Get a replacement license at your local Alabama Department of Public Safety office

If you've lost your driver's license in Alabama, you'll need to visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office in person to get a replacement. Alabama does not issue replacements by mail or online. You cannot straightforward report it lost and receive a new one — you must appear at an office with the required documents and pay a replacement fee.

The process is straightforward: bring your identification documents, complete the required form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Most people complete this in under an hour. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Public Safety Driver License office in person — there is no remote or mail-in replacement option in Alabama.
  • Bring a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of your Social Security number and current address.
  • The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard four-year license or $31 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at most offices.
  • Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait.
  • If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to obtain a replacement.

What documents you need to bring

Alabama requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. A photo is not required on the birth certificate, but it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

For Social Security verification, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full Social Security number. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number. You'll also need to show proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

Finding the nearest DPS Driver License office

Alabama has Driver License offices in most counties. The fastest way to find the one nearest you is to visit the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool, or call 334-242-4437 to ask for the address and hours of your local office.

Office hours vary by location. Most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended evening hours or Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you're traveling to an office outside your county. Some offices are busier than others — going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter wait times.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard four-year Alabama driver's license costs $20.50 to replace. If you want an eight-year license instead, the fee is $31. These are the only two options available. Most DPS offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards, though a few smaller offices may accept cash only — call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.

If you cannot afford the fee at the time of your visit, you cannot complete the replacement that day. There is no payment plan or fee waiver process for lost licenses. Plan to have the full amount with you when you go.

What happens after you submit your process

Once you've submitted your documents and paid the fee, the DPS office will take a new photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving, voting, or other identification purposes while your permanent license is being made.

Your new plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provide at the office within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. If your address changes before the license arrives, you'll need to return to a DPS office to update it — the license will be mailed to whatever address is on file.

If your license was stolen instead of lost

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, you may want to file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. This creates an official record in case the license is used fraudulently. However, filing a report is not required to get a replacement license from the DPS.

If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This alerts lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This step is separate from replacing your license and takes a few minutes to set up by phone or online.

Renewing versus replacing — which one you need

A replacement is what you get when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. A renewal is what you get when your license is still valid but you want to extend it before it expires. These are two different transactions with different fees and processes.

If your license has expired or is about to expire, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it instead. Renewals in Alabama can be done online, by mail, or in person, depending on your situation. If your license is current and you've just lost it, you need a replacement, not a renewal. The DPS office will tell you which one applies when you arrive with your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. The DPS office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you explore. You can drive, vote, and use it for other identification purposes during this time. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to visit an Alabama DPS Driver License office in person to get a replacement. If you're currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Alabama, or you can visit an office during a trip home. There is no way to replace an Alabama license remotely or through another state's office.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, reporting it to police is not required to get a replacement from the DPS. However, if you believe your license was stolen or you're worried about identity theft, filing a police report creates an official record. You can also contact the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your accounts.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Most replacements arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive yours within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you have time to drive while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I change my address at the same time I replace my license?

Yes. Tell the DPS office staff that you want to update your address when you explore for the replacement. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address. If you realize after you leave that you gave them the wrong address, return to the office before your temporary license expires to correct it.