Where to go and what to bring
To replace your Alabama driver's license, you will go to your county's Department of Public Safety office in person. Alabama does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will need to bring your current license (if you still have it), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Alabama residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for residency.
If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed statement saying it was lost. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself. The office will take your photograph and fingerprints on the spot, so you do not need to bring a photo.
Bring cash or a debit card — most county offices accept both, though a few take cash only. The replacement fee is $25.50 for a standard license valid for eight years. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building entry and domestic flights after May 2025), the fee is $32.50 and you will need an additional proof document, such as a birth certificate or passport.
Key Takeaways
- You must replace your license in person at your county Department of Public Safety office — there is no mail or online option.
- Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within 60 days.
- The replacement fee is $25.50 for a standard license or $32.50 for a Real ID license, payable by cash or debit card.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready.
- If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed lost-property statement.
Finding your county office and hours
Alabama has 67 counties, and each one runs its own Department of Public Safety office. The office location, phone number, and hours vary by county. To find yours, visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and search by county name, or call your county sheriff's office — they can direct you to the correct location.
Most county offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask whether you need an appointment. Some counties accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule a time slot, especially if you are replacing a Real ID license.
If you live far from your county office or have difficulty traveling, ask whether a satellite office or mobile unit serves your area. Some larger counties operate multiple locations.
What happens after you submit your replacement request
After you complete the process and pay the fee, the office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license lets you drive legally while your permanent card is being printed and mailed. Keep the temporary license with you while driving — it is your proof of a valid license.
Your new plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The card is mailed to the address you provided on your process, so make sure that address is correct before you leave the office. If you move before the card arrives, contact your county office to update your mailing address.
Once your new license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license — it is no longer valid. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one if you are straightforward replacing a lost or damaged card. If your old license was already expired, your new license will be valid for eight years from the issue date.
Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it at the county office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Alabama Department of Public Safety's Driver License Division. Suspensions are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points.
Contact the Driver License Division at 334-242-4437 to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privilege. You may need to pay fines, complete a court requirement, or attend a hearing. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can go to your county office and replace your license as described above.
Do not attempt to drive on a suspended or revoked license while waiting for restoration — doing so is a separate criminal offense in Alabama.
Replacing a license with a different address or name
If you have moved since your current license was issued, you can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring proof of your new residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days — and the office will print your new address on the replacement card.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you will need to bring proof of the name change along with your other documents. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. The office will issue a new license with your current legal name.
You can also update your address without replacing your license by visiting your county office and requesting an address change only. This does not require a new photograph or fingerprints, and the fee is lower — usually $5 to $10 — but you will still receive a new card in the mail with your updated address.
What to do if you cannot find your Social Security number
Your Social Security number is required to replace your license in Alabama. If you do not have your card or do not remember the number, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number. This process takes a few days to a few weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license replaced quickly.
Alternatively, if you have a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID that shows your Social Security number, bring that document to the county office and the staff can verify your number from it. Call your county office in advance to ask whether they accept this method, since practices vary.
Replacing a license that expired while you were out of state
If you were living outside Alabama and your license expired, you can still replace it at your county office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current Alabama residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will treat it as a standard replacement and issue a new license valid for eight years from the issue date.
If you were out of state for an extended period and your license has been expired for more than a few years, the office may require you to pass a vision test or written knowledge test before issuing a replacement. Call your county office ahead of time to ask whether this applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Alabama requires you to replace your license in person at your county Department of Public Safety office. You must provide a new photograph and fingerprints, which can only be done face-to-face. There is no online or mail-in option.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days of your visit to the county office. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card.
What if my new license arrives with an error on it?
Contact your county office right away with the error and your new license. They will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge. Bring the incorrect license with you so they can destroy it.
Do I need a Real ID license, or can I keep a standard license?
A standard Alabama license is still valid for driving within the state and for state ID purposes. However, starting May 7, 2025, a standard license will not be accepted for federal building entry or domestic air travel — you will need a Real ID license for those purposes. If you think you will need to fly or enter federal buildings, get the Real ID version when you replace your license.
What if I move out of Alabama after I replace my license?
Your Alabama license remains valid for driving in other states until it expires. When you move to a new state, that state will require you to get a license from them within a certain timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days. Check your new state's requirements when you move.