Getting a replacement license in Alabama
To replace a lost driver's license in Alabama, you need to visit your local Department of Public Safety office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
Alabama does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online, so there is no way around the in-person visit. The good news is that the process is straightforward once you know what documents to bring and which office to visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Public Safety Driver License office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency to get a replacement.
- The replacement fee in Alabama is $20.50 for a standard license, and you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can request a temporary paper license to drive legally while you wait.
- If your license was stolen or you suspect identity theft, report it to the Alabama Department of Public Safety and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID and one proof of your current Alabama address. For photo ID, a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a government photo ID, you can bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, though this takes longer to process.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license renewal notice from the state also counts as proof of residency.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. Without this, the DMV cannot issue a license under your current name.
Finding your nearest Department of Public Safety 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 which office serves your area.
Some offices are busier than others. If you can, visit early in the morning on a weekday to avoid long waits. Many offices do not take appointments, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. A few larger offices in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville do accept appointments through their website.
The replacement fee and payment options
The fee to replace a lost driver's license in Alabama is $20.50. You can pay with cash, check, or debit card at the office. Credit cards are not accepted at most locations, so bring cash or a debit card to be safe.
If you are replacing a license that was damaged or defective (not lost), the replacement is free. If you are replacing a license that expired more than five years ago, you may need to take a vision test and pay a renewal fee instead of a replacement fee, so ask the staff when you arrive.
Getting a temporary license while you wait
When you submit your replacement process, ask the staff for a temporary paper license. This is a printed document that shows you have a valid license on file and are waiting for your replacement to arrive. It is legal to drive with this temporary license in Alabama.
The temporary license is valid for 30 days, which gives you plenty of time for your new license to arrive by mail. Keep the temporary license with you while driving, along with your proof of identity. If your new license arrives before the 30 days are up, the temporary license expires automatically.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was lost in a theft or you suspect someone may use it fraudulently, tell the staff at the Driver License office when you explore for the replacement. They will flag your account and cancel the old license when ready.
You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them. The alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by phone or online with any of the three bureaus, and it lasts for one year.
Renewing instead of replacing
If your license is not expired or will not expire for at least six months, you are replacing it. If your license expired less than six months ago, you can still replace it at the same office with the same fee and documents.
If your license expired more than six months ago, Alabama treats this as a renewal rather than a replacement. Renewals require a vision test and cost more than replacements. If you are unsure whether your situation is a replacement or renewal, call the office before you go or ask the staff when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day?
No. Alabama mails all replacement licenses, and the process takes 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary paper license they give you at the office while you wait for the real one to arrive.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
You will need to bring one document dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address. If you cannot get one, ask the staff what alternative documents they accept — some offices will work with you if you bring multiple documents that together show your residency, even if none is perfect.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
You do not need it if you have a government photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, bring your Social Security card along with a birth certificate or passport to prove your identity. The staff will tell you if you need additional documents.
What happens if my replacement license gets lost in the mail?
Contact the Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437 and tell them your license did not arrive. They can check the status and reissue it if needed. You may have to pay another replacement fee, though some offices will waive it if the mail loss is documented.
Can I change my address at the same time?
Yes. When you explore for your replacement, tell the staff you want to update your address. Bring proof of your new address, and they will print it on your replacement license at no extra cost.