You can change your address with the Alabama Department of Public Safety in person, by mail, or online through their portal

Alabama allows you to update your driver's license address without renewing the entire license. The fastest method is the online portal at alabamapublic.sos.gov, which processes the change in minutes if you have a valid email address and your current license number. If you prefer in-person service, you can visit any Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office with proof of your new address. Mail-in requests take longer — typically two to three weeks — but work if you cannot reach an office location.

You do not need to wait for your license to expire to make this change. Alabama treats address updates as administrative changes separate from license renewal, so you keep your current license and expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • The online portal at alabamapublic.sos.gov is the fastest option and completes the change within minutes if you have your license number and a valid email.
  • In-person visits to a Driver License Examiner's Office require proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Mail-in requests require a completed form and proof of address sent to the Department of Public Safety, and typically take two to three weeks.
  • Your current license remains valid during the address change process; you do not need to renew early or obtain a temporary document.

Online address change through the Alabama portal

The Alabama Department of Public Safety operates an online system that lets you update your address without visiting an office. Go to alabamapublic.sos.gov, select the driver license section, and choose the address change option. You will need your current Alabama driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.

The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm your identity using information from your license record. Once you submit, the change processes when ready, and you receive a confirmation email. Your physical license card does not change — the address update is recorded in the state database, and your card remains valid until its printed expiration date.

This method works best if you have reliable internet access and your email address is current. If you do not receive a confirmation email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact the Department of Public Safety directly at 334-242-4437.

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

You can walk into any Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office with your current license and proof of your new address. Proof of address must be an original document dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and new address all work. A post office change-of-address notice does not count as proof.

Bring your current driver's license and the address proof document. The examiner will verify the information, update your record, and you leave with your license unchanged. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes in most offices. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays.

To find the examiner's office nearest you, visit the Department of Public Safety website and search by county. Some offices operate by appointment only, so call ahead or check their hours before you go. The main office in Montgomery operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mail-in address change request

If you cannot visit an office or use the online system, you can request an address change by mail. read form DL-44 from the Alabama Department of Public Safety website, or call 334-242-4437 to request it. Fill in your current license information, your new address, and sign the form.

Include a copy of your proof of address — the same documents accepted in person (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Mail the completed form and proof to the 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 department receives your envelope. You will not receive a confirmation letter; your address change is complete when the department processes it. If you need to verify the change was made, call 334-242-4437 with your license number and they can confirm it in the system.

What counts as proof of your new address

Alabama requires an original document — not a photocopy or screenshot — that shows your name and new address and was issued within the last 60 days. Accepted documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowner's or renter's insurance statements, and bank or credit card statements.

Documents that do not work include post office change-of-address forms, printed emails, text messages, or documents older than 60 days. If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move date and new address. Some utilities will provide this within days.

If you are moving to a new address but have not yet received mail there, a signed lease agreement or a letter from your landlord works as proof. The document must be dated and show both your name and the full new address.

Timeline and what to expect after you request the change

Online changes complete within minutes. In-person changes complete the same day you visit the office. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from the date the department receives your envelope — add time for postal delivery both ways.

After your address is updated, the change appears in the state database when ready (for online and in-person) or within two to three weeks (for mail). Your physical license card does not change; it remains valid with the old address printed on it. Law enforcement and government agencies can see your current address in the system, so the old printed address does not cause problems.

If you need a new license card with your updated address printed on it, you must renew your license when it expires or request an early renewal. Early renewal costs the same as a standard renewal and takes the same processing time as a new license process.

Early license renewal if you want the new address printed on your card

Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it after you change your address in the system. If you want a new card with your updated address, you can renew your license before the expiration date. This is called an early renewal.

Early renewal costs the same as a standard renewal — currently $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license — and you can do it online, in person, or by mail using the same methods as an address change. You will receive a new card in the mail within two to three weeks if you renew by mail, or when ready if you renew in person at an examiner's office.

Early renewal is optional. Many people keep their current card and straightforward update the address in the system, since the old printed address does not affect the validity of the license or your ability to use it for identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move to a different county in Alabama?

Yes, you must update your address regardless of whether you stay in the same county or move to a different one. The address on file with the Department of Public Safety should match your current residence. Use any of the three methods — online, in person, or mail — to make the change.

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

Ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on their official letterhead confirming your new address and move date. Some utilities provide this within a few days at no cost. A signed lease agreement also works if it shows your name and the new address.

Can I change my address online if I do not have an email address?

No, the online portal requires a valid email address to send your confirmation. Use the in-person or mail-in method instead. If you want to set up an email address, many libraries and community centers offer free email information.

How long does my old address stay on my physical license card?

Your old address remains printed on the card until you renew your license or request an early renewal. The address in the state system updates when ready (online or in person) or within two to three weeks (by mail), so the printed address does not affect the validity of your license or how it is used for identification.

What if I move out of state — do I need to change my Alabama address first?

No, you do not need to update your Alabama address before moving. Once you move to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state. You can let your Alabama license expire or keep it as a secondary form of identification if you plan to return.