Alabama lets you replace a lost or stolen driver license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, but only if your license is still valid and you meet a few specific conditions.
You can order a replacement online if your current Alabama driver license has not expired, you have not had more than one license suspended or revoked in the past five years, and you do not need a corrected address or name change on the new card. The online process costs $20.25 and takes about 10 business days from the time ALEA receives your order. You will receive your new license by mail at the address currently on file with the state.
If your license has already expired, if you need to update your address or legal name, or if you have a suspension or revocation on your record, you must visit an ALEA Driver License office in person. The same applies if you lost your license before age 18 or if you hold a commercial driver license (CDL). Online replacement is only for standard, valid licenses.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Alabama driver license online only if your current license is still valid and you have no active suspensions or revocations.
- The online replacement costs $20.25 and takes about 10 business days; your new license arrives by mail at your address on file.
- You cannot use the online process to change your address, name, or other information on the license.
- If your license has expired, you need a name or address change, or you hold a CDL, you must visit an ALEA Driver License office in person.
How to Order a Replacement License Online
Start at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and look for the Driver License Services section. You will find a link to order a replacement license online. Click that link and you will be taken to a form that asks for your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. ALEA uses this information to pull up your current record and confirm your identity.
After you submit your information, the system will tell you whether you are may be able to access to order online. If you are, you will see a summary of your current license details and the address where your replacement will be mailed. Review this carefully — if your address is wrong, stop and visit an office in person instead, because you cannot change it through the online process. If everything is correct, you will proceed to payment.
Payment is by credit card or debit card only. ALEA does not accept checks, money orders, or cash through the online system. Once your payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email confirmation — you may need it if you want to check on your order status later.
What Happens After You Order
ALEA processes online orders during business hours, Monday through Friday. Once your order is received and processed, your new license is printed and sent to the address on file. Standard mail delivery typically takes 5 to 10 business days after ALEA ships it, though delivery times can vary depending on your location and mail volume.
You can track your order by returning to the ALEA website and entering your confirmation number and date of birth. The system will show you whether your order has been processed, printed, or shipped. If you do not receive your license within two weeks of ordering, contact the ALEA Driver License Bureau directly at the phone number listed on their website.
When You Must Go to an Office Instead
The online process will not work if your license has expired. Even if it expired only recently, you cannot renew it online — you must visit an ALEA Driver License office and complete a full renewal, which includes a new photo and may require a vision test. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2).
You also cannot use the online process if you need to change your address or legal name. If you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name, or if you moved and your license still shows an old address, you must visit an office in person. The same rule applies if you have any suspension, revocation, or hold on your driving record. ALEA will not process an online order if there is a flag on your account.
Commercial driver license holders cannot order replacements online under any circumstances. If you hold a CDL, you must visit an office in person with your current CDL, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The same applies if you lost your license before turning 18 — minors must renew in person.
Finding an ALEA Driver License Office Near You
Alabama has Driver License offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the ALEA website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online before you go, because hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch.
Bring your confirmation number if you started an online order and then realized you could not complete it. ALEA may be able to pull up your information and help you in person. If you are going in person to replace a lost license, bring any documents that prove your identity — your Social Security card, a passport, a birth certificate, or a previous license if you still have it.
Cost and Payment Methods
An online replacement costs $20.25. This fee covers the cost of the card itself and processing. Payment must be by credit card or debit card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted. ALEA does not accept PayPal, Apple Pay, or other digital wallets through the online system.
If you visit an office in person to replace a lost license, the cost is the same: $20.25. However, if your license has expired and you need a renewal instead of a replacement, the cost may differ depending on how long your license is valid for (four years or eight years). Ask at the office or check the ALEA website for current renewal fees.
What to Do If Your Order Has a Problem
If you submitted an online order but did not receive a confirmation number, or if your confirmation email did not arrive, check your spam folder first. If it is not there, return to the ALEA website and try to look up your order using your driver license number and date of birth. If the system does not find a record, your order may not have gone through — try again or contact ALEA by phone.
If you received a confirmation but your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the ALEA Driver License Bureau. Have your confirmation number ready. ALEA can check whether your order was printed and shipped, and can sometimes reissue a license if it was lost in the mail. If your license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, contact ALEA when ready — they can issue a replacement at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement online if my license is suspended?
No. ALEA will reject your online order if there is any suspension, revocation, or hold on your driving record. You must visit an office in person to resolve the suspension first, or to find out what you need to do to clear it. The office staff can explain your options.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
You cannot change your address through the online replacement process. You must visit an ALEA Driver License office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your address and issue a new license.
How long does it take to get my license if I order online?
ALEA processes online orders during business hours and ships your license within one business day. Mail delivery typically takes 5 to 10 business days after that, depending on your location. Total time is usually 10 to 14 business days from the time you order.
Can I use the online process if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has expired, you cannot order a replacement online — you must visit an office in person for a renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and may require a vision test.
What if I never received my replacement license after two weeks?
Contact the ALEA Driver License Bureau with your confirmation number. They can check whether your license was shipped and can reissue it if it was lost in the mail. If your license was never printed, ALEA can investigate why your order did not process and help you place a new one.