Get a replacement license through the Alabama Department of Public Safety
You can replace a lost Alabama driver's license by visiting a Driver License Examiner's Office in person, mailing in a request, or using the online renewal system if your license is still valid. The fastest route is an in-person visit, which takes about 30 minutes and costs $20.50 for a standard replacement. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Alabama does not issue temporary licenses while you wait for a replacement, so plan for a few days without a physical license if you mail your request. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can print a temporary driving permit from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, which is valid for 30 days.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a Driver License Examiner's Office costs $20.50 and takes about 30 minutes, with your new license arriving by mail in 5 to 7 business days.
- You must bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current Alabama address, and your Social Security number to any office visit.
- A temporary driving permit printed from the Alabama DPS website is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while waiting for your replacement card.
- Mailing in a replacement request takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office; mail your documents to the address provided on the DPS website.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one government-issued photo ID as your primary proof of identity. This can be a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.
You also need proof that you live in Alabama right now. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work.
Bring your Social Security number in writing or memorized. The examiner will ask you to provide it, and you cannot proceed without it. If you have lost your Social Security card, bring the number itself rather than the card.
Finding and visiting a Driver License Examiner's Office
The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates Driver License Examiner's Offices across the state. Use the office locator on the Alabama DPS website to find the one nearest you, along with its hours and phone number. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days.
Arrive early if possible, as offices can have wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to ask about current wait times is worth doing. Some offices in larger cities do accept appointments through the DPS website.
When you arrive, tell the staff member at the desk that you need a replacement license. They will give you a form to fill out and direct you to the photo station. The photo is taken on-site, and your new license is mailed to your address within 5 to 7 business days.
Using the temporary driving permit while you wait
If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, go to the Alabama DPS website and print a temporary driving permit. This permit is valid for 30 days from the date you print it and allows you to drive legally while your replacement card is in the mail. You must carry both the printed permit and a photo ID when you drive.
The temporary permit is not a substitute for a license at traffic stops or police checkpoints — it is a bridge while your replacement is being processed. If you are stopped by police, explain that you have a replacement in progress and show both the temporary permit and your photo ID. Keep the permit with you at all times while driving.
Mailing in your replacement request
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail a replacement request to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. read the process form from the DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency. Include a check or money order for $20.50 made payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
Mail your documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope, plus mail time in both directions. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. Do not send original documents — send copies only, as the DPS does not return mailed materials.
Keep a record of what you mailed and when. If your replacement does not arrive within 4 weeks, call the Alabama DPS to confirm they received your request and check the status.
What to do if your license was stolen or used fraudulently
If your lost license was stolen rather than straightforward misplaced, or if you suspect someone has used it fraudulently, contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety to report it. You can call their main line or visit an office in person. Report the theft before you request a replacement, so the DPS can flag your old license as invalid in their system.
If you believe your identity has been compromised, also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates an official record and may help if fraudulent accounts are opened in your name. Keep copies of any police reports or FTC reports you file, as you may need them later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my temporary driving permit at the airport or to board a plane?
No. The temporary permit is valid only for driving on Alabama roads. For air travel, you need a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or military ID. If your replacement license has not arrived before your flight, bring your passport or another accepted federal ID instead.
What if I moved to Alabama recently and my out-of-state license is still valid?
You can use your out-of-state license until it expires. When you are ready to get an Alabama license, you can renew online if your out-of-state license is still valid, or visit an office in person. If your out-of-state license is lost, you will need to replace it through that state first, then convert it to an Alabama license.
How much does a replacement license cost if I need it faster?
Alabama does not offer expedited processing or rush fees for replacement licenses. The standard cost is $20.50 whether you visit in person or mail your request. The fastest option remains an in-person visit, which gets your process processed the same day and your card mailed within 5 to 7 business days.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to the address you provide on your process. You cannot pick it up at an office, and the DPS will not release it to another person. Make sure the mailing address you provide is one where you will receive mail reliably.
What if my replacement license arrives with an error on it?
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety when ready with a photo of the error and your license number. They will issue a corrected replacement at no additional cost. Bring the incorrect license with you if you visit an office, or mail it back with a letter explaining the error if you are handling it by mail.