Replacing a Lost License in Alabama

Replacing a Lost License in Alabama

A lost Alabama license or identification (ID) card means you can't legally drive and you've lost your main source of photo identification; a stolen license or ID means you're at serious risk for identity theft.

Fortunately, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has procedures for replacing a lost Alabama license or ID as quickly as possible, whether you're in state, out of state, or currently on military assignment.

Report Your Lost or Stolen AL Driver License, Permit, or ID

The ALEA does not require you to report your stolen license to them or to law enforcement, and doing so will not waive your replacement fee.

However, reporting a lost or stolen license can help you prevent identity theft. Learn more about protecting your identity—including how it relates to ALEA matters—at our Identity Theft section.

Replace Your Lost or Stolen AL License or ID

Upgrading to a Star ID

If you've misplaced your driver's license and want to upgrade to a REAL ID—called a Star ID in Alabama—upon replacement, you'll need to follow the steps for a first-time REAL ID application. Jump over to our guide to applying for an Alabama license.

AL License Replacement Eligibility

You cannot replace an expired, suspended, revoked, or canceled Alabama driver's license. You must renew an expired license; you must meet reinstatement requirements for suspended, revoked, and canceled licenses.

Also, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency must have your current name and mailing address on file. If you need to update this information, visit our Address & Name Change section.

Apply In Person

You must replace your lost Alabama driver's license, permit, or ID card in person if:

  • You're currently physically present in the state.
  • You're a non-citizen or foreign national.

You may note that the ALEA:

  • Doesn't require a replacement license application.
  • Doesn't require parental signature for minors.
  • Doesn't require you to retake the written, driving, or vision exams.
  • Does require you take a new photo.
  • Will allow you to renew instead of replace if you're within 180 days of your expiration date.

To apply, visit your Probate Judge or License Commissioner Office* with the following:

  • Proof of identity. The ALEA provides a list of all acceptable documents, but a few common examples include:
    • U.S. Citizens and Non-Citizens:
      • 2 documents proving identification; 1 document must show a photograph. You must choose 1 primary form; the other can be from the secondary list.
      OR
      • 3 documents showing non-photo identification, if you don't have forms with your photo. These can include:
        • Court record documents including marriage licenses or divorce decrees.
        • A school enrollment form (Form DL1/93).
        • A current medical insurance card.
    • Non-U.S. Citizens (Additional Secondary Proofs):
      • Valid Visa.
      • Valid employment authorization document (including a Social Security number).
      • Valid Form I-94 arrival/departure record issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  • Proof of Social Security number:
    • Your Social Security card.
    • A letter from the Social Security Administration.
    • Your military identification card or a copy of your U.S. Form DD-214.
  • Payment options vary by office:
    • Replacement License: $32.50.
    • Replacement Permit: $32.50.
    • Replacement ID: $36.25.
    • Replacement CDL: $32.50.

You will receive a temporary license during your visit, and your duplicate license will arrive in the mail.

** See “Replacing a Lost or Stolen CDL in AL" below for more details about applying for a duplicate commercial driver's license.

Apply Online

You may apply for a duplicate, or replacement, AL driver's license and identification card online. 

In order to apply for a duplicate license online, you must meet the following eligibility requirements. You MUST:

  • Have a valid, non-expired:
    • Driver's license. 
    • Commercial driver's license. 
    • Commercial learner's permit. 
    • State ID.
    OR
    • Star ID. 
  • Have a printer available to print your receipt. This receipt acts as a temporary license. 
  • Pay the applicable fees. Consult the ALEA for exact fees. 
  • Have a valid credit card.

NOTE: Your replacement driver's license CANNOT be forwarded by the Post Office. It will be mailed to the address on file with the ALEA.

If you meet these requirements, visit the Alabama online driver license issuance page to renew. Your duplicate license will be mailed to the address on file with the ALEA.

Out-of-State or Overseas AL License Replacement

You may be able to replace a lost Alabama license while out of state by mail or online. If you apply for a replacement online your duplicate license will be sent you the AL address on file with the ALEA. 

Understand that the ALEA doesn't make any promises; the state notes you may be eligible for out-of-state replacement by mail if:

  • You're military personnel or a dependent (see “AL License Replacement for Military Members" below for additional requirements).
  • You're attending an out-of-state school.
  • You need to replace your CDL (see “Replacing a Lost or Stolen CDL in AL" below for additional requirements).
  • You've obtained an Alabama driver's license in the last 4 years that includes your picture and signature.

The ALEA also might approve you if you're temporarily out of state for work or an extended vacation. 

To apply for a replacement license by mail:

  • Download and print the Application for a Renewal or Duplicate License for Alabama Drivers Temporarily Out of State (DL-100).
  • Complete the entire form. Make sure not to skip over:
    • Your reason for being out of town.
    • Your current out-of-town address.
  • Include the following documents, as applicable:
    • A copy of your military identification card (with your photo) and current military orders (see “AL License Replacement for Military Members" below).
    • A copy of your student identification card (with your photo) and your current college enrollment.
    • A CDL Self-Certification Affidavit and your Medical Examiner's Certification or waiver, if you're replacing a CDL (see “Replacing a Lost or Stolen CDL in AL" below for details).
    • A letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your employment with the company, why you're out of town, and how long you'll be gone.
  • A money order or certified bank draft ONLY for the applicable fee:
    • Replacement License: $32.50.
    • Replacement Permit: $32.50.
    • Replacement ID: $36.25.
    • Replacement CDL: $32.50.

You will receive your duplicate license in the mail; how long it takes to arrive depends on your location.

Overseas Applicants

The ALEA recommends overseas applicants contact the Driver License Department at (800) 499-1667 for instructions specific to their situations.

AL License Replacement for Military Members

You will apply for a replacement military license the same way as other out-of-state drivers - by mail or online. If you apply online your duplicate license will be mailed to your AL address on file. If you apply by by mail you will need to fill out a Application for a Renewal or Duplicate License for Alabama Drivers Temporarily Out of State (Form DL-100), and also provide a copy of:

  • Your military identification card (showing your photo).
  • Your current military orders.

The form allows you to provide an out-of-state address where your duplicate license can be mailed.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen CDL in AL

Replace your lost or stolen commercial driver's license (CDL) in person, by mail or online. If you are out of state and you need to replace your CDL you can do so online and print a receipt. This receipt serves as a temporary license while your duplicate CDL is mailed to the address on file with the ALEA. If you apply for a duplicate CDL by mail you have the option of having your license sent to a "C/O" address if you meet the requirements.

To replace your AL CDL you will follow the same procedures listed above in the “Replace Your Lost or Stolen AL License or ID" and “Out-of-State or Overseas License Replacement" sections.

In addition to those requirements, you must also include:

Learn more about these CDL-specific documents at our Applying for a New CDL in AL section.

Forms

DL-100
Application for a Renewal or Duplicate License for Alabama Drivers Temporarily Out of State
Use this form to request a duplicate OR renewal Alabama driver's license from the Driver License Division if you're currently residing out-of-state. You can also use this form to register to vote if you're outside AL.
DL1/93
Enrollment/Exclusion
Submit to the Driver License Division as proof of enrollment OR lawful exclusion from enrollment in school when applying for your Alabama driver's license or learner's permit.
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