You can order a replacement Alabama driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, but the card itself will arrive by mail — you cannot complete the entire process without visiting a driver's license office in person first.

Alabama's online replacement system works only if you already have a valid Alabama driver's license or ID card. You use the ALEA website to request the replacement and pay the fee, but before you can do that, you must visit a driver's license office to have your photo taken and verified. Once ALEA processes your order and takes your photo, they mail the new card to your address on file. The whole process takes roughly two to three weeks from the time you submit your online order.

If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot use the online replacement route. You will need to visit a driver's license office in person to handle the renewal or reinstatement, depending on your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an Alabama driver's license office in person to have your photo taken before you can order a replacement online.
  • The online system is available only if your current license or ID is valid and you are replacing it because it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • After you submit your online order and pay the fee, ALEA mails the new card to your address, which typically takes two to three weeks.
  • Expired, suspended, or revoked licenses cannot be replaced online and require an in-person visit to a driver's license office.

What You Need Before You Start

Have your current Alabama driver's license or ID card number ready, along with your Social Security number. You will also need a valid payment method — ALEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The replacement fee is $20.50 for a driver's license and $17.50 for an ID card, though these amounts can change. Check the ALEA website for the current fee before you begin.

If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report to order a replacement online. However, if your license was damaged, you should have it available so you can describe the damage when you visit the driver's license office.

The In-Person Step You Cannot Skip

Before you can order online, you must visit a driver's license office to have your photo taken. This is a mandatory step — ALEA will not process an online replacement order without a verified photo on file. Bring your current valid license or ID card and one form of proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office visit itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

You can find the nearest driver's license office on the ALEA website by entering your county or city. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some operate by appointment only. Call ahead or check the office hours online before you go, because hours vary by location.

How to Place Your Online Order

After your photo has been taken at the driver's license office, go to the ALEA website and select the option to order a replacement license or ID card online. You will enter your driver's license or ID number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against ALEA's records.

Next, you will confirm your mailing address. Make sure it is correct — ALEA will mail your new card to this address. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address with ALEA, you must do that in person at a driver's license office before you order online. You cannot change your address through the online replacement system.

Review the fee amount, select your payment method, and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this number for your records in case you need to check the status of your order.

Tracking Your New Card and What Comes Next

After ALEA processes your order, they will mail your new license or ID card to the address on file. Standard mail delivery typically takes two to three weeks, though this can vary depending on your location and mail volume. ALEA does not offer expedited shipping for online replacements.

You can use your confirmation number to check the status of your order on the ALEA website. If more than three weeks have passed and you have not received your card, contact the ALEA driver's license section by phone or visit a driver's license office in person to report the issue.

Once your new card arrives, your old license or ID card is no longer valid. If you still have the old card, you can destroy it or turn it in at a driver's license office. You do not have to return it, but some people prefer to do so to prevent misuse.

When You Cannot Use the Online System

The online replacement option is not available if your license or ID is expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to take the written test and driving test again, which requires an in-person visit. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must visit a driver's license office to understand the reason and what steps are needed to restore it.

If you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on your license, you cannot do that through the online replacement system. You must visit a driver's license office in person. The same applies if you want to add or remove endorsements, such as a motorcycle endorsement or commercial driver's license (CDL) designation.

Alternatives If You Need Your License Sooner

If you cannot wait two to three weeks for your replacement card to arrive by mail, you can request a temporary paper license at a driver's license office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. You will need to visit the office in person and bring the same documents you would need for a regular replacement.

Some driver's license offices also offer same-day or next-day service for replacements if you visit in person and pay an additional rush fee. The rush fee and availability vary by office location, so call ahead to confirm whether your local office offers this option and what the cost is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a replacement license online if I have never had an Alabama license before?

No. The online replacement system is only for people who already have a valid Alabama driver's license or ID card. If you are getting your first license, you must visit a driver's license office in person to explore, take the written test, and take the driving test.

What if my address on file is wrong and I have not updated it yet?

You must visit a driver's license office in person to update your address before you order a replacement online. The online system will mail your new card to whatever address is currently on file with ALEA, so if it is wrong, your card will go to the wrong place.

Do I need to bring anything to the driver's license office for the photo step?

Bring your current valid Alabama driver's license or ID card and one form of proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. If you are replacing a lost or stolen card, bring a photo ID from another source, such as a passport or military ID.

Can I have my replacement card mailed to a different address than the one on my license?

No. ALEA mails the replacement card to the address currently on file with your driver's license. If you need it sent somewhere else, you must update your address at a driver's license office before you order online.

What should I do if my replacement card does not arrive after four weeks?

Contact the ALEA driver's license section using the phone number on the ALEA website, or visit a driver's license office in person. Have your confirmation number ready. ALEA can investigate whether the card was mailed and help you determine next steps.