The fastest way to replace a lost Alabama driver's license
You can replace a lost Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The mail route takes 7 to 10 business days but requires you to send your current license or a certified birth certificate, which means you need to have one of those documents already in hand.
Most people choose the in-person option because it's faster and you don't have to locate supporting documents first. You'll need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and payment. The fee for a replacement license is $25 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Alabama DPS Driver License office in person with your Social Security card, proof of address, and $25 to $36 to get a replacement license the same day.
- If you cannot go in person, you can mail an process with a certified birth certificate or your current license, though this takes 7 to 10 business days.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready at an office visit, valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
- Alabama DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours; check the office locator on the Alabama DPS website before you go.
What documents you need to bring in person
Bring your Social Security card or a document that displays your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. If you don't have your Social Security card, you can bring a Social Security statement from ssa.gov or a recent tax document instead. This is the most common stumbling block — many people assume they can use their passport or another ID, but Alabama DPS specifically requires proof of your Social Security number.
You also need proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not. If you've recently moved and don't have a bill in your new name yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address, or bring a lease with your name on it.
Bring payment in cash, debit card, or credit card. The fee is $25 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. Some offices may have ATMs on-site, but don't count on it — bring the cash or card with you.
Finding an Alabama DPS office near you and office hours
Alabama has 29 Driver License offices across the state. The Alabama DPS website has an office locator tool where you can search by county or city. Enter your location and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each office near you. Some offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while others have different hours or are closed on certain days — this varies by location, so check before you go.
A few larger offices in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville stay open until 6 p.m. on some weekdays. Some offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. If you're planning to go during a lunch hour or late afternoon, call the office first to confirm they're still taking walk-ins. During peak times (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays), wait times can run 45 minutes to an hour.
What happens when you arrive at the office
When you walk in, you'll check in at the front desk and receive a number. You'll wait for your number to be called, then sit down with a DPS employee who will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement. The whole interaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you're called.
Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can use it to drive, board a plane, or enter a federal building. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provide, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, call the office where you applied and provide your process number.
Replacing your license by mail if you cannot visit an office
If you live out of state or cannot visit an office in person, you can mail an process to the Alabama DPS. You'll need to complete the DL-44 form (the standard Alabama driver's license process), which you can read from the Alabama DPS website or request by phone. You must include either your current Alabama driver's license or a certified copy of your birth certificate. You also need proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address, following the same rules as the in-person process.
Mail your completed form, documents, and a check or money order for $25 or $36 to the Alabama DPS headquarters address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number so they can contact you if there's a problem with your process. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your mail, plus time for mail to travel both ways — plan for two to three weeks total.
The mail-in route is slower and requires you to have a certified birth certificate or your current license already in hand. Most people find the in-person visit faster and simpler, even if they have to drive to an office.
If your license was stolen or used fraudulently
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, or if you suspect it's been used fraudulently, contact the Alabama DPS directly at the office where you obtained your license or call the DPS main line. Report the theft or suspected fraud before you explore for a replacement. The DPS can flag your old license number in their system so it cannot be used to obtain credit or open accounts in your name.
You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and consider freezing your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but are important if you believe someone could use your license information for identity theft. The credit bureaus can be reached through their websites or by phone, and placing an alert is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid in all 50 states and is recognized by law enforcement. It has the same legal standing as your permanent plastic license for driving purposes. However, some private businesses (like rental car companies) may not accept it, so call ahead if you're renting a vehicle.
What if I don't have a Social Security card or birth certificate?
You can bring any document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement from ssa.gov. If you don't have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement Social Security card first, or call your local Alabama DPS office to ask what alternative documents they will accept.
How long does the permanent license take to arrive in the mail?
Your permanent plastic license is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your office visit. Mail delivery adds another 3 to 7 days depending on your location. If you haven't received it within two weeks, contact the office where you applied with your process number and they can check the status.
Do I need an appointment to visit a DPS office?
No. Alabama DPS Driver License offices operate on a walk-in basis. You do not need to schedule an appointment. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times, especially during peak hours like mid-morning on weekdays.
What if I've moved out of Alabama since I got my license?
You can still replace your Alabama license by mail using the process described above. However, if you now live in another state, you may want to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV to learn their requirements.