You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at an Alabama DMV office
Alabama allows you to update your driver's license address without getting a new license, as long as you are not moving to a different state. The fastest method is the online change through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail in a form or visit a Driver License Examining Office in person — both routes take longer but work just as well.
Your address change becomes official once ALEA processes it. You do not need to carry proof of the change while you wait for your updated license to arrive by mail, though some people choose to print their confirmation email as a temporary record. The address on your license does not affect your driving privileges — it is purely a record-keeping update.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through ALEA's website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with confirmation sent to your email when ready.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to change your address online.
- If you mail in your change, send the completed form DL-44 to the ALEA address in Montgomery and allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
- Visiting a Driver License Examining Office in person is the slowest option but guarantees your change is recorded the same day.
- Your old license remains valid at your old address until it expires — you do not need a replacement license just to update where you live.
Changing Your Address Online Through ALEA
The online method is the most straightforward route. Go to the ALEA website and select the option to change your address on your driver's license. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and your new address. The system will verify your information against ALEA's records and show you a confirmation screen if everything matches.
Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this email — it proves you requested the change. ALEA will mail you an updated license with your new address printed on it within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license is still valid for driving, even though the address on it is outdated.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no fee for changing your address this way. If the system rejects your information, it usually means a mismatch between what you entered and what ALEA has on file — double-check your Social Security number and date of birth, as these are the most common sources of error.
Mailing in Your Address Change
If you prefer to mail your change, read or request form DL-44 from the ALEA website or call the Driver License Section at 334-242-4400. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. Do not send your actual license — just the completed form.
Mail the form to: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Section, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1471. Include a note with your phone number or email so ALEA can contact you if there are questions. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date ALEA receives your form, though mail delivery itself can add several days on either end.
There is no fee for a mail-in address change. This method works well if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper trail, but it is slower than the online option because you have to wait for mail delivery both ways.
Changing Your Address In Person at a Driver License Office
You can walk into any Driver License Examining Office in Alabama and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it — the document must be dated within the last 60 days.
The staff will verify your information, update your record in the system, and give you a receipt showing your change has been processed. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for this service.
This method guarantees your change is recorded the same day, which can be useful if you need proof of the update when ready. However, it requires you to travel to an office during business hours, and wait times vary by location. Call ahead to find the office nearest you and ask about current wait times.
What Documents You Need for Each Method
| Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth | Free | 7–10 business days for mailed license |
| Completed form DL-44, driver's license number | Free | 7–10 business days plus mail delivery | |
| In Person | Current driver's license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within 60 days) | Free | Same day for record update; 7–10 business days for mailed license |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is entering your Social Security number or date of birth incorrectly when using the online system. If the system rejects your submission, verify these details character by character before trying again. A single digit wrong will cause the system to deny your request.
If you are mailing in your change, do not send your actual driver's license — ALEA only needs the completed form. Sending your license creates an unnecessary risk of loss in the mail and can slow processing because staff have to verify it matches your records.
When changing your address in person, bring proof of your new address that is dated within the last 60 days. Older documents will be rejected, and you will have to come back with something current. Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements are the easiest to obtain and are always accepted.
What Happens After Your Change Is Processed
Once ALEA processes your address change, your new license will be printed and mailed to the address you provided. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid for driving until it expires — you do not need to destroy it or turn it in.
If you move again before your new license arrives, you can request another address change using any of the three methods. There is no limit to how many times you can update your address. Each new request will supersede the previous one, and your license will be mailed to whichever address you provided most recently.
If your license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Driver License Section at 334-242-4400 to check the status. Have your confirmation number (if you changed your address online) or your reference information ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new license photo when I change my address?
No. An address change does not require a new photo. Your updated license will use the same photo from your current license, with only the address changed. If you want a new photo, you would need to renew your license, which is a separate process with its own fee.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can update your address on an expired license using any of the three methods. However, you will need to renew your license separately if you want to drive legally. Address changes and license renewals are handled as two different transactions.
What if I move to a different state?
You cannot change your Alabama address to an out-of-state address. If you are moving out of Alabama, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Contact that state's DMV for their requirements and process.
How long does my old license stay valid after I request an address change?
Your old license remains valid for driving until its expiration date, regardless of when you change your address. You do not need to wait for your new license to arrive to drive legally — the address on your license does not affect your driving privileges.
Is there a fee for changing my address?
No. Address changes are free through all three methods — online, mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license or requesting a replacement license due to damage or loss.