How to Replace Your Driver's License in Alabama

Where to go and what to bring

You replace your Alabama driver's license at your county's Department of Public Safety office, not online or by mail. Alabama does not offer remote replacement for lost licenses. You will need to visit in person with your original documents.

Bring these items: a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Alabama address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You do not need to bring your old license. If you still have it, bring it anyway; the office will destroy it during the replacement process. If you cannot locate any of your required documents, call your county DPS office before you go — they can tell you what alternatives they will accept.

Key Takeaways

You must visit your county Department of Public Safety office in person; Alabama does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online.
Bring a government photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within the last 30 days.
A standard replacement license costs $25 and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail at your address.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days.
Hours and wait times vary by county office, so call ahead or check your county's website to avoid a long trip.

Finding your county Department of Public Safety office

Alabama has 67 counties, and each one operates its own DPS office with different hours and locations. The state does not run a single statewide office you can visit. Search online for "[your county name] Alabama Department of Public Safety" or "[your county name] DPS driver's license office" to find the address and phone number.

Many county offices are located in the county courthouse or a nearby government building. Call before you go — some offices have limited hours or close for lunch, and wait times can be long on certain days. A few counties operate by appointment only, so asking ahead saves you a wasted trip.

The cost and timeline

A replacement driver's license costs $25 in Alabama. You pay this fee at the counter when you submit your documents. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot if you request one; this temporary is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent card.

Your new plastic license arrives by mail within 10 business days in most cases, though it can take longer during high-volume periods. The office will mail it to the address you provide on your process. If you move before it arrives, contact your county DPS office to update your mailing address — they can usually do this by phone.

What happens if you need to drive when ready

Ask for a temporary paper license when you complete your replacement process. This temporary is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days. It has the same legal weight as a plastic license for driving purposes, so police will accept it as proof of licensure.

If your 30-day temporary expires before your plastic license arrives, you will need to return to the DPS office and request another temporary. This second temporary is also free. Plan ahead if you know your replacement will take longer than expected — call your county office and ask them to estimate how long the backlog is.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Alabama Department of Public Safety's Driver License Division. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or DUI convictions.

Contact the Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 to find out the reason for your suspension and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then go to your county DPS office and replace your lost license as normal. The replacement process does not restore a suspended license — you must handle the suspension separately first.

Replacing a license if you have changed your name

Bring the legal document that shows your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The DPS office will review this document and issue a new license with your current legal name. You do not need to change your name with any other agency first — the DPS office handles this as part of the replacement.

If your name change was recent and you do not yet have an official document, ask your county office what they will accept as temporary proof. Some offices will work with you if you explain the situation, though policies vary by county.

Replacing a license if you lost your Social Security card

You need proof of your Social Security number, but this does not have to be your actual Social Security card. Bring a W-2, tax return, 1099 form, or any official document that shows your full Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, call your county DPS office and ask what else they will accept — some offices will take a letter from the Social Security Administration or your employer's records.

If you cannot locate any proof of your Social Security number, you will need to request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you can replace your driver's license. This is a separate process and takes additional time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license at any county office, or does it have to be my home county?

You must go to the DPS office in the county where you currently live. If you have recently moved to a new county, go to your new county's office. If you still live in your original county, go there. The office will check your address against your process.

What if I don't have a proof of address document dated within 30 days?

Call your county DPS office and ask what alternatives they will accept. Some offices will take older utility bills, letters from government agencies, or bank statements outside the 30-day window. Policies vary, so do not make a trip without confirming first.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes. The DPS office will take a new photo when you submit your replacement process. You cannot use your old photo. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for several years.

What if my temporary paper license expires before my plastic license arrives?

Return to your county DPS office and request another temporary. This is free and takes just a few minutes. You can request multiple temporaries if needed while you wait for your permanent card.

Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

An outstanding ticket does not prevent you from replacing a lost license. However, if your license was suspended because of an unpaid fine, you must resolve the suspension first. Call the Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 to learn about your license is suspended and what you need to do.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.