What Alabama Offers Online for License Replacement
Alabama does not offer a fully online replacement process for a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license. You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person to obtain a replacement license, even if you have already held an Alabama license before. However, you can complete some of the paperwork and payment steps before you go, which can speed up your visit.
The Alabama Department of Public Safety runs the Driver License Examiner's Offices statewide. They will issue you a replacement license on the same day you visit if you bring the correct documents and pay the fee. There is no mail-in option for replacements in Alabama.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person; Alabama does not issue replacement licenses by mail or through a fully online process.
- The replacement fee is $20.50 for a four-year license or $31 for an eight-year license, paid at the office during your visit.
- You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and identification to complete the replacement.
- Bring your original license if you still have it, or a police report number if your license was stolen.
- You can find your nearest Driver License Examiner's Office and check its hours on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website before you go.
Documents You Need to Bring to the Office
Bring one form of identification that shows your name and date of birth. This can be your original Alabama driver's license (if you still have it), a passport, a military ID, or a state ID card. If your license was stolen, bring a police report number instead — the examiner can look it up in the system.
You will also need proof of your current Alabama address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you have moved recently and do not have a bill in your new name yet, contact the Driver License Examiner's Office ahead of time to ask what they will accept.
Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a document from the Social Security Administration or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that shows your immigration status.
Steps to Complete Your Replacement Visit
First, locate your nearest Driver License Examiner's Office using the office locator on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Write down the office address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices have different hours on different days, so check before you go.
Second, gather your documents: your ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, have the police report number ready. If your license was damaged, bring it with you so the examiner can see the damage.
Third, visit the office during business hours. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. They will take your information, verify your identity and address, and take a new photo. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Fourth, pay the fee. A four-year license costs $20.50. An eight-year license costs $31. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. You will receive your new license on the same day before you leave the office.
What to Do If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need to wait for a written report — you just need the report number. Write down the number and the date you filed the report.
Bring the police report number to the Driver License Examiner's Office when you go for your replacement. The examiner will look up the report in the system and note it on your file. This protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license.
If you are concerned that your stolen license could be used for fraud, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but can help protect your identity.
Driver License Examiner's Office Locations and Hours
Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. The main office is in Montgomery, but you can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. Hours vary by location; some offices are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours.
Use the office locator tool on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website to find the office nearest you and check its current hours. You can also call the office directly to confirm they are open before you make the trip. Some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.
If you live far from any office, plan your visit in advance. Some people choose to visit an office during a lunch break or on a Saturday if that office is open. There are no online appointment systems, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fees and Payment Methods
The replacement fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $20.50. An eight-year license costs $31. These are the only two options for replacement licenses in Alabama.
You pay the fee at the office when you complete your replacement. The office takes cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you pay by card, you will receive a receipt. Keep the receipt until you receive your license in the mail or confirm it has been issued.
There are no additional fees for a replacement license due to loss, theft, or damage. You pay the same fee as you would for a regular renewal.
Timeline: When You Will Receive Your License
You will receive your replacement license on the same day you visit the office, before you leave. The examiner will take your photo, process your paperwork, and print your new license while you wait. This is one of the fastest parts of the Alabama license process.
Your new license will have a new number and a new expiration date. The expiration date will be four or eight years from the date you receive it, depending on which license type you chose. Write down your new license number for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have proof of my current address?
You will need some form of proof of your Alabama address dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, call your nearest Driver License Examiner's Office before you visit. They may accept a letter from your landlord, a bank statement, or another document that shows your new address.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still get a replacement in Alabama as long as you visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person and bring proof of your Alabama address. You do not need to file a police report unless you believe your license was stolen rather than lost. Bring your ID and address proof to the office.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
Yes. The examiner will take a new photo when you visit the office. You cannot use your old photo from your previous license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, but there are no strict dress code rules.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present at the Driver License Examiner's Office to receive your replacement license. The examiner will verify your identity and take your photo before issuing the license. You cannot have someone else do this on your behalf.
What if my address on my old license is different from my current address?
Bring proof of your current address to the office. The examiner will update your address in the system and issue your new license with the correct address. You do not need to do anything special — just bring the proof of address document with you.