What to do when ready after losing your Alabama driver's license
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) as soon as you realize your license is missing. You can report the loss by phone at 334-242-4437 during business hours, or visit any Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Reporting it early creates a record that protects you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.
You do not have to file a police report to replace your license, though you may want to if you suspect theft rather than loss. The DPS will flag your old license as invalid in their system once you request a replacement, which prevents others from using it for identification or transactions.
While your replacement is being processed, you can request a temporary paper license at the examiner's office. This temporary document is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent replacement card to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license to the Alabama DPS by phone or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office to prevent fraudulent use.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to replace your license in person.
- A replacement license costs $25.50 and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days if you explore in person.
- You can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.
- If you lost your license out of state, you can still request a replacement by mail using Form DL-44, though this takes longer.
Documents you need to bring to the examiner's office
Bring one form of primary identification that shows your name and date of birth. Acceptable documents include a passport, military ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card. If you do not have a primary ID, you can bring two forms of secondary identification instead, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or insurance card.
You will also need proof of residency showing your current Alabama address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or vehicle registration dated within the last 60 days all work. If you recently moved and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring a letter from your landlord or utility company confirming your residency.
Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, but you must know the number. The DPS will verify it against Social Security Administration records as part of the replacement process.
Where to go and how long it takes
Visit any Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office. The DPS website lists all office locations, hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.
Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office. You will pay $25.50 for the replacement license. The examiner will take a new photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.
Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to confirm your address is correct in their system. Mail delays occasionally happen, and the DPS can reissue if needed.
Replacing your license if you lost it out of state
If you lost your license while traveling or living temporarily outside Alabama, you can request a replacement by mail. read Form DL-44 from the Alabama DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.
Include a check or money order for $25.50 made payable to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail. Processing by mail takes 3 to 4 weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet, longer than in-person replacement.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you are still out of state, contact the examiner's office in the Alabama county where you live. Some offices can issue a temporary license by phone or email in urgent situations, though this is not standard practice. Your best option is usually to visit an office in person if you will be back in Alabama within the next few weeks.
What happens if your license was stolen
If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, file a report with the local police department in the city where the theft occurred. Provide them with your license number, date of birth, and the approximate date you noticed it missing. The police report creates a record that protects you if the license is used fraudulently.
When you go to the examiner's office to replace your license, bring a copy of the police report. This documents that you reported the theft and strengthens your position if someone later tries to use your old license for fraud. The DPS will flag your old license as stolen in addition to invalid.
Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity in the months after the theft. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts or inquiries, contact the credit bureau and the creditor when ready.
Replacing a license that expired while lost
If your license expired before you lost it, you will need to renew it rather than straightforward replace it. Bring the same documents (primary ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number) to the examiner's office. The process is the same as a standard replacement, but the fee may differ depending on how long your license has been expired.
If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you may be required to pass the written knowledge test and vision test again, depending on your age and Alabama's current renewal rules. Call the DPS ahead of time to confirm what tests you will need to take, so you can prepare.
The examiner's office can tell you when ready whether you need to test. If you do, you can schedule the test for the same visit or come back another day. Most people pass the vision test on the first try; the knowledge test is more variable depending on how recently you studied Alabama traffic laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary paper license?
Yes. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. Keep it with you while driving, as it serves the same purpose as your permanent license for traffic stops and identification.
What if I move before my replacement license arrives?
Contact the DPS when ready with your new address. Mail forwarding through the post office does not always reach the DPS in time. Call 334-242-4437 and provide your new address so the license is mailed to the correct location. If it arrives at your old address, the post office may return it to the DPS, causing delays.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
Yes. The examiner will take a new photo when you explore for your replacement. You cannot use your old photo. Wear something you are comfortable with, as you will be looking at this photo on your license for several years.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A replacement license costs $25.50. This is the same fee whether you lost your license, it was stolen, or it was damaged. Payment is due at the time you explore at the examiner's office. If you explore by mail, send a check or money order; do not send cash.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The examiner will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name. This counts as a replacement, not a renewal, so you pay the replacement fee.