Where to go and what to bring
You can replace your Alabama driver's license at any Driver License Examiner office run by the Alabama Department of Public Safety. These offices are located in most counties across the state. You do not need an appointment — you walk in during business hours, though arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.
Bring your current driver's license if you still have it, or a state ID card. If your license was lost or stolen, bring one piece of government-issued photo identification instead — a passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and proof of your current Alabama address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
If you are replacing a license because it was damaged, bring the damaged license with you. If you are replacing one because it was suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue first — the examiner cannot issue a new license while a suspension is active.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Driver License Examiner office in Alabama during regular business hours; no appointment is needed.
- Bring your current license or another government photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
- The replacement license costs $25.50 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
- You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must clear that status before you can receive a replacement.
The cost and how long it takes
A replacement driver's license costs $25.50. You pay this fee at the examiner's office when you submit your paperwork. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete your transaction. This temporary license is valid for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your plastic card. Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that window, contact the Driver License Examiner office where you applied.
What happens if your license was lost or stolen
If your license was lost or stolen, you still follow the same process at the Driver License Examiner office. The difference is what you bring: instead of your current license, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or military ID. You will still need proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address.
You do not need to file a police report to replace a lost or stolen license, though some people do for their own records. The examiner's office will not ask for one. If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) separately — that is a different process from replacing your license.
Replacing a license that expired or is about to expire
If your license has expired or is within 30 days of expiring, you can replace it at any Driver License Examiner office using the same process. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you receive it.
You cannot renew your license online or by mail in Alabama — replacement always requires an in-person visit to an examiner's office. If you are unable to visit an office yourself, you can authorize someone else to pick up your temporary paper license on your behalf, though you will still need to appear in person to have your photo taken and sign the process.
If your name or address has changed
If you are replacing your license because your name changed (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will still need proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address.
If only your address has changed, you do not need any extra documents beyond proof of your new address. Bring a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your current Alabama address. If you have moved out of state and are no longer an Alabama resident, you cannot replace an Alabama license — you will need to obtain a license from your new state instead.
Finding the nearest Driver License Examiner office
The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a list of all Driver License Examiner offices on its website. You can search by county or city to find the office nearest you and see its hours of operation. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours — check the specific office's schedule before you go.
If you cannot find an office location online or have questions about what documents you need, you can call the Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Division at 334-242-4437. They can confirm what you need to bring and tell you which office is closest to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
You must appear in person to have your photo taken and sign the process. However, once your plastic license arrives in the mail, someone else can pick it up on your behalf if you give them permission. The temporary paper license you receive on the day you explore can also be picked up by someone else if you authorize them.
What if I moved to Alabama recently and need to replace my out-of-state license?
You will need to obtain a new Alabama license rather than replace your old one. This requires passing a written test and a vision test, and you will need to bring proof of residency, Social Security number, and your out-of-state license. Visit a Driver License Examiner office to start the process.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
Yes. The examiner's office will take a new photo of you when you explore, even if you are straightforward replacing a lost or damaged license. You cannot use a photo from your old license.
What if my temporary paper license gets lost before my plastic card arrives?
Contact the Driver License Examiner office where you applied. They can issue you another temporary license or confirm the status of your plastic card. If your plastic card has already been mailed, it should arrive within a few more days.
Can I replace my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent you from replacing your license. However, if your license is suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must clear that suspension before the examiner can issue a replacement. Contact the court or the Alabama Department of Public Safety to find out how to resolve the suspension.