Get a replacement at your local Alabama Department of Public Safety office
When you lose your Alabama driver's license, you need to visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person to get a replacement. Alabama does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will fill out an process form, provide identification, and pay a fee — the whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour at the counter.
The replacement license will have a new number and expiration date. If your original license was not yet expired, you may be able to keep the same expiration date, but this depends on which DPS office you visit and their current procedures. Call ahead to confirm what they require for your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person with a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number.
- Bring your original Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport — at least one document showing your full legal name and date of birth.
- The replacement fee is $25.50 for a standard license, and you will receive your new license when ready if you pass the vision test.
- If you cannot find your Social Security card, you can bring a W-2, tax return, or bank statement that shows your Social Security number instead.
- Your replacement license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue, unless you are over 60, in which case it expires in four years.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Acceptable alternatives include a W-2 form, a recent tax return, a bank statement, or a pay stub. You also need proof of your date of birth and legal name — a birth certificate, passport, or certified copy of your birth record works.
If you have a passport, bring that instead of the birth certificate. It serves as both proof of identity and proof of citizenship, which speeds up the process. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, the DPS office can tell you what other documents they will accept when you call to confirm their current requirements.
Bring your Social Security card itself if you still have it, even though you are replacing your license. The DPS office will ask to see it. If you lost it along with your license, bring one of the alternative documents listed above.
Find the DPS office nearest you
Alabama has Department of Public Safety offices in most counties. The main office is in Montgomery, but you can visit any DPS office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your home county. Search online for "Alabama DPS driver's license office near me" or call 334-242-4400 to find the office closest to you and confirm their hours.
Some offices are busier than others. If you go early in the morning on a weekday, you will usually wait less than 15 minutes. Avoid lunch hours and late afternoons. A few offices take walk-ins only; others use an appointment system. Call before you go to find out which system your local office uses.
What happens at the office
When you arrive, tell the staff member that you lost your license and need a replacement. They will hand you an process for Alabama Driver's License form (DL-43). Fill it out with your legal name, address, date of birth, and other requested information. The staff member will review it to make sure everything is correct.
Next, you will take a vision test. You will read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the office. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get your license that day — you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction certificate.
After you pass the vision test, you will pay the $25.50 fee. The office will take a new photograph and print your replacement license on the spot. You will walk out with your new license in hand.
The cost and how long it takes
The replacement fee is $25.50. This is the standard fee for a regular driver's license. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and some air travel), the fee is the same — you do not pay extra. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at most offices, though a few may accept cash only. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.
You will receive your new license when ready after you pay and pass the vision test. You do not have to wait for it to arrive in the mail. Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of issue (four years if you are 60 or older).
If you need your license before you can visit an office
Alabama does not issue temporary licenses or digital licenses that you can use while waiting for your replacement. You will need to visit a DPS office in person to get a new license. If you need to drive before you can get to an office, you have limited options: you can ask someone else to drive you, use a rideshare service, or take public transportation if it is available in your area.
If you are stopped by police and cannot show a license, explain that you lost it and have an appointment or plan to visit the DPS office. Police understand this situation. Bring any other form of identification you have — a passport, state ID card, or even a work badge with your photo — to show who you are.
What to do if you find your original license
If you find your original license after you have already received a replacement, you do not need to do anything. Your original license is no longer valid once you have been issued a replacement. You can destroy it or keep it as a record. Do not try to use both licenses — only your new license is active.
If someone else finds your lost license and tries to use it, that is identity theft, not your problem. Your replacement license is the only one that works. If you are concerned about fraud, you can monitor your credit report through the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to watch for unauthorized accounts opened in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, the DPS office will not issue a replacement. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the court or the DPS. Call 334-242-4400 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.
Do I need to bring my original license if I lost it?
No — that is the whole point of a replacement. You lost it, so you cannot bring it. Bring your Social Security card or an alternative document showing your Social Security number, plus proof of your date of birth and legal name.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
Call your local DPS office and ask what documents they will accept instead. Some offices accept a certified copy of your birth record from the vital records office in your county, a hospital birth record, or a court document showing your legal name and date of birth. The office can tell you exactly what they need.
Will my new license have the same number as my old one?
No. Your replacement license will have a new number. The DPS assigns a new number to every replacement license issued. If you need your old license number for any reason, call 334-242-4400 and ask if they can look it up in their records.
How much does a replacement cost if I also need a REAL ID?
The fee is the same: $25.50. A REAL ID-compliant license costs no more than a standard license in Alabama. You will need to bring proof of your address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement) in addition to your other documents if you want REAL ID compliance.