How to Replace Your Alabama Driver's License

Where to get a replacement Alabama driver's license

You can replace your Alabama driver's license at any Driver License Examiner's Office run by the Alabama Department of Public Safety. These offices are located in most counties across the state. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama DPS website under "Driver License Examiner Locations."

You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now offer optional appointment scheduling through the DPS website. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. Processing typically takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents with you.

If you cannot visit an office in person, Alabama does not currently offer mail-in replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You must appear at an examiner's office to have your photo taken and verify your identity.

Key Takeaways

Bring your Social Security number, proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) to any Driver License Examiner's Office.
The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license and $25.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, payable by cash or card at the office.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your visit and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and request a new license number to prevent fraud.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number (you can write it down or bring a Social Security card). You will also need one form of proof of identity: a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or passport card. A school or work ID is not sufficient.

You must show proof of Alabama residency dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. A credit card statement does not count. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your name yet, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by both you and your landlord.

If you are replacing a license that was suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years ago, bring the expired license itself if you still have it. This speeds up the process because the examiner can pull your existing record.

The replacement process step by step

Walk into your nearest Driver License Examiner's Office during business hours with your documents. Tell the staff member at the counter that you need a replacement license. They will direct you to fill out Form DL-43, the Alabama Driver License process form. This form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and whether you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025).

Hand your completed form and documents to the examiner. They will verify your identity, check your Social Security number against state records, and confirm your residency. You will then have your photo taken. Unlike your original license test, you do not need to pass a vision or written test for a replacement.

Pay the fee at the counter. A standard replacement license costs $20.50; a REAL ID license costs $25.50. Cash and card are both accepted. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Fees and payment methods

The replacement fee depends on the type of license you choose. A standard replacement license costs $20.50 and is valid for eight years (or until age 70 if you are older). A REAL ID-compliant license costs $25.50 and has the same validity period but includes a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards.

You must pay at the time of your visit. The examiner's office accepts cash and debit or credit cards. No checks or online payment is available for in-person replacements. If you are replacing a license due to damage or wear, the fee is the same as a standard replacement.

If your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud, you may want to request a new license number instead of keeping your old one. This costs an additional $5 and requires you to ask the examiner before you pay. A new number takes the same 7 to 10 days to arrive.

What to do if your license was lost or stolen

If your license was lost, you can replace it using the same process as a damaged license. However, if it was stolen, you may want to take an extra step: file a police report and bring a copy to the examiner's office. This creates a record that your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, which can help protect you if someone tries to use your old number for fraud.

You can file a police report online in most Alabama cities or by visiting your local police station. You do not need the report to get a replacement license, but having one on file is useful if you later discover fraudulent activity. When you visit the examiner's office, mention that your license was stolen and ask whether they recommend requesting a new license number.

If you are worried about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling any one of them. This is free and alerts lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Timeline and what to expect after your visit

You will leave the examiner's office with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal status as a plastic license for driving, voting, and age verification. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives.

Your permanent plastic license will arrive by U.S. mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary by location; rural areas may take slightly longer. If you do not receive your license within 14 days, contact the Driver License Examiner's Office where you applied. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if necessary.

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. You do not need to return it, but keeping it after your permanent license arrives can cause confusion if you are pulled over or asked for ID.

REAL ID versus standard license: which one to choose

A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal standards and is required to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access military bases starting May 7, 2025. A standard license does not meet these requirements. If you fly domestically or visit federal facilities, a REAL ID license is worth the extra $5.

Both licenses are valid for eight years and require the same documents to obtain. The only differences are the $5 fee and the gold star on the REAL ID card. If you are unsure whether you will need it, choose REAL ID; the extra cost is small and you will not need to replace your license again if the requirement takes effect.

You can upgrade a standard license to REAL ID at any time by returning to an examiner's office with your current license and proof of identity. You do not need to retake your photo or reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Alabama requires you to appear in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office to have your photo taken and verify your identity. There is no online or mail-in replacement process for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days?

You can bring a lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord, even if it is older than 60 days. If you recently moved and have no document in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on company letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. The examiner will accept this in place of a utility bill.

Do I need to take a vision or written test to get a replacement license?

No. A replacement license does not require you to pass a vision test or written exam. You only need to verify your identity and have your photo taken. If your license was suspended or revoked for medical reasons, the examiner may ask you to pass a vision test, but this is rare for straightforward replacements.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal status as a plastic license for driving and age verification. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

What if I want a new license number because my old one was stolen?

Ask the examiner to issue a new license number when you pay your fee. This costs an additional $5 and takes the same 7 to 10 days to arrive. A new number protects you if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently, though this is rare.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.