Where to go and what to bring

To replace your Alabama driver's license, you visit your county's Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. Alabama does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the replacement fee.

The replacement fee in Alabama is $20.50 for a standard four-year license or $31 for an eight-year license if you are 65 or older. You pay at the time of your visit. The office will take a new photo and issue your replacement license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.

Find your county DPS office on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website. Each county runs its own office with its own hours, so call ahead to confirm when they are open and whether you need an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online or by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your county Department of Public Safety office in person; Alabama does not process replacements by mail or online.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and $20.50 (or $31 if you are 65 or older).
  • Your replacement license is usually issued the same day or within a few days; you do not need to surrender your old license.
  • Call your county DPS office before you go, because hours and appointment policies vary by location.

If your license was lost or stolen

If your license was lost or stolen, the replacement process is the same — you still visit your county DPS office with proof of residency and your Social Security number. You do not need a police report to replace a lost or stolen license in Alabama, though you may want one for your own records if the license was stolen.

Some people worry that a lost license will be used fraudulently. In practice, a driver's license alone is rarely enough to open accounts or commit identity theft, but if you are concerned, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at no cost. This makes it harder for someone to open credit in your name.

If your license is damaged or unreadable

A damaged, faded, or unreadable license qualifies for replacement under the same process. Bring the damaged license itself if you still have it, along with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will take it as evidence of why you need a replacement.

If the damage is recent and the license is still readable, you may choose to wait until it expires and renew it then instead of replacing it early. The choice is yours, but a replacement costs the same as a renewal, so there is no financial advantage to waiting.

Replacing a license after a name change

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you need a replacement license that reflects your new name. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and the document that proves your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will verify the document and issue a new license with your updated name.

The fee is the same: $20.50 for a four-year license or $31 for an eight-year license. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard replacement. If you changed your name but have not yet updated your Social Security card, you can still get your license replaced; the DPS does not require the Social Security card itself, only your number.

What happens if you cannot visit in person

Alabama requires an in-person visit for all license replacements. If you are unable to travel to your county office due to a medical condition or disability, call the office directly and ask whether they can accommodate you. Some offices have procedures for people who cannot leave home, though this is not may provide.

If you are temporarily out of state or out of the country, you will need to wait until you return to Alabama to replace your license. Some states offer temporary licenses or extensions for people in this situation, but Alabama does not. If your license expires while you are away, you can renew it when you return using the same in-person process.

Timeline and what to expect

Most Alabama DPS offices issue your replacement license the same day you visit. You will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready, and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Some offices are slower during peak times (lunch hours, Fridays, the end of the month), so arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.

If the office is very busy, they may issue your replacement over multiple days. Call ahead to ask about current wait times. Bring a book or be prepared to wait 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many people are ahead of you.

If your replacement is delayed or lost in the mail

If you received your temporary paper license but your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact your county DPS office. They can check the status of your replacement and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the date you visited the office.

If your replacement arrives damaged or with an error (wrong address, misspelled name, wrong eye color), return to the DPS office with the damaged license and your proof of residency. They will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to turn in my old license when I get a replacement?

No. Alabama does not require you to surrender your old license. The DPS office will issue your replacement, and you keep the old one. You should destroy the old license yourself once you have the new one, or straightforward stop carrying it.

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Alabama requires you to visit your county DPS office in person for all replacements. There is no online or mail-in option, even if you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must bring proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask your county DPS office what other documents they accept. Some offices may accept a government letter, insurance document, or other official mail with your name and address.

How much does a replacement cost?

A replacement costs $20.50 for a standard four-year license or $31 for an eight-year license if you are 65 or older. You pay in cash or card at the time of your visit. There are no additional fees for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must be present in person when your replacement is issued. The DPS office will not release your license to someone else, even with written permission.