You can replace a lost Alabama driver's license by mail, in person, or online depending on your situation

Alabama offers three paths to replace a lost driver's license: an online renewal through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, a mail-in request, or an in-person visit to a Driver License Examiner office. The online route is fastest if your license hasn't expired and you haven't changed your name, address, or other identifying information since it was issued. If any of those details have changed, or if your license is expired, you'll need to visit an office in person or submit documents by mail. The in-person route takes a single visit but requires you to locate your nearest examiner office and bring the right documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Online replacement through ALEA's website works only if your license hasn't expired and your personal information hasn't changed since issuance.
  • In-person replacement at a Driver License Examiner office requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Mail-in replacement requires you to complete Form DL-44, include copies of required documents, and mail everything to ALEA; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • Replacement licenses cost $25.50 in Alabama and are valid for eight years from the date of issue.
  • You can find your nearest examiner office and check hours on the ALEA website before you go.

Online replacement through ALEA's website

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency operates an online replacement system at alea.gov. To use it, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and pay the $25.50 replacement fee by credit or debit card. The system will mail your new license to the address on file within seven to ten business days.

Online replacement is available only if all of the following are true: your license has not expired, you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information since the license was issued, and you have not had your license suspended or revoked. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, skip the online option and go to an examiner office or use the mail-in process instead.

In-person replacement at a Driver License Examiner office

Visiting an examiner office is the most direct route if your information has changed or your license is expired. You'll need to bring three things: proof of your identity (a valid passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your current Alabama address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, process your request on the spot, and issue a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Find your nearest examiner office on the ALEA website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days. Call ahead or check the office's hours online before you go, because wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring the documents in person; you cannot submit them by email or phone.

The replacement fee is $25.50, payable by cash, check, or card depending on the office. Processing at the office takes about 30 minutes from check-in to temporary license. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days.

Mail-in replacement using Form DL-44

If you cannot visit an office, you can request a replacement by mail. read Form DL-44 from the ALEA website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $25.50 made payable to ALEA. Do not send cash.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date ALEA receives your envelope. There is no way to track the status of a mail-in request, so allow extra time if you need the license by a specific date. If you need a license sooner, visit an examiner office instead. Keep a copy of the form and your documents for your records before you mail them.

What documents count as proof of identity and residency

Proof of identity must be an original or certified copy of one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID card, a state ID card from Alabama or another state, a tribal ID, or a certificate of naturalization. A photocopy of your old driver's license does not count as proof of identity for replacement purposes.

Proof of residency must show your current Alabama address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check or tax document, or a vehicle registration. The document must be in your name and show your street address, not a P.O. box.

Timeline and what to expect after you request a replacement

If you replace your license in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day of your visit. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. If you use online renewal or mail-in replacement, your new license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days; there is no temporary license issued for those methods.

Your new license will have a new number and will be valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you move to a different address before your license arrives, do not open the envelope. Instead, contact ALEA to update your address and have the license reissued to your new address. Updating your address online or at an examiner office costs an additional $5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a temporary license to drive while I wait for my permanent license?

Yes, if you received a temporary paper license at an examiner office, it is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving. If you replaced your license online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally until your permanent license arrives.

What if my address has changed since I lost my license?

You must visit an examiner office or use the mail-in process; online renewal will not work. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. If your address changes after you request a replacement but before it arrives, contact ALEA to update it and request reissuance to your new address.

Do I need to report the lost license to police?

No police report is required to replace a lost license in Alabama. However, if you believe your license was stolen or you're concerned about identity theft, you may want to file a report for your own records. Reporting is optional and does not affect the replacement process.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file. You cannot have it sent to a different address or picked up by another person. If you need it sent somewhere other than your registered address, contact ALEA before you submit your request.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You still need your Social Security number to replace your license. If you don't have your card, you can provide the number from memory or from other documents like a tax return or bank statement. ALEA will verify your number during processing.