What you need to do to replace your Alabama driver's license
To replace a lost or damaged Alabama driver's license, you must visit an Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver's license office in person with proof of identity and residency. You will fill out an process form, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your temporary license is issued on the spot; the permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Alabama does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You cannot renew a lost license through the DMV website or by phone. Every replacement requires an in-person visit to one of the state's driver's license offices.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver's license office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Alabama address.
- The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your permanent replacement card is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or tax return.
- If your license was damaged rather than lost, bring the damaged card with you to the office.
Documents and proof you need to bring
Bring one form of valid photo identification — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. You also need proof that you live in Alabama right now. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
You will need your Social Security number. If you do not have your Social Security card with you, bring another document that shows it: a birth certificate, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return. DPS will not accept a photo of these documents — originals or certified copies only.
If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself. If your license was lost, you do not need to bring it, but you should be prepared to explain the circumstances if asked.
Where to go and how to find your nearest office
Alabama has 29 driver's license offices across the state, operated by the Department of Public Safety. You can visit any office regardless of which county you live in. The main office is located in Montgomery, but most people find it faster to use a local branch.
Find your nearest office on the Alabama DPS website at dps.alabama.gov. The site lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are traveling more than 20 minutes.
Wait times vary widely. Urban offices in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville often have longer lines, especially on Fridays. Rural offices typically move faster. Going early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.
The replacement fee and what happens at the office
The replacement fee for a standard Alabama driver's license is $20.50. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices; credit cards are not accepted at all locations, so bring cash or a debit card to be safe. If you are replacing a license that was damaged due to a manufacturing defect, DPS may waive the fee, but you will need to explain the damage when you arrive.
When you arrive at the office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will be called to a window where a clerk will review your documents, ask you to sign the process form (DL-43), and verify your information. You will then have a new photo taken. The photo is taken against a plain background and must show your face clearly — remove sunglasses and hats.
After your photo is taken, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent card for driving purposes. Your permanent replacement card is printed and mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online or at any DPS office.
If you need your license faster than the mail timeline
Alabama does not offer expedited mail service for replacement licenses. The standard 7 to 10 business day timeline cannot be shortened. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, the temporary paper license is valid and legal to carry and use.
If your temporary license is lost or damaged before your permanent card arrives, you must return to a DPS office and request a second temporary. There is no additional fee for a replacement temporary license issued within the same transaction, but if you return weeks later, DPS may treat it as a new replacement and charge the $20.50 fee again.
What to do if your address has changed
If you have moved since your original license was issued, bring proof of your new Alabama address to the replacement appointment. The new address will be printed on your replacement card. You do not need to update your address separately — it happens automatically when you explore for the replacement.
If you move after you submit your replacement process but before the card arrives, contact the DPS office where you applied and provide your new address. They can update the mailing address on file. You can also update your address online through the Alabama DPS website if you have your driver's license number and date of birth.
If your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. DPS will tell you this when you arrive at the office. You must first resolve the issue that caused the suspension — paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period — before you can get a replacement.
Contact the DPS Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 to find out the status of your license before you visit an office. This saves you a trip if a suspension or revocation is in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present at the DPS office to have your photo taken and sign the process. A family member or friend cannot do this on your behalf. You must visit the office yourself.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You still must visit an Alabama DPS office in person to replace it. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Alabama, or you can travel to the nearest DPS office if you need the replacement sooner. Your temporary paper license is valid nationwide while you wait for the permanent card.
Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?
Most Alabama DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You arrive, check in, take a number, and wait. A few offices in larger cities may offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available in your area.
What if my name has changed since my original license?
Bring legal documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will update your name on the replacement license. You do not need to change your name separately; it happens as part of the replacement process.
Is the temporary paper license valid for flying or crossing state lines?
The temporary paper license is valid for driving within the United States. It is not accepted as identification for air travel. For flights, you need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you need to fly before your permanent replacement arrives, use your passport or obtain a REAL ID license at the same DPS office visit.