How to Replace Your Drivers License in Alabama

1.

If your license has been recently lost or stolen, you will need to replace it as soon as possible. Without a valid license, you will not be able to drive legally in your state or present a valid form of identification when necessary. The two most common methods of replacing your lost or stolen license are visiting your local licensing location in person or applying for a replacement online. Under certain circumstances, you may also be able to replace your license or ID by mail. However, the fastest and most efficient way to replace your driving credential is online. To learn how to replace your license online, you can refer to our helpful drivers license guide. In addition to helping you through the replacement process, our guide will also teach you how to renew and change the name or address on your license.

2. By Mail

Most states offer a mail-in application option to residents who have lost their license while out of the state. In most cases, military service members stationed outside of the state will also be able to apply for a replacement by mail. To apply, you will need to mail in a primary and secondary proof of identification, such as a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, Social Security card or W-2 form. You will also need to send proof of a residential address such as a deed, voter registration card or utility bill. Depending on your state, you will be required to provide any combination of the aforementioned documents, in addition to other documents and information. You will also need to keep in mind that it may take several weeks to obtain your replacement license, as mail can often be delayed or unreliable.

3. In Person at a DMV Office

Finally, you can replace your lost or stolen license at your local DMV or licensing office. You will be required to bring all the documents previously mentioned as proof of identification and residency. If you are uncomfortable mailing these important documents to the DMV, then an in-person visit is more secure. However, you may need to reschedule an appointment if you forget your passport, citizenship certificate, car title or any other documents that you are using as proof of identification or residency. Additionally, if you make any mistakes on your form, you will not be able to receive your replacement license or ID the same day you apply for it at the DMV.

An Alabama driver’s license replacement is an action that you may need to perform at some point during your time as a licensed driver. Learning how to replace a lost driver’s license documents when needed will help you to obtain them as quickly as possible. Getting replacement driving credentials can protect you from traffic citations or fraudulent use of your license.

Continue reading the sections below to learn how to replace a driver’s license through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). To obtain a duplicate license from the ALEA, you must determine which method of replacement best suits your needs.

When is a replacement driver’s license required in Alabama?

You should obtain a replacement driver’s license in Alabama as soon as possible after discovering that it is missing. If you fail to obtain a duplicate license promptly, you can face traffic citations for operating a vehicle without a license. Replacing driver’s license credentials in a timely manner helps you reinstate your primary form of photo identification that you may need for a variety of other personal tasks.

Although it is not mandatory, you may wish to report your lost driver’s license to law enforcement if the loss is due to theft. In addition to loss or theft, you must get a copy of this documentation if your card suffers damage that makes it illegible. Although it is not mandatory, you may also apply for a driver’s license replacement after changing your primary address or legal name.

How to Replace Your Driver’s License Online in Alabama

You may order a driver’s license copy online in Alabama by logging in to the ALEA Online Driver License Issuance portal. To replace this credential, you must enter your full name, license number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). To get an AL DMV duplicate license online, you will need a valid credit card to pay the necessary fees and printer to print your temporary license. This temporary duplicate driver’s license will be valid for up to 30 days, until your permanent license arrives in the mail. The new card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Note: If you have recently changed your address, the post office will not forward a license to a forwarding address. You should verify that your new address is on record before ordering a replacement driver’s license from ALEA online. Alternatively, you may apply in person at an ALEA driver license office.

How to Replace Your Driver’s License by Mail in Alabama

In most cases, you may only replace Alabama driver’s license documents by mail if you are living out-of-state at the time that a replacement becomes necessary. In order to request this driving license replacement in AL, print and complete Form DL-100, Application for a Renewal or Duplicate License for Alabama Drivers Temporarily Out of State. You must be sure to complete every section, including the ones detailing your reason for being out-of-state.

Check the list of duplicate driving license supporting documents and include them with your application, along with a certified bank draft or money order made payable to ALEA Licensing Services Division. Then, send all of these documents to the mailing address listed on the application form.

How to Replace Your Alabama Driver’s License in Person

To replace a lost driving license in person, you may visit a Probate Judge’s office or License Commissioner’s office. To make this AL driver’s license replacement request in person, you must bring a form of primary identification, such as a certified birth certificate or a valid passport, and your Social Security card. If you cannot provide primary identification, you may request these duplicate credentials with a Social Security card and three forms of secondary identification.

Acceptable forms of secondary identification for replacement driver’s license purposes include a marriage license, U.S. Armed Forces ID or a school photo ID card. Alabama does not require drivers to take a new exam to replace lost credentials that have not yet expired. You may also request a duplicate driving license at one of the self-service kiosks located inside certain driver license examining offices.

Before going in person to make a request, call the office to confirm the necessary fees and acceptable forms of documentation.

Out-of-State Driver’s License Replacement in Alabama

If you are wondering how to replace an Alabama driving license while out of the state, the process is simple and convenient. Replacing driver’s license credentials while out-of-state is easily accomplished online or by mail, as detailed in the sections above.

As long as you have an Alabama driver license with your photo and signature within the last four years, you may replace your license online or through the mailing option. Acceptable reasons for requesting an AL replacement driving license while out-of-state include missionary service, working temporarily in another location or being under a doctor’s care in another state or country.

Alabama Driver’s License Replacement Fees

If you are replacing AL driver’s license credentials, you must pay the necessary fees for duplicate credentials. However, this cost can vary depending on your county of residence. For instance, in Madison County, a duplicate drivers license costs $31.25.

Last updated on Wednesday, December 5 2018.

Sources

  1. Frequently Asked Questions from ALEA.gov

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