Where to change your address and what you'll need
You can change your address at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person, or by mail if you're only updating your address and not renewing your license. The in-person route is faster — most offices process address changes while you wait. By mail, you'll need to send your current license, a completed form, and proof of your new address to the address listed on the DPS website.
Proof of your new address means a document showing your name and current street address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and government mail all work. The document needs to be dated within the last 60 days. If you're moving and don't have a document yet, some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation email.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card or birth certificate for an address change alone. Your current license and one piece of address proof are the essentials. If your license is expired, you'll need to renew it instead of just changing the address, which requires additional documents and a new photo.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Alabama DPS driver license office in person with your current license and a recent utility bill or lease showing your new address to change it while you wait.
- By mail, send your license, the completed address change form from the DPS website, and address proof to the mailing address listed on that same form.
- Address proof must show your name and new street address and be dated within the last 60 days — utility bills and lease agreements are the most common options.
- If your license is expired, you must renew it instead of changing only the address, which takes longer and requires additional documents.
- The in-person process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at a DPS office; the mail process typically takes two to four weeks.
Finding your nearest DPS driver license office
The Alabama DPS website lists all driver license offices by county, along with their hours and phone numbers. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some larger offices in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead if you're traveling more than 30 minutes — some smaller offices have limited staff and may have a wait or temporary closure.
You do not need an appointment for an address change at most offices, but calling first tells you the current wait time and confirms the office is open that day. A few offices in high-traffic areas now use an online check-in system that lets you reserve your place in line before you arrive.
The mail-in process step by step
read or request the address change form from the Alabama DPS website. The form is short — it asks for your license number, current address, new address, and signature. Fill it out completely and sign it. Unsigned forms are returned without processing.
Place your current license, the signed form, and your address proof in an envelope. Write the mailing address from the DPS website on the envelope — it's usually a Montgomery office, but confirm on the form itself because it may vary. Send it by regular mail; certified mail is not required but can give you tracking if you want it.
Processing by mail takes two to four weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. You'll receive a new license with your updated address by mail at your new address. Your old license remains valid until it expires, but the address on it will be outdated. Some people keep both for a short time in case they need proof of their old address for banking or other purposes.
What happens if your address proof is missing or outdated
If you don't have a document dated within the last 60 days, you have a few options. Contact your utility company and ask them to email or mail you a recent bill — most will do this at no charge. If you're renting, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and the move-in date. Banks and credit card companies can also send recent statements by email or mail.
If you're moving to a new address but haven't received any mail there yet, some DPS offices will accept a signed lease or purchase agreement as proof. Call your local office and describe your situation — they can tell you whether they'll accept what you have before you make the trip.
Do not attempt to use a document with someone else's name on it, even if you live at that address. The document must show your name and your new address. Submitting false proof can result in your process being denied and may create complications with your license.
Changing your address online or by phone
Alabama does not currently offer online address changes through the DPS website. You must either visit an office in person or mail in your request. Some states allow phone-based updates, but Alabama is not one of them.
If you call a DPS office, they can answer questions about what documents you need and where to send them, but they cannot process the change over the phone. The office staff can also tell you whether your current address proof will be accepted before you submit it, which can save you time if you're unsure.
Changing your address when your license is expired
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot straightforward change the address — you must renew the license instead. A renewal requires your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your new address. The process takes longer and costs more than an address-only change.
If your license is expiring soon but hasn't expired yet, you can change the address now and renew later, or do both at the same time. Doing both together means you'll get a new license with the updated address and an extended expiration date in one trip. Ask at your local DPS office whether combining them saves time or money in your situation.
What to do if you move out of state
If you're moving to another state, you do not need to update your Alabama address before you leave. Once you move, you'll need to get a driver license from your new state within the timeframe they require — usually 30 to 60 days after establishing residency. Your Alabama license remains valid for identification purposes until it expires, even if you no longer live in the state.
Some people keep their Alabama license after moving because it has a later expiration date than getting a new license in their new state would. That's legal, but you should check your new state's rules about which license you need to carry while driving there. Most states require you to have a license from the state where you currently live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact the Alabama DPS to find out the status of your license and what steps are needed to restore it. Once your license is valid again, you can change the address.
Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?
Yes. Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver license and must be updated with the Alabama Department of Revenue. You can do this online through their website, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor's office. Update your registration within 10 days of moving.
What if I moved but don't have mail at my new address yet?
A signed lease, purchase agreement, or letter from your landlord stating your name and the property address works as proof. Some offices also accept utility company confirmation emails if you've set up service at the new address. Call your local DPS office to confirm what they'll accept before you visit.
How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?
Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the DPS office receives your envelope. Mail delivery time on both ends adds a few more days. Your old license remains valid during this time, so you can still use it for identification.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No. You must appear in person at a DPS office or mail in the request yourself with your signature on the form. A parent, spouse, or attorney cannot change your address on your behalf, even with written permission.