You can change your Alabama driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Office

Alabama allows you to update your address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is the online system through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a signed form to ALEA or walk into any Driver License Office with proof of your new address.

The address change itself does not extend or shorten your license expiration date — your license remains valid until the date already printed on it. You do not need to pass a test or take a new photo. ALEA will mail you a corrected license within 7 to 10 business days of processing.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through ALEA's website is free and the fastest option, with no office visit required.
  • By mail, you send a signed form with proof of your new address to ALEA; processing takes 7 to 10 business days plus mail time.
  • In person, you bring your current license and proof of your new address to any Driver License Office and walk out with a receipt the same day.
  • Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address, and you do not need to renew early.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Changing your address online through ALEA

Go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and locate the Driver License section. You will find a link for "Address Change" or "Update License Information." You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to log in.

Once you are in the system, enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document. Review the information for accuracy before submitting. ALEA will send you a confirmation email, and your corrected license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not pay a fee for an online address change.

If the online system is unavailable or you run into an error during submission, you can try again later or use the mail or in-person options instead. ALEA's website sometimes has brief maintenance windows, particularly early mornings or late evenings.

Mailing your address change to ALEA

read or request the address change form from ALEA's website, or call the Driver License Bureau at 334-242-4437 to have one mailed to you. The form is typically called the "process for Duplicate Driver License" or "Address Change Form," depending on the year.

Sign the form and attach a copy of your proof of address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Mail both documents to the address listed on the form, usually the ALEA Driver License Bureau in Montgomery. Include your driver's license number on the envelope so the mail room can route it correctly.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after ALEA receives your envelope, plus mail time in both directions. You will receive your corrected license by mail. There is no fee for a mailed address change.

Updating your address in person at a Driver License Office

Locate your nearest Driver License Office using ALEA's office finder on their website. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, insurance policy, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Walk in during office hours — no appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Tell the clerk you need an address change. They will verify your identity using your current license, confirm your new address, and process the change on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing your updated information.

Your corrected license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for an in-person address change. If you need to use your license before the new one arrives, the receipt serves as temporary proof of your updated address.

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. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and homeowner's insurance policies also work.

Government mail counts if it is addressed to you at your new address — examples include tax documents, voter registration cards, or correspondence from a state or federal agency. Bank or credit card statements with your new address are usually accepted as well.

Documents older than 60 days will not be accepted. If you just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, contact ALEA's Driver License Bureau to ask about alternatives; they sometimes accept a lease signed but not yet dated, or a utility bill in a roommate's name plus a signed statement from you.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

Online submissions are processed within 7 to 10 business days. Mailed forms take 7 to 10 business days after arrival, plus mail time — typically 3 to 5 days each way, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. In-person changes are processed when ready, and you leave with a receipt the same day.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. If you move again before it arrives, do not open the envelope — contact ALEA to request a forwarding address change. If the license arrives and you have already moved, you can update your address again using any of the three methods.

Your old license remains valid until your expiration date, even after you update your address. You do not need to destroy it or turn it in. Once your new license arrives, keep the old one in a safe place for at least a year in case there is a question about the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Alabama law requires you to notify ALEA of an address change within a reasonable time after moving. While there is no specific penalty listed for failing to do so, keeping your license current with your actual address is important for receiving official mail and for law enforcement purposes during traffic stops.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can update an expired license's address using the same methods — online, by mail, or in person. However, you will also need to renew your license at the same time. Contact ALEA or visit a Driver License Office to ask about combined renewal and address change options.

What if I move out of state?

If you move to another state, you will eventually need to obtain a driver's license from that state. Your Alabama license remains valid in other states for the duration of its expiration date, but you should follow that state's rules about when to switch. Some states require you to obtain a new license within 30 days of moving.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address with ALEA does not affect your driving record or insurance rates. However, you should notify your insurance company separately of your move, as rates can vary by location. Your insurance company will not automatically receive the address change from ALEA.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. You must submit the address change yourself, either online, by mail with your signature, or in person with your ID. ALEA does not allow a third party to change your address without your direct involvement.