self-employment or contractor income). The document must show your full name and full Social Security number. A tax return is not accepted on its own, but a W-2 or 1099 attached to a return works.

If you do not have any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, though that adds time to the overall process. Bring the original document, not a photocopy — the clerk will examine it in person.

What counts as proof of Alabama residency

Your residency proof must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current name and address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check or tax document. A cell phone bill does not count.

If you recently moved and your utility bill or lease is not yet in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or utility company on letterhead confirming your residency, dated within 60 days. If you live with family and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there.

Getting a temporary permit if you need to drive when ready

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, ask the clerk at the county office for a temporary driving permit. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail. The permit is issued on paper at no extra charge.

The temporary permit is not a replacement for your license — it is only valid during the 7 to 10 business days you are waiting. If your new license does not arrive within 10 days, contact your county office when ready. Do not rely on the temporary permit beyond 30 days.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your Alabama license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The county office will check your driving record when you explore, and if a suspension or revocation is active, they will tell you and refuse the replacement.

To find out why your license was suspended or revoked, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety's Driver License Division directly. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. Once you resolve the underlying issue, you can return to the county office and complete your replacement.

Replacing a license that expired while you were out of state

If your Alabama license expired and you were living outside Alabama, you can still get a replacement at your county office. Bring your expired license along with your current residency proof showing you are back in Alabama. The office will issue a replacement without requiring you to retake the written or vision test.

If your expired license is more than five years old, the office may ask you to pass a vision screening before issuing the replacement. This is a quick test done at the office at no extra charge. You do not need to schedule it in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to your address on file, so you do not pick it up in person. If you need to change the mailing address before you leave the county office, tell the clerk and they can update it. The license will be mailed to whatever address you confirm.

What if I moved and my new address is not on my old license?

Tell the clerk when you explore for the replacement. They will update your address in the system and your new license will be mailed to your current address. Bring residency proof showing your new address so they can verify it. Your temporary permit will also show the updated address.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Most Alabama county offices do not require appointments for replacements — you walk in and take a number. However, some larger offices now offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check your county office's website before you go. Walk-ins are still accepted even if appointments are available.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring legal proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The clerk will update your name in the system and your new license will reflect the change. You will still pay the standard $20.50 replacement fee.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

Your replacement license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued, the same as a standard license. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You do not need to renew it sooner just because it is a replacement.