Alabama lets you replace a lost or stolen driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, but only if your license hasn't expired more than five years ago and you don't need a corrected address or name change.
The online replacement process is the fastest route if you meet those conditions. You'll pay a $20 replacement fee, provide your Social Security number and driver's license number, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than five years ago, your address or name has changed, or you need a Real ID-compliant license, you must visit an ALEA office in person instead.
The online system works because ALEA already has your photograph and signature on file from your original license. The state doesn't issue a temporary license during the replacement period, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online replacement through the ALEA website costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days, but only works if your license expired within the last five years.
- You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the online order.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you need a name or address change, or you want a Real ID license, you must visit an ALEA office in person.
- Alabama does not issue temporary licenses during replacement, so you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
- The online system uses your existing photograph and signature, so you won't need to provide new identification documents or photos.
Step-by-step process for ordering online
Start at the ALEA website and navigate to the driver's license replacement section. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and photograph to confirm you're the correct person.
Next, you'll confirm your mailing address. This is where your new license will be sent, so make sure it's correct. If you've moved since your license was issued, you can update your address during this step — but only if the move was recent. If your address change is more than a certain time period old, the system may require you to visit an office instead.
After confirming your information, you'll pay the $20 replacement fee using a debit or credit card. ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Once payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to check on your order status later.
When you cannot use the online system
If your Alabama driver's license expired more than five years ago, the online replacement option is not available. The state considers licenses that old to require a full renewal process, which means you'll need to visit an ALEA office, pass a vision test, and provide proof of residency and identity documents.
You also cannot replace your license online if you need to change your name or address. Name changes require legal documentation (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) and must be processed in person. Address changes that occurred more than a certain period ago may also require an office visit, though minor updates made during the online process are usually accepted.
Real ID-compliant licenses cannot be obtained through the online replacement system. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you need one, or if you're replacing a license that was Real ID-compliant and want to keep that status, you must go to an ALEA office. Real ID licenses require additional identity verification and document review that the online system cannot handle.
What to expect during delivery
Your new license will arrive by U.S. mail within 7 to 10 business days of your order. ALEA does not provide tracking numbers or expedited shipping options for online replacements. The license is mailed to the address you confirmed during the ordering process, so make sure no one else will intercept it if you're having it sent to a workplace or shared address.
If your license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact ALEA directly. Have your confirmation number ready. The agency can check whether your order was processed and resend it if necessary, though this may take additional time.
You cannot legally drive with an expired or lost license, even if you have a confirmation number from your online order. Do not drive before your replacement license arrives. If you need to drive urgently, visit an ALEA office to see whether they can issue a temporary license or expedite your replacement in person.
Visiting an ALEA office instead
If you don't meet the requirements for online replacement, you'll need to visit a local ALEA office. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID). If you're changing your name, bring the legal document that supports the change.
ALEA offices are located throughout Alabama. You can find the office nearest you on the ALEA website. Most offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.
The in-person replacement fee is the same as the online fee ($20), and you'll receive your new license by mail within the same timeframe. However, you'll also need to pass a vision test and may need to have a new photograph taken if your current one is too old or doesn't meet current standards.
Protecting yourself after reporting a lost or stolen license
Before you order a replacement, report your lost or stolen license to ALEA. This creates an official record and helps prevent someone else from using your license number for fraud. You can report it online through the ALEA website or by calling your local ALEA office.
If your license was stolen, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can place a free fraud alert by contacting any one of the bureaus, and they'll notify the other two.
Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can check your credit report for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see accounts or inquiries you didn't authorize, contact the credit bureau and the company that opened the fraudulent account when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the online replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The online system only works for lost or stolen licenses that are otherwise valid. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue with ALEA before you can replace it. Contact your local ALEA office to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
What if I moved out of state after my license was issued?
You can still use the online replacement system as long as your license hasn't expired more than five years ago. The new license will be mailed to your current address, wherever that is. However, if you plan to stay in your new state long-term, you may want to get a driver's license from that state instead of replacing your Alabama license.
Do I need to bring anything to the mailbox or sign for my replacement license?
No. Your replacement license will arrive as regular mail and does not require a signature. Check your mailbox regularly after placing your order. If mail is frequently stolen from your address, consider having it held at your local post office for pickup instead.
Can I order a replacement online if my Social Security number has changed?
The online system uses your Social Security number to verify your identity against the information ALEA has on file. If your Social Security number has changed, you'll need to visit an ALEA office in person and bring documentation of the change. This is rare, but it does happen in cases of identity theft or administrative correction.
What happens if I find my original license after I've ordered a replacement?
You can still use your replacement license once it arrives. Having two valid licenses with the same number is not a problem. If you want to, you can destroy the original license or keep it as a backup. There's no need to contact ALEA unless the original license was reported stolen and you want to clear that report.