How to Change Your Address on Your Alabama Driver's License
You can change your address on your Alabama driver's license in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office, by mail, or online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. The fastest method is online if you have a valid email address and a recent photo on file. By mail takes about two weeks. In person takes a few minutes but requires a trip to an office during business hours.
You do not need to pay a fee to update your address — it is free. You will need to bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are changing your name at the same time, the process is different and requires additional documents.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the ALEA website are the fastest option and take about one to three business days.
- By mail, you send a completed form with proof of your new address to the ALEA; processing takes roughly two weeks.
- In-person changes at a Driver License Examiner's Office are when ready and require only your current license and proof of address.
- Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
- Address changes are free and do not require a new photo or vision test unless your license is expiring soon.
Changing Your Address Online
Go to the ALEA website at alea.gov and look for the Driver License section. Select the option to update your address online. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information.
Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document. Upload a photo of that document — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. The system will confirm receipt and give you a reference number. Your updated license should arrive in your mailbox within one to three business days, though the address on the ALEA system updates when ready.
If the online system rejects your information, it usually means your identity details do not match what ALEA has on file. Call the ALEA Driver License Section at 334-242-4437 to verify your information before trying again.
Changing Your Address by Mail
read the DL-43 form from the ALEA website or request one by calling 334-242-4437. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of your proof of address — make a photocopy of one side of your utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Section, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include a note with your phone number or email so ALEA can contact you if there are questions. Processing takes about two weeks from the date ALEA receives your envelope.
Keep your current license until the updated one arrives. You can use your old license with the new address written on it if you are stopped by police during the processing period, though having the updated license is better.
Changing Your Address in Person
Visit any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tell the examiner you want to update your address. Hand over your license and proof of address. The examiner will enter the new address into the system, print a temporary license with your new address, and mail your updated physical license within one to three business days. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of your updated address if you need it right away.
Find your nearest office by searching "Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office" on the ALEA website or calling 334-242-4437. Office hours vary by location, so check before you go. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
What Counts as Proof of Address
Your proof of address must be an original document or a clear photocopy, dated within the last 60 days, and show your full name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance policy.
Documents that do not work include a driver's license, passport, post office change-of-address form, or a letter from your landlord. The document must be an official record from a company or government body, not a personal letter. If your name on the proof of address does not match your license exactly, bring a second document showing both names, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If You Are Also Changing Your Name
An address change alone is free and takes one to three business days. A name change requires additional steps and costs $20. You must go in person to a Driver License Examiner's Office and bring your current license, proof of your new address, and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The examiner will take a new photo and issue a new license with both your updated address and name. This takes longer than an address-only change because a new license must be printed. Ask the examiner how long it will take before you leave the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes, you can update the address on an expired license by mail or online. If you go in person, the examiner may ask you to renew your license at the same time, which costs $24.50 for a four-year renewal. Call ahead to ask whether your local office requires renewal when you update an expired license.
How long does it take to receive my updated license in the mail?
One to three business days is typical. If you do not receive it within five business days, call the ALEA Driver License Section at 334-242-4437 with your reference number or confirmation email. They can track your license and resend it if needed.
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
You can update your address again using any of the three methods. If you update online or by mail a second time before the first license arrives, the second address will be printed on the license that gets mailed to you. If you go in person, the examiner will issue a temporary license with the newest address right away.
Do I need to bring my old license to change my address online?
No, you do not need the physical license. The online system only needs your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will need to upload a photo of your proof of address document.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No, changing your address is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license or changing your name at the same time.