Getting a replacement license in Alabama
If you have lost your Alabama driver's license, you can get a replacement through the Alabama Department of Public Safety. You will need to visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. The process is straightforward: bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Most people finish within 30 minutes to an hour.
Alabama issues your replacement license on the spot at the office, so you leave with a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person with proof of identity and residency to get a replacement.
- The replacement fee in Alabama is $20.50 for a standard license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license unless you request a renewal at the same time.
What documents to bring to the Driver License Examiner's Office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address in Alabama. For identity, the office accepts a passport, military ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address.
If your name has changed since your original license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your replacement license will still show your old name.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the process form at the office.
Finding the Driver License Examiner's Office nearest you
Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. The Alabama Department of Public Safety website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Call ahead if you can — some offices have wait times that vary by day and time, and a few offices close for lunch or operate on limited schedules.
Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but this varies by location. Some offices in larger cities stay open later or open on Saturday mornings. Check the specific office's hours before you go, because traveling to a closed office wastes time.
The replacement fee and payment methods
The replacement fee for a standard Alabama driver's license is $20.50. You pay this fee at the office when you submit your process. The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card — confirm payment methods when you call ahead, as some smaller offices may have limits.
If your original license was suspended or revoked, you may owe additional fees or fines before you can get a replacement. Contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office or the Alabama Department of Public Safety to check your driving record before you go, so you know what to expect.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your Alabama license was suspended or revoked — for unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, or other violations — you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The Driver License Examiner's Office will tell you when ready if this applies to you when you try to explore.
To lift a suspension, you typically must pay outstanding fines, complete required courses (such as a DUI education program), or wait out the suspension period, depending on the reason. Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is resolved, you can return to the office and get your replacement license.
Replacing your license if it was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same — bring your documents and pay the $20.50 fee. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so for your own records if the theft included other items.
If you are concerned that someone may use your stolen license to commit fraud, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This step is optional but recommended if your license was stolen along with other personal information.
Renewing your license at the same time as replacing it
If your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it at the same time you get your replacement. This costs more — a renewal is an additional fee on top of the replacement fee — but you only make one trip to the office. Ask the staff at the Driver License Examiner's Office whether renewing now makes sense for your situation.
If you choose to renew, your new license will have a new expiration date (typically 8 years from the date of renewal for a standard license). If you only replace it without renewing, your replacement license keeps the same expiration date as your original license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present at the Driver License Examiner's Office to have your photo taken and sign the process. The office cannot issue a replacement license without your physical presence.
What if I don't have a current address in Alabama?
You need a document showing your current Alabama address to get a replacement. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent piece of government mail addressed to your new address. Call the office ahead of time to ask what they will accept in your situation.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid until your permanent plastic license arrives by mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent license does not arrive within that timeframe, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to check the status.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No, reporting to police is not required to get a replacement. However, if your license was stolen or if you are concerned about identity theft, filing a police report creates an official record and may help if someone misuses your license information.
What if my name or address is wrong on my replacement license?
If you notice an error after you receive your permanent license by mail, return to the Driver License Examiner's Office with your temporary license and the permanent one. The office can issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by the department.