Get a replacement at your local Alabama DMV office with proof of identity and residency
A lost Alabama driver's license requires an in-person visit to the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) to request a replacement. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The process is straightforward, but the documents you bring matter — bring the wrong ones and you'll make a second trip.
Alabama does not issue replacements by mail or online. You must appear in person at a DPS Driver License Examining Station. The good news is that most locations can issue your replacement the same day, though you should check your local office's wait times before you go.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an Alabama DPS Driver License Examining Station in person with valid proof of identity and residency.
- A replacement license costs $25.50 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military ID as your primary identity document.
- Most DPS offices issue replacements the same day, but call ahead to confirm your local office's hours and current wait times.
Documents you need to bring
Alabama requires two categories of documents: one for identity and one for residency. You cannot use the same document for both.
For identity, bring one of these originals or certified copies:
- U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID or military discharge papers (DD-214)
- Certified court order (name change, adoption, or similar)
For residency, bring one of these current documents with your name and Alabama address:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
- Lease or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's)
- Government mail (tax return, voter registration card, or court document)
The residency document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a current utility bill or lease in your name yet, a bank statement or insurance policy usually works.
Where to go and what to expect
Alabama has DPS Driver License Examining Stations in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others take walk-ins. Calling ahead saves time — you can ask about current wait times and whether you should schedule an appointment.
When you arrive, bring your documents and be ready to answer questions about your address and driving history. A staff member will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and process your replacement. Most people receive their new license on the spot. If the office needs to verify your information with another agency, you may have to wait a few days, but this is uncommon.
If you cannot visit in person due to a medical condition or disability, contact your local DPS office to ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for a representative to visit you, though this is handled case-by-case.
Cost and validity of your replacement license
A replacement Alabama driver's license costs $25.50. Payment methods vary by office, but most accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, so call ahead if you plan to pay by check.
Your replacement license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. If you are under 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for five years instead of eight.
If your license was lost during travel or out of state
If you lost your license while traveling outside Alabama, you have two options: wait until you return to visit a DPS office in person, or contact the DPS by phone to report the loss and request a replacement before you return home.
Call the Alabama Department of Public Safety at 334-242-4437 to report your lost license. They can flag your license number in the system and mail you a replacement to your address. This takes longer than an in-person visit — typically one to two weeks — but it means you don't have to make a trip to an office when ready.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary permit at any DPS office. A temporary permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent replacement.
Replacing a license that was stolen or damaged
If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same — you still visit a DPS office with proof of identity and residency and pay the $25.50 replacement fee. You do not need a police report to get a replacement, though filing one is a good idea for your records if the theft included other items.
If your license is damaged but you still have it, you can exchange it for a replacement at any DPS office. Bring the damaged license along with your proof of identity and residency. The fee is the same: $25.50.
What to do if you don't have the required documents
If you don't have an original birth certificate or passport, you can order a certified copy from the Alabama Vital Records Office or the state where you were born. This takes time — typically one to three weeks — so order it as soon as you realize your license is lost.
If you don't have proof of residency in your name, ask a family member or roommate who lives with you whether you can use a document in their name with a notarized letter from them confirming you live there. Some DPS offices accept this, but policies vary by location. Call your local office to ask what they will accept before you spend time getting a letter notarized.
If you have a name change (marriage, divorce, or court order) that is not yet reflected in your records, bring the certified court order or marriage certificate along with your other documents. The DPS will update your name during the replacement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes. Any DPS Driver License Examining Station can issue a temporary permit valid for 30 days. Bring the same documents you would bring for a replacement — proof of identity and residency — and pay the $25.50 fee. The temporary permit allows you to drive legally while your permanent replacement is being processed or mailed.
How long does it take to get a replacement license?
If you visit in person at a DPS office, most replacements are issued the same day. If you report your loss by phone and request a mailed replacement, allow one to two weeks for delivery. If the DPS needs to verify information with another agency, it may take a few additional days.
What if I lost my license and don't remember my license number?
You don't need your license number to get a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and the DPS staff will look up your information in their system. They will issue a new license with a new number.
Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was stolen?
Yes. Alabama charges $25.50 for a replacement license regardless of whether it was lost or stolen. Filing a police report does not waive the fee, but it is still worth doing for your records.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must appear in person to receive your replacement license. The DPS requires you to verify your identity and sign the new license before it is issued.