You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at an Alabama DMV office

Alabama offers three ways to update your driver's license address: through the online portal at alabamadmv.gov, by mail using a form, or by visiting a DMV office in person. The online method is fastest — it takes minutes and costs nothing. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits at a DMV office are when ready but require you to travel and wait. Which route works best depends on whether you need the change right away and whether you have a current, valid Alabama license.

You do not need to renew your license early to change your address. The address update is separate from renewal and does not extend or shorten your license expiration date. Your current license remains valid until its printed expiration date, regardless of when you change the address.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at alabamadmv.gov is free and takes minutes if you have a valid Alabama license and a debit or credit card.
  • By-mail updates require the DL-44 form, a copy of your license, and proof of your new address, and take one to two weeks.
  • In-person visits at any Alabama DMV office are when ready but require a valid ID and proof of your new address.
  • Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address — the change is separate from renewal.
  • You must update your address within a certain timeframe after moving; check with your local DMV office for your county's specific requirement.

Updating your address online through Alabama DMV

The online portal at alabamadmv.gov is the fastest option if you have a current, valid Alabama driver's license. Go to the website, select the address change option, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to enter your new address and verify it matches your proof of residence. The system accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days as proof.

After you submit the form online, you will receive a confirmation number. The address change takes effect when ready in the DMV system, though your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew. You do not receive a new card for an address-only change. If you need a replacement card with your new address printed on it before your renewal date, you can request one by mail or in person, but that is a separate transaction and may have a fee.

Changing your address by mail

To update by mail, read or request the DL-44 form from alabamadmv.gov or call your county DMV office. Fill out the form with your new address, sign it, and mail it along with a copy of your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new address — all must be dated within the last 60 days.

Mail your packet to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, at the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the office receives it. You will not receive a new card with your updated address; the change updates your record in the system only. If you want a replacement card showing your new address, you must request it separately.

Updating your address in person at a DMV office

Visit any Alabama DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The staff will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready. You will not receive a new card unless you request one, which may involve a fee.

DMV office hours and wait times vary by location. You can find your nearest office and its hours on alabamadmv.gov. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or visiting early in the day can reduce your wait. Bring your proof of address in original form — photocopies are usually not accepted.

What counts as proof of your new address

Alabama DMV accepts the following documents as proof of your new address, all dated within the last 60 days:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • Lease agreement or rental contract
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Government mail (tax notice, voter registration card, or official letter)
  • Insurance policy or bill

The document must show your name and your new address. If you recently moved and do not yet have a bill or statement in your name at the new address, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord or property manager stating your move-in date and address can work. Call your county DMV office if you are unsure whether a specific document will be accepted.

Timeline and when the address change takes effect

Online changes take effect when ready in the DMV system. By-mail changes take one to two weeks from the date the office receives your packet. In-person changes take effect the same day. In all cases, your physical license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license or request a replacement card.

Alabama law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within a certain timeframe after moving. The specific requirement varies by county, so contact your local DMV office to confirm the important date for your area. Updating your address promptly helps may support you receive renewal notices and any official correspondence at your correct location.

If you need a replacement card with your new address

If you want a new card printed with your updated address before your license expires, you can request a replacement card. This is a separate transaction from the address change and may have a fee — typically $5 to $10, though amounts vary. You can request a replacement card online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office using the same methods described above, but you will need to specify that you want a replacement card, not just an address update.

Processing time for a replacement card is the same as for an address change: when ready online or in person, or one to two weeks by mail. The new card will show your updated address and a new card number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address before my license expires?

No, but Alabama law requires you to notify the DMV within a certain timeframe after moving. The specific important date varies by county. Even if you do not update before expiration, you can change your address during the renewal process. Contact your local DMV office to learn your county's requirement.

Will changing my address extend my license expiration date?

No. An address change is separate from renewal and does not affect your expiration date. Your license remains valid until the date printed on the card, regardless of when you update your address.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You cannot use the online method if your license is expired. You will need to renew your license first, which you can do online, by mail, or in person. Once your license is renewed, you can then update your address using any of the three methods.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or bank statement in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a letter on their letterhead stating your name, new address, and move-in date. Some DMV offices accept this in place of a standard proof document. Call your local office to confirm before you visit or mail your request.

Can I change my address for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the license must make the change themselves, either online, by mail, or in person. If someone is unable to visit an office or mail a form, they can authorize another person to submit the online request on their behalf using their license number and date of birth, but the license holder must provide that information.