What you need to do to replace your Alabama driver's license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alabama driver's license, you visit your local Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though this can vary depending on mail delivery in your area.
You cannot replace your license by mail or online. Alabama requires you to appear in person so the DPS can verify your identity and take a new photograph. If your license was stolen, you should also report the theft to local police and get a report number — some DPS offices ask for this, and it protects you if someone tries to use your old license fraudulently.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of your current Alabama address.
- The replacement fee is $20.50 for a standard four-year license or $31 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of your visit.
- Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the office.
- If your license was stolen, bring a police report number to the DPS office, as this protects you from liability if the old license is misused.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website before you go.
Documents to bring to the DPS office
Bring one form of primary identification — a valid passport, military ID, or state ID card — and one form of proof of residency showing your current Alabama address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on your residency document must match the name on your primary ID.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have a primary ID, you can bring a combination of secondary documents: a Social Security card, birth certificate, and two pieces of mail showing your address. Ask your local DPS office which secondary documents they accept, as practices can differ slightly between locations.
Replacement fees and license validity periods
A standard four-year replacement license costs $20.50. An eight-year license costs $31. You choose which term you want when you visit the office. The eight-year license is valid longer but costs more upfront. Payment is cash, check, or card — most offices accept all three, but call ahead to confirm your local office's payment methods.
Your new license will be valid for the term you choose from the date it is issued. If your old license had restrictions or endorsements — such as a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement or a corrective lens restriction — those carry over to your replacement license automatically. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
Finding your nearest DPS office and checking wait times
The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a list of all Driver License offices on its website, organized by county. Each office listing includes the address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day — offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in Birmingham, Montgomery, or Mobile.
Before you go, call your local office or check the DPS website to see if they publish current wait times. Some offices allow you to check in online or reserve a time slot through the website, which can reduce your wait. If your nearest office has a long wait, you can visit any other DPS office in Alabama — you do not have to go to the one in your county.
What happens after you submit your replacement request
After you complete your visit, the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days for most addresses in Alabama, though rural areas or addresses outside the state may take longer. You will not receive a temporary license or receipt you can use as ID while you wait.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you have limited options. A photocopy of your old license is not valid ID for driving. If your old license was not lost or stolen but only damaged, you can sometimes request that the DPS issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days — ask about this when you visit the office. Otherwise, you must wait for your new license to arrive by mail.
If your license was suspended or revoked
If your Alabama license was suspended or revoked — for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points — you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. This might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a DUI education program, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period.
Contact the Alabama Department of Public Safety or your local DPS office to find out the exact status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then replace your lost, stolen, or damaged license using the standard process. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, the DPS website allows you to check your driving record online.
Replacing a license with a different name or address
If you have moved to a new address in Alabama since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address to the DPS office. Your new license will show your current address. If you have changed your name, bring the certified document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your primary ID showing your old name. Your new license will show your current legal name.
If you have moved out of Alabama, you cannot replace your Alabama license. You must obtain a license from your new state. Some states allow you to transfer your Alabama license without retaking the written test if you move within a certain time frame — check your new state's DMV website for their rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have an unpaid traffic ticket or fine?
Not if the fine resulted in a license suspension. You must pay the fine or resolve the suspension first. If you have an unpaid ticket that has not triggered a suspension, you can still replace your license, but the DPS may flag your record. Contact your local DPS office or the court that issued the ticket to confirm your suspension status before you visit.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can replace it by visiting any Alabama DPS Driver License office, even if you are currently out of state. Bring the same documents you would bring if you were in Alabama. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file — make sure that address is current before you leave the office.
Do I need to bring my old license to replace it?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, you obviously cannot bring it. If it is damaged, you can bring it, but it is not required. The DPS will note in your record that your old license is no longer valid once your replacement is issued.
How long does a replacement license stay valid?
A standard replacement license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. You choose the term when you visit the office. After it expires, you must renew it through the standard renewal process.
What if my new license arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact your local DPS office when ready. Bring your damaged or incorrect license and the same documents you brought for the replacement. The DPS will issue a corrected license at no additional charge if the error was made by the DPS. If the damage occurred after you received it, you may be charged the replacement fee again.