What you need to do to replace an Alabama learner's permit
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alabama learner's permit, you visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit. You cannot replace it by mail or online — Alabama requires you to appear in person.
The replacement fee is $20.25 as of the most recent update, though you should confirm the current amount when you call ahead, since fees can change. Your new permit will have the same expiration date as your original one, so you do not lose time on your permit's validity.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity and residency to replace your learner's permit.
- The replacement fee is $20.25, and you will receive a new photo and a new physical permit card on the same day.
- Your replacement permit keeps the same expiration date as your original, so you do not lose any validity period.
- Call ahead to confirm your local office's hours and current fees before you go, since some offices have limited schedules.
Documents to bring to the DPS office
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID yet, bring two forms of non-photo ID instead, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.
You also need proof of your current Alabama address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency counts as well. If you live with a parent or guardian and do not have a bill in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, plus your birth certificate.
Finding your nearest DPS driver license office
The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a list of all driver license offices on its website at dps.alabama.gov. You can search by county or city to find the office closest to you. Each office has its own hours, and some are open only certain days of the week, so check before you go.
Call your local office directly before you visit. The staff can tell you how long the wait is that day, confirm they have the documents you plan to bring, and let you know if there are any temporary closures or schedule changes. This one phone call saves you a wasted trip.
What happens when you arrive at the office
When you check in, tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged learner's permit. Hand over your documents. They will verify your identity and address, then take a new photo of you for the replacement permit. You will sign the back of the new card, and they will give it to you before you leave.
Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards, and some accept only cash. Ask when you call ahead which payment methods your local office takes.
If your permit was stolen, not just lost
If someone stole your permit, you do not need a police report to replace it at the DPS office. The replacement process is the same. However, if you are concerned that someone might use your stolen permit to commit fraud or identity theft, you can file a report with the Alabama Attorney General's office or contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov to place a fraud alert on your name.
Keep a record of the date you reported it stolen and any reference numbers you receive. This creates a paper trail if someone later tries to use your old permit number.
Damaged permits and special circumstances
If your permit is damaged but still readable — water damage, a cracked card, faded photo — bring it with you to the office. The staff will examine it and decide whether to issue a replacement. You do not need to explain how it was damaged; the office replaces permits that are no longer usable.
If you have changed your name since you received your original permit, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the legal name change. The replacement permit will reflect your current legal name.
Timeline and what to expect after you leave
You receive your replacement permit in hand the same day you visit the office. There is no waiting period. You can use it to drive with a licensed adult when ready after you leave.
Keep your replacement permit in a safe place — a wallet pocket with a card protector, or a small envelope in your bag. If you lose it again, you will need to return to the office and pay another $20.25 replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement permit for me?
No. Alabama requires the permit holder to appear in person at the DPS office. You must be there yourself with your ID and proof of address. This is a security requirement to prevent fraud.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, plus your birth certificate. Some offices will also accept a notarized letter stating your address if you have no other proof.
Do I have to replace my permit before it expires, or can I wait?
You can replace it at any time. Your replacement permit will keep the same expiration date as your original, so there is no advantage to waiting. If your original permit is already expired, you will need to renew it instead of replacing it, which is a different process.
Will my replacement permit have a different number?
Your replacement permit will have the same number as your original. The DPS system links it to your driving record, so the number stays the same for continuity.
What if the office says they cannot replace my permit that day?
This is rare, but if the office is experiencing a technical issue or is unusually backed up, ask when you can return. Call ahead the next day to confirm they are ready before you go back. Bring the same documents you brought the first time.