Where and how to change your address on your Alabama license

You can change your address with the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office, by mail, or online through the state's website. The online method is the fastest if your change is straightforward — no name change, no license renewal needed — and takes a few minutes from home. If you need to update your address at the same time as renewing your license or changing your name, you must go in person or mail in your documents.

The in-person route works at any of Alabama's Driver License Examiner's Offices across the state. You bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. Processing is usually same-day, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The mail route takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if you cannot reach an office or prefer not to visit in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes work only if you are not renewing your license or changing your name at the same time; the process takes minutes and costs nothing.
  • In-person changes at a Driver License Examiner's Office require your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity, and are usually processed the same day.
  • Mail-in changes take two to three weeks and require the same documents as in-person, plus a completed form sent to the DPS address in Montgomery.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days; a PO Box does not count as a residential address.
  • If you move out of state or your license expires within 30 days of your move, you may need to renew rather than straightforward change your address.

What documents you need for an address change

For any method — online, in person, or by mail — you need proof that you actually live at the new address. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (such as a tax document or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. A PO Box or mailbox rental does not count; the DPS requires a physical residential address.

You also need proof of identity. Your current Alabama driver license serves this purpose. If you do not have it with you (lost, stolen, or expired more than five years ago), bring a passport, military ID, or birth certificate instead. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents; if you are unsure whether something counts, call your local Driver License Examiner's Office before you go.

If you are changing your address by mail, you will also need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Alabama Driver License) or submit a written request with your name, current license number, old address, new address, and signature. Mail everything to the DPS address in Montgomery along with a copy of your proof of address.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

The Alabama DPS website allows you to change your address without visiting an office, but only under specific conditions. Your license must not be expiring within 30 days, you cannot be changing your name at the same time, and you cannot have any holds or flags on your record. If any of these explore, you must use the in-person or mail method instead.

To change your address online, go to the Alabama DPS website and log into the driver license portal using your license number and date of birth. Follow the prompts to enter your new address and verify your identity. The system will confirm the change when ready, and you should receive a new license in the mail within one to two weeks. There is no fee for an address-only change.

In-person address changes at a Driver License Examiner's Office

Walk into any Driver License Examiner's Office in Alabama with your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member you are changing your address only — not renewing or replacing your license — and they will process it on the spot. The fee is usually waived for address-only changes, though some offices may charge a small administrative fee; call ahead if you want to confirm.

Your new license will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your new license sooner, ask the office whether they can issue a temporary paper license on the day you visit; not all offices offer this, but some do.

Wait times at Driver License Examiner's Offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Offices in rural areas are often faster than those in cities. Early morning and midweek visits typically mean shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

Mailing in your address change

To change your address by mail, complete Form DL-44 (available on the Alabama DPS website) or write a letter with your full name, current license number, old address, new address, and signature. Include a copy of your proof of address — do not send the original. Mail everything to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your mail. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. If you are concerned about whether your mail arrived, you can call the DPS Driver License Division to confirm they received it, though they cannot speed up processing.

Do not send cash or checks; the DPS does not charge for address-only changes. If you are changing your address and renewing your license at the same time, include the renewal fee (which varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for).

What happens if your license expires soon after you move

If your license expires within 30 days of your address change, the DPS may require you to renew your license rather than straightforward update your address. This is because the state wants to may support your photo and information are current. In this case, you will need to pay the renewal fee and follow the renewal process, which includes a new photo and may require an eye test.

If you are moving out of state, you should not change your Alabama address; instead, you should surrender your Alabama license and obtain a license in your new state. Some states allow you to keep an out-of-state license for a grace period, but Alabama does not. Check your new state's requirements before you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address?

If you change your address in person or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you change your address online, the new license also arrives within one to two weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Can I use a PO Box as my address on my driver license?

No. The DPS requires a physical residential address. A PO Box, mailbox rental, or commercial mailbox does not count. Your proof of address must show a street address where you actually live.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

You can use any government mail dated within the last 60 days, such as a tax document, voter registration card, or court notice. If you have none of these, contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office to ask what other documents they accept in your situation.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Address-only changes are free. If you are changing your address and renewing your license at the same time, you pay the renewal fee, which depends on your license type and renewal period.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can change your address using the same process as an active license. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew your license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a new photo, and an eye test.