You can replace a lost or stolen Alabama driver's license through the state's online portal, but only if your license hasn't expired more than five years ago

Alabama allows you to order a replacement license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website without visiting a driver's license office in person. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $20.25. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The online option works only if your current or most recently expired license is still valid or expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person to renew it instead of straightforward replacing it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order a replacement Alabama license online through ALEA's website if your license expired within the last five years.
  • The online replacement costs $20.25 and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the order.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a driver's license office in person instead.
  • Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original license.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to the ALEA website: your Alabama driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. If you don't have your license number memorized, you may be able to look it up on ALEA's website using your name and date of birth, though this varies by situation.

Make sure the payment card is in your name or that you have permission to use it. ALEA will charge the $20.25 replacement fee to whichever card you enter during checkout. Some people report that the system accepts cards registered to a different address, but this is not may provide.

The step-by-step process

Step 1: Go to the ALEA website. Navigate to alea.gov and look for the driver's license section. The exact link location changes occasionally, but searching "Alabama replace driver's license online" will take you to the right page.

Step 2: Select "Replace License" from the menu. You'll see options for different transactions. Choose the one labeled for replacement (not renewal, which is different). The system will ask whether you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license.

Step 3: Enter your personal information. Type in your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your license. Any mismatch will cause the system to reject your order.

Step 4: Verify your address. The system will pull up the address on file with ALEA. If you've moved since your license was issued, update it now. Your replacement license will be mailed to whatever address you confirm at this step.

Step 5: Review the fee and pay. The system will show you the $20.25 fee. Enter your credit or debit card information and complete the payment. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready after payment goes through.

Step 6: Save your confirmation number. Write down or screenshot the confirmation number the system displays. You can use this to track your order status on the ALEA website, though tracking updates are often delayed by several days.

What happens after you order

ALEA will print your replacement license and mail it to the address you confirmed during checkout. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you placed the order. This timeline assumes no delays in the mail system itself, which can add time during holidays or weather events.

You can drive legally using your old license (if you still have it) or a printed copy of your confirmation email until your replacement arrives. Some police officers may ask questions if your old license is visibly damaged or if you're carrying a printed confirmation instead of a physical license, but you are not breaking the law during this waiting period.

If your replacement doesn't arrive within 12 business days, contact ALEA's driver's license section by phone. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check whether your order was processed and remail it if needed.

When the online option won't work

You cannot use the online replacement system if your license expired more than five years ago. In that case, you're renewing rather than replacing, and renewal requires an in-person visit to a driver's license office. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

You also cannot order online if your license was suspended or revoked. The ALEA system will reject your order if there's a hold on your driving record. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first by contacting ALEA directly, then visit an office in person.

If you've changed your name since your license was issued, the online system may not let you complete the order. Call ALEA's driver's license section to ask whether you can order online with a name change, or plan to visit an office in person with a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Finding a driver's license office if you need one

Alabama has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by searching "Alabama driver's license office" plus your city name, or by visiting the ALEA website and using their office locator. Hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch, so call ahead before you go.

Many offices are busiest on Mondays and Fridays. If you have flexibility, visiting on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon often means a shorter wait. Some offices take walk-ins only; others use appointment systems. The ALEA website will tell you which system your local office uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the online system if my license was suspended?

No. The online system will reject your order if there's any hold on your driving record, including a suspension or revocation. You must contact ALEA to resolve the suspension first, then you can order a replacement online or visit an office in person.

What if I enter the wrong information and the order gets rejected?

You can try again when ready. There's no waiting period between attempts. Make sure your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number match your license exactly. If you're still getting rejected, call ALEA's driver's license section — there may be a discrepancy in their system that only they can fix.

Will my replacement license have a new number?

No. Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original license. Only renewals (when your license expires) give you a new number and new expiration date.

Can I pick up my replacement license at an office instead of waiting for mail?

Not through the online system. Online orders are mailed only. If you need your license faster, you can visit a driver's license office in person and request an expedited replacement, though this costs more and availability varies by location.

What if my address changed after I ordered?

Contact ALEA's driver's license section with your confirmation number and ask them to update your mailing address before your license ships. If your license has already been mailed to the old address, you may be able to file a change of address with the postal service, though this isn't may provide to work.