How to Replace Your Alabama Driver's License

What you need to do right now

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alabama driver's license, you will visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person with proof of identity and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus — a stolen license can be used to open accounts or commit identity theft in your name. This step is separate from the replacement process but worth doing at the same time.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with a valid ID document; replacements cannot be done by mail or online in Alabama.
Bring your Social Security number or an official document showing it, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card.
The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, file a police report and consider a fraud alert with credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.

Documents to bring to the DPS office

You will need to bring two things: proof of your identity and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring one of these documents in its original form: a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. military ID, a birth certificate, or a state ID from another state. A photocopy will not work.

For your Social Security number, bring your actual Social Security card, or bring a document that shows it — such as a W-2 form, a tax return, or a bank statement with your SSN printed on it. If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot find a document with the number, you can explore for a replacement card at your local Social Security office before you go to DPS, though this adds time to the overall process.

You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost or stolen. If it is damaged, bring it with you so the office can see the damage and process it as a replacement rather than a new license.

Finding your nearest DPS driver license office

Alabama has DPS driver license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website by entering your county or city. The website lists office hours, which vary by location — some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have limited hours or are closed certain days.

Call ahead if you can. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment, especially in larger cities. A quick phone call to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment will save you a trip. The DPS website includes phone numbers for each office.

What happens at the office and what it costs

When you arrive, you will check in and wait your turn. A DPS employee will verify your identity documents, confirm your Social Security number, and take a new photo for your license. The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

The replacement fee is $20.50. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card — policies vary slightly by office, so ask when you call ahead. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for driving when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

Your temporary and permanent licenses

The temporary paper license you receive at the office is a full, legal license. You can drive with it right away, and it is valid for 30 days. Police will recognize it as legitimate, and you can use it for any purpose your regular license serves — renting a car, opening a bank account, or proving your identity.

Your permanent plastic license card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. It will have the same number as your temporary license, so there is no need to update anything with your employer, insurance company, or bank. Once your permanent card arrives, you can throw away the temporary paper license.

If your license was stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and get a report number. This creates an official record that your license was stolen, not lost, which can help protect you if someone tries to use it. Give the report number to the DPS office when you explore for your replacement — it helps them flag your case.

Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert by calling one bureau, and they will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and is free. If you believe your identity has already been stolen, you can also place a credit freeze, which is more restrictive but offers stronger protection.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

Alabama does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. You must visit a DPS driver license office in person. If you are unable to travel to an office due to a disability or medical condition, contact your local DPS office directly to ask about accommodations — some offices can arrange for a representative to come to you or may have other options available.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Alabama to replace your license. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, which covers most short trips. If you need to drive in another state while your license is being replaced, your temporary Alabama license should be recognized, but call ahead to confirm — some states have different rules about temporary licenses from other states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. If you have an unpaid traffic fine or an outstanding warrant in Alabama, the DPS office will not issue a replacement license. You will need to resolve the ticket or fine first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. This counts as a replacement, not a new license, so the fee remains $20.50.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have it well before the temporary expires. If your permanent card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS office where you applied.

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

No. Replacement and renewal are separate transactions in Alabama. If your license is also expired or about to expire, you will handle the replacement first. Once your new card arrives, you can renew it when it is due, or you can renew it at the same time you replace it by paying both fees — ask the DPS office about this option when you visit.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must return to Alabama to replace it in person at a DPS driver license office. Your temporary paper license is valid in most states while you wait for your permanent card, but check the rules in the state where you are — some states have restrictions on temporary licenses from other states.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.