What you need to do to replace your Alabama license
To replace a lost or damaged Alabama driver's license, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person with proof of identity and residency. The state does not process replacements by mail or online. You will pay a fee (currently $20.50 for a standard replacement), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents. Most people complete it in under 30 minutes at the office. The main decision you face is whether to get a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license — REAL ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 7, 2025, but costs $5 more and requires additional documentation.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at an Alabama DPS driver license office with valid proof of identity and proof of current Alabama residency.
- A standard replacement costs $20.50; a REAL ID replacement costs $25.50 and requires proof of Social Security number and citizenship or lawful status.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Bring your Social Security number or card, even for a standard replacement, because the office will verify it with the Social Security Administration.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring one form of valid photo identification. Acceptable documents include a passport, military ID, government-issued ID from another state, or a tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together prove your identity — such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a utility bill in your name.
You also need proof that you currently live in Alabama. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. The document must show your name and current Alabama address. If you recently moved and your address has not updated on your bills yet, bring a lease or mortgage document plus a piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, voter registration card, or court document).
Bring your Social Security number or card. The DPS office will verify your number with the Social Security Administration as part of the replacement process, even if you are getting a standard license. If you do not have your card, write down your nine-digit number and bring it.
Standard license versus REAL ID: which one to choose
A standard Alabama driver's license costs $20.50 and requires only proof of identity and residency. You can use it to drive, enter state buildings, and conduct most everyday transactions. However, starting May 7, 2025, you cannot use a standard license to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building — you will need a REAL ID or a passport instead.
A REAL ID-compliant license costs $25.50 and requires everything a standard license needs, plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status. Acceptable citizenship documents include a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). The REAL ID license has a small star in the upper right corner and works for air travel and federal building access through 2030 and beyond.
If you travel by air domestically or enter federal buildings regularly, get the REAL ID. If you rarely fly or enter federal buildings, the standard license is sufficient for now. You can always upgrade to REAL ID later by visiting a DPS office again and paying the difference.
Finding the nearest DPS driver license office and hours
Alabama has driver license offices in most counties. The easiest way to find the office nearest you is to visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website (dps.alabama.gov) and use their office locator tool. You can search by county or city. The site shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours one or two days per week. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, because some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.
You do not need an appointment at most Alabama DPS offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices in larger cities now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the office locator to see if your local office has this option. Walk-in wait times vary from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning and mid-week visits tend to be faster.
What happens at the office and what you receive
When you arrive, you will check in and take a number. A clerk will call you to a window, review your documents, and ask you to confirm your address and other information. You will have a new photo taken (unless you request to use your previous photo, which some offices allow). The clerk will verify your Social Security number and, if you are getting REAL ID, your citizenship status.
Once everything is verified, you will pay the fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The clerk will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot — this is a full-size document that is valid for driving and most purposes while you wait for your plastic card. Keep this paper license safe; it is your proof of a valid license until the plastic card arrives.
Your new plastic driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, though you do not need to destroy it.
If your license was damaged or defaced
If your license is damaged but still in your possession, bring it with you to the DPS office along with your other documents. The clerk will take the damaged license and issue a replacement. You still pay the standard replacement fee. The process is identical to replacing a lost license — you get a temporary paper license when ready and a new plastic card by mail.
If your license is defaced (for example, if the photo or information is no longer legible), the DPS office may require you to explain what happened. Be honest about the cause — water damage, wear and tear, or an accident. The office will not refuse a replacement based on how the damage occurred, but they may note it in their system.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
Alabama does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You must appear in person at a DPS office. There is no exception to this rule, even if you are elderly, disabled, or live far from an office.
If you are unable to visit an office yourself, someone else can go on your behalf — a family member, friend, or representative. That person will need to bring your documents (identity, residency proof, and Social Security number) plus a notarized power of attorney or a letter from you authorizing them to act on your behalf. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm what authorization document they require, because requirements vary slightly by office.
If you live outside Alabama temporarily but still hold an Alabama license, you can still replace it by mail if you use a mail forwarding service or have someone in Alabama mail it to you. However, you must still visit an office in person to explore — you cannot complete the process remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Alabama license replacement cost?
A standard replacement costs $20.50. A REAL ID replacement costs $25.50. Both prices are current as of 2024 but may change. Call your local DPS office to confirm the exact fee before you visit.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive while I wait for my plastic card?
Yes. The temporary paper license is a valid driver's license and is accepted by law enforcement and for most purposes. You can drive, register a vehicle, and conduct transactions with it. Keep it with you at all times while you are waiting for your plastic card to arrive.
What if I moved to a different Alabama county since I got my original license?
You can replace your license at any Alabama DPS office, regardless of which county you currently live in. Bring proof of your current address in your new county. You do not need to visit the office in the county where you originally got your license.
Do I need to bring my old license if it was lost?
No. If your license is lost, you do not have it to bring. The DPS office will issue a replacement based on your identity and residency documents. If your license was damaged, bring it with you so the office can take it and destroy it.
How long does the plastic card take to arrive if I order it by mail?
You cannot order a replacement by mail in Alabama. You must visit a DPS office in person to explore. Once you explore in person, your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.