What You Can and Cannot Do Online
Alabama allows you to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license entirely online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. You do not need to visit a driver's license office in person for a replacement. However, the online process works only if your license is still valid or expired by fewer than five years — if it has been expired longer than that, you must renew it in person at a local office.
The online replacement does not let you change your address, update your photo, or make corrections to your name or other personal information. If you need any of those changes, you will have to go to a driver's license office. The online option is strictly for getting a duplicate of your current license with the same information printed on it.
Key Takeaways
- You can order a replacement license online through the ALEA website if your current license is valid or expired by fewer than five years.
- The online process costs $20 and takes about 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail.
- You will need your Social Security number, driver's license number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the order.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use the online replacement and must visit a driver's license office in person.
Step-by-Step Process for Ordering Online
Go to the ALEA website and locate the Driver's License section. Look for the option labeled "Order a Duplicate License" or "Replace Your License Online." You will be taken to a form where you enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information to confirm your identity.
After confirmation, you will select the mailing address where you want the replacement sent. This does not have to be your current address on file — you can have it mailed to a different location if needed. Then you will review the $20 fee and enter your payment information. ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Once you submit the order, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
Keep that confirmation number. You can use it to track your replacement license on the ALEA website. The license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though delivery times can vary depending on mail service delays.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired Too Long
If your Alabama driver's license has been expired for more than five years, the online replacement system will not process your order. In that case, you must visit a driver's license office in person to renew your license. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the same documents required for an initial license process.
You can find the nearest driver's license office and check its hours on the ALEA website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Calling ahead is always a good idea to confirm what documents they need and whether you can be seen the same day.
Tracking Your Replacement and What to Do If It Does Not Arrive
After you place your order, use your confirmation number to check the status on the ALEA website. The tracking system will show you whether your license has been printed, shipped, or delivered. Most replacements arrive within the stated timeframe, but mail delays do happen.
If your replacement does not arrive within 14 business days, contact ALEA directly. You can reach them through the phone number listed on the ALEA website or visit a local driver's license office with your confirmation number. They can investigate whether the license was lost in the mail and issue a new one if necessary. If your replacement arrives damaged or with printing errors, you can order another one online at no additional charge within a reasonable timeframe — contact ALEA to confirm their policy on reprints.
Using a Temporary License While You Wait
Alabama does not issue a temporary digital license or temporary paper document while you wait for your replacement to arrive. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have limited options. Some employers and financial institutions will accept your confirmation number as proof that you have ordered a replacement, but law enforcement will not.
If you are stopped by police before your replacement arrives, explain that you have ordered a duplicate and show the officer your confirmation number and email receipt. Whether they accept this as sufficient proof depends on the officer's judgment. To avoid this situation, plan ahead and order your replacement as soon as you realize your license is lost or damaged.
Cost and Payment Methods
The online replacement fee is $20, payable by debit or credit card at the time you place your order. This is a one-time charge for the replacement license itself. There are no additional fees for shipping or processing when you order online.
If you order a replacement in person at a driver's license office, the fee may be different — some offices charge slightly more for in-person service. Ordering online is usually the cheapest option if you are may be able to access. Payment is processed when ready when you submit your order, and the charge will appear on your statement under the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency or a similar descriptor.
When to Order a Replacement Instead of Waiting for Renewal
If your license is still valid and you straightforward need a duplicate because yours is lost or damaged, order a replacement online. Do not wait until your license is about to expire to renew it, because renewal requires a visit to a driver's license office and involves a new photo and updated information.
If your license is expiring soon and it is also lost or damaged, you have two choices: order the replacement online now and renew in person later when your license expires, or skip the replacement and go straight to the office for a renewal. Renewal takes longer in person but handles both the replacement and the expiration in one visit. If your license expires within the next month or two, renewal in person may be more efficient than ordering a replacement now and renewing later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement if my license was suspended or revoked?
No. The online system will reject your order if your license status shows a suspension or revocation. You must resolve the suspension or revocation through the appropriate court or ALEA office before you can order a replacement. Contact ALEA to find out what steps are required to clear your status.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
You cannot update your address through the online replacement process. You can have the replacement mailed to any address you choose during checkout, but your license will still print with your old address. To update the address on your license itself, you must visit a driver's license office in person.
Can I order a replacement if my name has changed?
No. The online replacement prints your license exactly as it appears in the system. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must visit a driver's license office in person with the appropriate legal documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to update your record before ordering a replacement.
Do I need to report my lost or stolen license to police?
Reporting a lost or stolen license to police is not required by Alabama law, but it is a good idea if your license was stolen. A police report creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. If your license was lost, a report is optional but may help protect you if identity theft occurs later.
Can someone else order a replacement for me?
No. The online system requires you to enter your Social Security number and driver's license number, and it verifies your identity through those details. Only you can place the order. If you are unable to do so yourself, you will need to visit a driver's license office in person or have someone help you complete the online form while you provide the information.