Get a replacement license from the Alabama Department of Public Safety
If you have lost your Alabama driver's license, you will need to request a replacement from the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS), not from a local police department or courthouse. The DPS handles all driver's license issuance and replacement in the state. You can start the replacement process in person at a DPS Driver License Examining Station, by mail, or online through the DPS website, depending on which method fits your situation.
The fastest route is usually an in-person visit to your nearest DPS office, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent replacement within one to two weeks. If you cannot visit an office, you can mail in your request with the required documents, though this takes longer — typically three to four weeks from the time DPS receives your paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety directly — they are the only agency that issues replacement licenses in Alabama.
- An in-person visit to a DPS Driver License Examining Station is the fastest way to get a temporary license on the same day.
- You will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Alabama address.
- The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard driver's license, and you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices.
- If you cannot locate your license within a reasonable time, you should report it lost to DPS when you request the replacement so it cannot be used fraudulently.
What documents you need to bring for an in-person replacement
When you visit a DPS Driver License Examining Station, bring a current government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will work. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have the original Social Security card, a tax document or benefits statement with your full Social Security number is acceptable.
You must also bring proof of your current Alabama address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will satisfy this requirement. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent lease signed by both you and the landlord.
Bring your $20.50 replacement fee in cash, by check, or on a debit card. Some DPS offices do not accept credit cards, so debit is safer if you do not have cash or a checkbook. Call ahead to confirm which payment methods your local office accepts.
Finding your nearest DPS Driver License Examining Station
The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates Driver License Examining Stations throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you, along with hours and phone numbers, on the DPS website at dps.alabama.gov. The site includes a searchable list of all stations by county.
Many stations operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some larger offices in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville may have appointment systems. Call your local office before you visit to ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in. Wait times vary widely — some offices serve customers within 30 minutes, while others during peak hours may have a one- to two-hour wait.
Replacing your license by mail
If you cannot visit a DPS office in person, you can request a replacement by mail. read the process for Alabama Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with copies of your documents and the $20.50 fee to the address listed on the form.
Include photocopies of your government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — do not send originals. Write a brief note explaining that your license was lost and requesting a replacement. Mail everything to the DPS address on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date DPS receives your package, so use certified mail if you want confirmation of delivery.
One drawback of the mail route is that you will not have a temporary license while you wait for your permanent one. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to visit an office in person to get a temporary license, which defeats the purpose of mailing in your request.
Online replacement through the DPS website
The Alabama DPS website allows you to renew a license online if it has not expired and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. However, if your license is lost, you cannot use the online renewal system — you must either visit an office in person or mail in your request. The online system is designed for routine renewals, not replacements due to loss.
If your lost license was not yet expired and you have not moved, you may be able to renew it online and request that your new license be mailed to you. This is technically a renewal rather than a replacement, and it takes the same three to four weeks as a mailed replacement request. You will still need to visit an office if you need a temporary license to drive in the meantime.
Getting a temporary license while you wait
When you visit a DPS Driver License Examining Station in person, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent replacement is being printed and mailed to you. The temporary license has your photo, license number, and expiration date printed on it, and law enforcement will recognize it as a valid license.
Keep your temporary license with you whenever you drive. Once your permanent replacement arrives in the mail, the temporary license becomes invalid. If your permanent license arrives before the 45-day temporary period ends, you can start using it when ready.
Reporting your lost license to prevent fraud
When you request your replacement, tell the DPS staff member that your license was lost rather than straightforward expired or damaged. DPS will flag your old license number in their system so that if someone tries to use it, the discrepancy will be caught. This is especially important if you lost your license in a public place or if you are concerned it may have been stolen.
You do not need to file a separate police report for a lost driver's license unless you believe it was stolen as part of a larger theft or identity theft situation. A lost license by itself is a civil matter handled by DPS, not a criminal matter. However, if you suspect identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
Only if you have a temporary license from an in-person visit to a DPS office. If you mailed in your request, you cannot legally drive until your permanent replacement arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must visit an office to get a temporary license.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still request a replacement from Alabama DPS by mail or by visiting a DPS office when you return to Alabama. You do not need to be in Alabama to mail in your request. If you need to drive in another state while waiting, contact that state's DMV about their temporary license or learner's permit options.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard Alabama driver's license. This is the same fee whether you replace it in person, by mail, or online. Some offices may charge a small additional fee for expedited processing, so call ahead to confirm the total cost.
Will my new license have the same number as my lost one?
No. Your replacement license will have a new license number. DPS retires the old number when you report the license lost to prevent fraud. Make sure to update your new license number with your insurance company, employer, and any other organizations that have your license information on file.
What if I find my lost license after I get a replacement?
Destroy the old license by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not attempt to use it — it is no longer valid once your replacement has been issued. If you turn in the old license to a DPS office, they will destroy it for you.