What you need to know about Alabama duplicate licenses
A duplicate Alabama driver's license is an exact copy of your current license — same number, same expiration date, same restrictions. You order it through the Alabama Department of Public Safety, and it arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $20, and you do not have to visit an office or take a new photo.
This is different from a replacement license, which you get when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. A replacement gives you a new license number and a new expiration date. A duplicate keeps everything the same and is meant for situations where you still have your original but need a second copy — for example, if you want to keep one in your wallet and one at home, or if you need to send a copy somewhere while keeping your original.
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate Alabama driver's license costs $20 and is ordered online or by mail, not in person.
- Your duplicate will have the same license number and expiration date as your current license.
- Delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days from the time the Department of Public Safety processes your order.
- You must have a valid, unexpired Alabama driver's license to order a duplicate.
- If your license is lost or stolen rather than just needing a copy, you need a replacement, not a duplicate.
How to order a duplicate online
The fastest way to order a duplicate is through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Go to the ADPS online services portal and select the duplicate license option. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method — they accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
After you submit your order and payment, the system will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email confirmation. The Department will mail your duplicate to the address on file with your current license, so make sure that address is current before you order. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address with the Department, you should do that first — otherwise your duplicate will go to your old address.
Ordering by mail if you cannot go online
If you do not have internet access or prefer to mail in your order, you can send a written request to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Include your full name, date of birth, current driver's license number, and the address where you want the duplicate mailed. Sign the letter and include a check or money order for $20 made out to the State of Alabama.
Mail your request to: Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Processing takes longer this way — typically 2 to 3 weeks after they receive your letter, plus mail time both directions. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up.
What happens after you order
Once the Department processes your order, they print your duplicate license and place it in the mail. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days of the order being processed. Processing itself usually takes 1 to 2 business days if you ordered online, or up to a week if you mailed in a request.
If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received your duplicate, contact the Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready if you ordered online, or your driver's license number if you mailed in a request. They can tell you whether the license has been mailed and provide a tracking update if available.
Updating your address before ordering
Your duplicate will be mailed to whatever address is currently on file with the Department of Public Safety. If you have moved since you got your current license, update your address first so your duplicate goes to the right place.
You can update your address online through the ADPS portal, by phone at 334-242-4437, or in person at any Driver License office. Online is fastest — it takes a few minutes and costs nothing. If you update by phone or in person, allow a day or two for the change to show in the system before you order your duplicate.
When you need a replacement instead of a duplicate
Order a duplicate only if you still have your original license. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, you need a replacement instead. A replacement costs $20 (the same as a duplicate) but gives you a new license number and a new expiration date, and you will need to visit a Driver License office in person because they take a new photo.
If you are not sure whether your situation calls for a duplicate or a replacement, call the Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 and describe what happened to your license. They can tell you which one you need.
What to do if your duplicate arrives damaged
If your duplicate license arrives bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged, contact the Driver License Division right away. You can call 334-242-4437 or visit the ADPS website to report the problem. They will usually send you a replacement at no extra charge if the damage happened during mailing or printing on their end.
Keep the damaged license and the envelope it came in until you hear back from the Department. They may ask you to return it or provide photos of the damage. Do not throw it away before confirming what they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate if my license is expired?
No. Your license must be valid and unexpired to order a duplicate. If your license has expired, you need to renew it first. You can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need a new photo.
Will my duplicate have a different number than my current license?
No. A duplicate has the same license number, the same photo, and the same expiration date as your current license. It is an exact copy. If you need a new number, you need a replacement, not a duplicate.
Can I pick up my duplicate at a Driver License office instead of waiting for mail?
No. Duplicates are mailed only. If you need your license faster, you can visit a Driver License office in person to get a replacement, which takes about 15 minutes, though you will get a new number and expiration date.
What if I ordered a duplicate but my address changed before it arrived?
Contact the Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 as soon as possible with your new address. If your order has not been mailed yet, they may be able to update it. If it has already been mailed to your old address, you may be able to have it forwarded or reissued to your new address.
Do I need to bring anything to prove my identity to order a duplicate online?
No. You order entirely online using your license number and date of birth. You do not need to upload documents or visit an office. The system verifies your information against the Department's records.