Get a replacement license from the Alabama Department of Public Safety
You can replace a lost Alabama driver's license in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office across the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but works if your license hasn't expired and you have no suspensions or restrictions that need updating.
Alabama does not issue replacements online or by phone. You must either visit an office or send documents by mail. There is no fee to replace a lost license — you pay only if you want a Real ID-compliant license, which costs extra but is not required for state identification.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Driver License Examiner's Office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid photo ID to get a replacement the same day.
- If your license has not expired and you have no active suspensions, you can mail in a completed form and documents instead of going in person.
- Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted.
- A replacement license costs nothing; you pay extra only if you request a Real ID-compliant license.
- Your temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one to arrive by mail.
What documents you need to bring in person
Bring your Social Security number (memorized or on a card), one form of valid photo ID, and one document proving your current Alabama address. The photo ID can be a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. Do not bring an expired Alabama license — it proves nothing about your identity now.
For proof of address, bring an original document or certified copy dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. A printed bank statement from online banking counts. A piece of mail forwarded to you does not count — it must show your current address as the original destination.
If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that together prove your identity and address — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill. Ask the examiner's office which combinations they accept, because the rules vary slightly by location.
How to replace your license in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office
Step 1: Find the nearest office. Go to the Alabama Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or county and the tool shows all nearby locations, hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments. Some offices take appointments only; others are first-come, first-served. Check before you go.
Step 2: Bring your documents. Gather your Social Security number, valid photo ID, and proof of address as described above. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies will be rejected. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you.
Step 3: Complete the process at the office. Staff will give you form DL-44 (process for Alabama Driver License). Fill it out with your current information. If anything has changed since your last license — name, address, medical conditions — update it now. Tell the examiner if you have lost your license and cannot locate it; do not say it was stolen unless you filed a police report.
Step 4: Pay if you want Real ID. A standard replacement is free. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025), you pay an additional fee. Ask the examiner the current cost, as it changes. Real ID is optional for state ID purposes.
Step 5: Take your photo and pass the vision test. The examiner will take a new photo and test your vision. If you wear corrective lenses, wear them during the test. You do not retake the written or driving test for a replacement.
Step 6: Receive your temporary license. You will get a paper temporary license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving and identification during this time.
How to replace your license by mail
Mail replacement works only if your current license has not expired, you have no active suspensions or restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must go in person.
Step 1: Get form DL-44. read the process for Alabama Driver License from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, or call your nearest Driver License Examiner's Office and ask them to mail it to you. Print it and fill it out completely with your current information.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Make copies of your Social Security card, valid photo ID, and proof of address dated within the last 60 days. Include originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted. Write your name and date of birth on the back of each copy.
Step 3: Include a check or money order. Enclose payment for a standard replacement (currently free, but confirm the amount when you call). If you want Real ID, include the additional fee. Make the check payable to "Alabama Department of Public Safety."
Step 4: Mail your packet. Send your completed form, copies of documents, and payment to the address listed on the form. Use certified mail with return receipt so you can track the package. Keep a copy of everything you send.
Step 5: Wait for your license. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet. Your new license arrives by mail. You do not receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before it arrives, you must go in person instead.
What to do if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
If you chose the mail route and need to drive before your permanent license arrives, go to any Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Bring the same documents listed above. You will get a paper temporary license when ready and can drive while your permanent license is being processed.
If your replacement is taking longer than three weeks, call the Driver License Examiner's Office that processed your process. Provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can check the status and tell you whether your license is still in processing or has been mailed.
Real ID versus standard license: what you need to know
A standard Alabama driver's license works for state identification and driving. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal building access and domestic airline flights starting May 7, 2025. You do not need Real ID for everyday driving or state ID purposes.
Real ID costs more than a standard replacement. The fee varies, so ask the examiner when you explore. If you choose Real ID, you must bring additional documents proving your citizenship or lawful presence — typically a birth certificate, passport, or immigration document. Standard replacements do not require these extra documents.
You can get a standard replacement now and upgrade to Real ID later at your next renewal, or you can get Real ID when ready if you have the required citizenship documents. Either choice is valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it expired?
No, not by mail. If your license has expired, you must go in person to a Driver License Examiner's Office. Bring the same documents as for a lost license replacement. You will not retake the written or driving test, only the vision test and photo.
Do I need to file a police report if my license is lost?
No. A police report is not required to replace a lost license. Tell the examiner your license is lost, and they will process the replacement. File a police report only if you believe your license was stolen and you want a record of the theft for your own protection.
How long is the temporary license good for?
The paper temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within that time. If it does not, contact the Driver License Examiner's Office to check the status.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You must go in person to update your address. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. You cannot update your address by mail when replacing a lost license.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your temporary license in person at the Driver License Examiner's Office. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file, so anyone at that address can receive it, but you must be present to get the temporary license.