Get a replacement license at your local Alabama DMV office with your Social Security number and proof of residency
A lost driver's license in Alabama requires an in-person visit to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division. You cannot replace it by mail or online. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and payment for the replacement fee. The process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Alabama does not charge extra for a replacement license if your current one is still valid — you pay the standard renewal fee, which is $28.50 for a four-year license or $42.75 for an eight-year license. If your license has already expired, you will pay the renewal fee plus a late fee. Bring a debit or credit card; most DPS offices accept cards but some locations may accept cash, so call ahead if you plan to pay in cash.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person with your Social Security number and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $28.50 for a four-year license or $42.75 for an eight-year license, the same as a standard renewal.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Bring a debit or credit card to pay; call your local office first if you plan to pay with cash.
What documents to bring to the DPS office
Bring your Social Security number in the form of a Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or other official document that displays it. You do not need to bring the physical card itself, but you must have proof of the number. The DPS will not accept a verbal recitation of your number.
Proof of your current address must be an original document dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. A cell phone bill counts if it shows your service address. Bring the original; copies are not accepted. If you have moved recently and do not yet have a document in your new name and address, bring a lease or mortgage document plus a piece of mail showing your new address.
You will also need to bring the temporary paper license you received when you first reported the loss, if you have it. If you do not have a temporary license, the DPS can issue one during your visit. Bring your vehicle registration or insurance card as backup identification if you have it, though it is not required.
Which DPS office to visit and how to check wait times
Alabama has 29 Driver License offices across the state. Find the one nearest you at the DPS website under "Driver License Offices" — the site lists each office's address, phone number, and hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have limited Saturday hours. Call your local office before you go to confirm it is open and to ask about current wait times, which vary by location and time of day.
The busiest times are typically mid-morning on weekdays and early afternoon. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you will usually wait less than an hour. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible, as these are peak days. Some offices allow you to take a number when you arrive; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Ask when you call.
Temporary license and what it covers while you wait
The temporary paper license you receive at the DPS office is valid for driving when ready and covers all the same privileges as your plastic license — you can drive a personal vehicle, operate a motorcycle if your license includes that endorsement, or drive a commercial vehicle if you hold a CDL. Law enforcement will accept the temporary license as proof of a valid license during traffic stops.
The temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, contact the DPS at the phone number on your temporary license. Do not discard the temporary license when your plastic card arrives; keep it as a backup in case the plastic card is lost or damaged.
If your license was lost outside Alabama
If you lost your Alabama license while traveling out of state, you can still replace it by visiting any DPS Driver License office in Alabama with the same documents listed above. You do not need to report the loss to the state where you lost it. However, if you lost your license in another state and want a temporary replacement to drive home, contact that state's DMV for a temporary permit — most states issue them for a small fee.
Once you are back in Alabama, visit your local DPS office to get your permanent replacement. If your license was lost more than 30 days ago and you have been driving without a valid license, bring documentation of when you reported the loss (such as a police report or insurance claim) to show the DPS office. This does not excuse driving without a license, but it may help explain the gap if you are asked.
Replacing a license if you also lost your Social Security card
If you lost both your driver's license and your Social Security card, you will need to replace the Social Security card first. Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to request a replacement. You will need a birth certificate, passport, or state ID to get a new Social Security card. This process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail.
Once you have your replacement Social Security card or a document showing your number, you can visit the DPS office to replace your driver's license. If you cannot wait for the Social Security card to arrive, bring a tax return, W-2, or bank statement showing your Social Security number instead — the DPS will accept any of these as proof of your number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have proof of my current address?
No, the DPS requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your new name yet, bring your lease or mortgage document plus a piece of mail from a government agency or bank showing your new address. If you are staying with someone temporarily, ask them for a notarized letter stating you live there, though this is rarely accepted — your best option is to wait until you have a document in your name.
What if I lost my license and someone else is using it?
Report the loss to your local police department and file a report. Bring the police report number to the DPS office when you explore for your replacement. The DPS will flag your old license as invalid in the system, which prevents it from being used for transactions like opening bank accounts or boarding flights. You can still drive with your temporary license while you wait for your replacement.
Do I need an appointment to visit the DPS office?
Most Alabama DPS offices do not require appointments and operate on a walk-in basis. However, some offices have begun offering appointment slots during certain hours. Call your local office to ask whether appointments are available and whether walk-ins are still accepted. If appointments are available, booking one can reduce your wait time significantly.
How long does the plastic license take to arrive if I move after I explore?
Your license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. If you move before it arrives, contact the DPS office where you applied and provide your new address. They can update your mailing address in the system, though this may delay your card by a few additional days. Do not rely on mail forwarding; call the DPS directly to may support your card goes to the right place.
Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?
Yes, an outstanding ticket or fine does not prevent you from replacing a lost license. However, if your license was suspended due to unpaid fines or failure to appear in court, you will need to resolve that suspension before the DPS will issue a new license. Call the DPS or your local court to check whether your license is suspended. If it is, pay the fine or contact the court to reschedule your appearance, then return to the DPS office.