What Alabama offers online for driver's license replacement
Alabama does not offer a fully online replacement process for a lost or stolen driver's license. You must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person to replace your license, even if you have already reported it lost or stolen to law enforcement.
However, you can prepare for your visit by understanding what documents you need, which office locations are near you, and what the process will look like when you arrive. This preparation can make your in-person visit faster and smoother.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama requires you to visit a DPS driver license office in person — there is no online replacement option for a lost or stolen license.
- You will need your Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of Alabama residency to replace your license.
- The DPS website lists all driver license office locations and hours, so you can find the office closest to you before you go.
- Replacement licenses typically cost between $20 and $30, depending on how long you want the license to be valid.
- You can bring a completed DL-44 form to your appointment, which you can print from the DPS website, to speed up the process.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized) and at least one form of proof of identity. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
You also need to prove you live in Alabama. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Alabama address will work. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a letter from your landlord or a signed lease can substitute.
Finding a DPS driver license office near you
The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a list of all driver license offices on its website at dps.alabama.gov. The site shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
Call ahead if you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable or if you want to confirm the office is not unusually busy. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, which can reduce your wait time. Check whether your local office offers this option before you visit.
What to expect during your in-person visit
When you arrive, you will give your documents to a clerk, who will verify your identity and residency. The clerk will take a new photo for your license (unless you have a valid photo ID from Alabama that is less than five years old, in which case you may be able to use that photo). You will also be asked to sign the back of your new license.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the replacement fee at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide, typically within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that you can use while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
Replacement fees and license validity periods
A replacement license costs $20 if you choose a four-year license or $30 if you choose an eight-year license. The fee is the same whether your original license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You cannot renew your license online or by mail in Alabama, so if your license is expiring soon, you may want to choose the longer validity period to avoid another trip to the DPS office.
Your new license will be valid from the date it is issued. If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday. If you are 21 or older, you can choose either the four-year or eight-year option at the time of replacement.
If you reported your license lost or stolen to police
If you filed a police report for a lost or stolen license, bring a copy of that report to the DPS office. This is not required, but it can help document why you need a replacement. The DPS office will not check the police report themselves — you are responsible for providing it if you have one.
Reporting a lost or stolen license to police is separate from replacing it with the DPS. The police report protects you if someone uses your lost license fraudulently, but it does not speed up the replacement process or change what you need to bring.
Preparing your documents before you go
Make copies of your identity document and proof of residency before your visit. Keep the originals with you when you go to the DPS office. The clerk will examine the originals but will not keep them — you will take them home with you.
If you have not yet completed a DL-44 form (the process for a driver's license), you can print one from the DPS website and fill it out at home. Bringing a completed form will not shorten your wait time significantly, but it means you will not have to fill it out in the office, which some people find helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the DPS office. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address, so you do not need to return to the office for that.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use other identity documents such as a military ID, an out-of-state driver's license, or a tribal ID. Call your local DPS office to ask whether a specific document you have will work before you visit.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
The DPS typically mails replacement licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid during this time, so you can drive legally while you wait.
Do I need to take a new photo and vision test?
You will have a new photo taken at the DPS office. You will not take a vision test unless your license was suspended or revoked for a vision-related reason, or unless the clerk determines one is necessary.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new Alabama address (such as a utility bill or lease) to your appointment. The clerk will update your address in the system, and your new license will show your current address.