How to Change Your Address on an Alabama Driver's License

You can change your Alabama driver's license address in person at any Driver License Office, by mail, or online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website

The fastest way is online if you have a valid email address and your current license number. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) lets you update your address through their website without visiting an office or paying a fee. The process takes a few minutes and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer to go in person, you can walk into any Driver License Office in Alabama with your current license and proof of your new address. No appointment is needed at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. By mail, you send your current license and proof of address to the address listed on ALEA's website, though this route takes longer and requires you to be without your license during processing.

Key Takeaways

The online method through ALEA's website is free and takes 7 to 10 business days, and you need your current license number and a valid email address.
In-person updates at any Driver License Office are when ready — you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day — but require proof of your new address.
Acceptable proof of address includes utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address; the expiration date stays the same whether you update online, by mail, or in person.

What counts as proof of your new address

ALEA accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your current address. Government mail — tax documents, voter registration confirmation, or benefit statements — also counts.

If you do not have a document in your name yet, some offices accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a property manager stating your address and move-in date. Call the Driver License Office in your county before you go to confirm whether they will accept this form, since practices vary slightly by location.

Updating your address online through ALEA

Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and look for the Driver License section. You will find a link to update your address online. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license.

After you submit, ALEA sends a confirmation email to the address you provide. Your new license is printed and mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives. There is no fee for this update.

Changing your address in person at a Driver License Office

Find the Driver License Office nearest you on ALEA's website, which lists all locations and their hours. Bring your current Alabama driver's license and one document that proves your new address. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations in larger cities may have a wait during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

When you check in, tell the clerk you are updating your address. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to your new address. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for an address change.

Updating by mail

Print the address change form from ALEA's website or request one by calling your local Driver License Office. Include your current license, proof of your new address, and the completed form in an envelope. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check ALEA's website for the correct mailing address for your area.

Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks after ALEA receives your envelope, plus mail transit time both ways. You will be without your license during this period. There is no fee, but this method is slower than online or in-person updates and carries a small risk that mail gets lost. Use this option only if you cannot visit an office or access the online system.

What happens if you move before your license arrives

If you submitted an address change and then move again before your new license arrives, do not open the envelope when it reaches your old address. Write "Return to Sender — Address Unknown" on it and put it back in the mail. ALEA will send it to your Driver License Office, and you can pick it up there or submit another address change request with your new address.

To avoid this, wait until you are settled at your new address before you start the address change process. If you have already submitted a change and know you are moving again soon, call your local Driver License Office to ask whether you can update the address a second time before the license ships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?

Alabama law requires you to notify ALEA of a new address within 10 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal in the sense that you will not be ticketed for it, but it can cause problems if you are stopped by police or if you need to use your license as proof of residency for other purposes.

Will changing my address cost me anything?

No. Address changes are free whether you update online, in person, or by mail. ALEA does not charge a fee for this service. If someone offers to help you change your address for a fee, that is a scam — go directly to ALEA or a Driver License Office.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can update your address on an expired license, though you will need to renew it soon after. If your license expired more than a few months ago, consider renewing it at the same time you change your address to avoid making two trips or two separate online submissions.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Alabama license?

If you have moved out of Alabama permanently, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your Alabama address. Once you have a valid license from your new state, you can let your Alabama license expire. If you are moving temporarily but keeping your Alabama license, update your address to your temporary location.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license you receive in person is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the paper license covers you while you wait. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact your local Driver License Office to check the status.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.