How to Replace Your Drivers License in Alabama
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.