Where to get a replacement Alabama driver's license

You can replace your Alabama driver's license at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office. The state has regional offices in most counties, plus a main office in Montgomery. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices accept them to reduce wait time.

Find your nearest office on the Alabama DPS website under "Driver License Locations" — the site lists hours, which vary by office. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes, because a few smaller offices have reduced hours or occasional closures.

You can also renew or replace your license by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other conditions. Mail-in replacement is slower but saves a trip if you may have access to.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current license or state ID, proof of Alabama residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or birth certificate to any DPS Driver License office.
  • Replacement licenses cost $25.50 for a four-year license or $51 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot; your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal conditions.
  • If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must report it in person — mail-in replacement is not an option for those situations.
  • Alabama does not issue REAL ID-compliant licenses by mail, so if you need a REAL ID license for federal travel, you must visit an office in person.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Alabama driver's license or state ID if you have it. If your license was lost or stolen and you do not have it, bring a photo ID issued by a government agency — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license will work.

You also need proof of Alabama residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy with your current Alabama address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax return, voter registration card, or court document) also works.

Bring your Social Security card or birth certificate. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring your birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers. You will also need to provide your current address and phone number.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot update your name on the new license.

Cost and payment methods

A four-year Alabama driver's license costs $25.50. An eight-year license costs $51. You pay at the DPS office when you submit your documents — cash, check, and debit or credit card are all accepted. Some offices may have ATMs on site if you need cash.

If you are replacing a license that was lost, stolen, or damaged, the cost is the same as a regular renewal. There is no additional fee for a replacement due to damage or loss.

What happens after you explore

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete your process at the office. This temporary license is valid for driving and is recognized by law enforcement. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.

Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided on your process. Under normal conditions, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During high-volume periods (after holidays or at the start of the year), processing may take longer. Do not call the DPS office to check on your card — they cannot track individual licenses.

If your plastic license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS Driver License Section at the phone number listed on your temporary license. Have your temporary license number ready when you call.

Mail-in replacement options and limits

Alabama allows mail-in renewal or replacement only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you are not a commercial driver, and your license is not expired by more than five years. You cannot use mail-in replacement if your license was lost or stolen — you must visit an office in person to report it.

To replace by mail, read the DL-43 form from the Alabama DPS website, complete it, and mail it with a check or money order for $25.50 (four-year) or $51 (eight-year) to the address on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency. Mail processing takes 3 to 4 weeks, plus mailing time both ways.

Mail-in replacement does not produce a REAL ID-compliant license. If you need a REAL ID license for federal travel or to enter federal buildings, you must visit a DPS office in person.

REAL ID compliance and federal travel

Alabama offers REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, which are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner of the card.

To get a REAL ID license, you must visit a DPS Driver License office in person. You cannot obtain one by mail. Bring the same documents as a regular replacement, plus one additional document that proves your legal name and date of birth — a passport, birth certificate, or court order. The cost is the same: $25.50 for four years or $51 for eight years.

If you already have a REAL ID license and are replacing it due to loss, theft, or damage, your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant as long as you visit an office in person.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Alabama driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Alabama DPS Driver License Section or visit an office to find out the reason and what you must do to restore it.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. Each situation has different steps to resolve it. The DPS office can tell you what documents or payments are needed and whether you must complete them before or after you replace your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Alabama does not offer online license replacement. You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person or use mail-in replacement if you meet the requirements (license not lost or stolen, not suspended, not expired more than five years, and not a commercial driver).

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for four years or eight years, depending on which you choose to purchase. The expiration date is printed on your card. You can renew it before it expires by visiting a DPS office or using mail-in renewal.

What if I moved out of state after losing my license?

You can still replace your Alabama license by mail if it meets the other requirements (not suspended, not expired more than five years). You will need to provide an Alabama address on the process — use a previous address or the address of someone in Alabama who can receive your mail. Your new license will be mailed to that address.

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you explore at a DPS office. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to you and arrives in 7 to 10 business days under normal conditions. There is no way to receive the plastic card the same day.

What if my name changed and I do not have the court document?

You cannot update your name on your replacement license without the document that proves the change. If you lost the document, contact the court or agency that issued it (county clerk for marriage certificates, family court for divorce decrees) and request a certified copy. Some courts charge a small fee for copies.