What You Need to Do in Alabama
In Alabama, you can change your address on your driver license in person at any Driver License Examiner's Office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles most situations; the mail route works only if you are renewing your license at the same time and your address change is the only update needed.
Alabama does not charge a fee for an address change alone. If you change your address in person without renewing, you will receive a corrected license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you change your address by mail as part of a renewal, processing takes 15 to 20 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office with your current license and proof of your new address to change your address in person at no cost.
- You can change your address by mail only if you are renewing your license at the same time and submitting both requests together.
- Proof of address must be a document dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
- Your corrected license will arrive by mail; bring your current license to any examiner's office if you need it changed before the new one arrives.
In-Person Address Change at an Examiner's Office
This is the most straightforward route and works for any situation. Bring your current Alabama driver license and one document that proves your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card).
Walk into any Driver License Examiner's Office during business hours. Hours vary by location, so check the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website or call ahead. Tell the clerk you are changing your address. Hand over your license and proof of address. The clerk will update your record in the system. You will not receive a new physical license on the spot; instead, a corrected license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to drive before the new license arrives, your current license remains valid. You can show both your old license and the proof-of-address document you submitted if you are stopped by police, though this is not ideal. If the delay is a problem, ask the examiner whether you can pick up your corrected license in person once it is ready, though not all offices offer this option.
Changing Your Address by Mail During Renewal
You can submit an address change by mail, but only if you are renewing your license at the same time. Mail your renewal process, proof of address, and current license to the Alabama Department of Public Safety. The address change and renewal must be processed together; you cannot change your address by mail alone.
Include a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Processing takes 15 to 20 business days from the date the department receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, since your old license remains valid during processing.
Documents You Need for an Address Change
You need only two things: your current Alabama driver license and one proof-of-address document. The proof-of-address document must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and your new address.
| Acceptable Documents | Notes |
|---|---|
| Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) | Must show your name and new address; dated within 60 days |
| Lease or rental agreement | Must be signed and show your name and new address |
| Mortgage statement or property tax bill | Must show your name and new address |
| Bank or credit card statement | Must show your name and new address; dated within 60 days |
| Government mail (voter registration, tax notice) | Must show your name and new address; dated within 60 days |
| Insurance policy or statement | Auto, home, or renter's insurance; must show your name and new address |
Do not bring a document that is older than 60 days. If your name on the proof-of-address document does not match your name on your license exactly, bring additional documents that show the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) so the examiner can update your record correctly.
Finding an Alabama Driver License Examiner's Office
Alabama has Driver License Examiner's Offices in most counties. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains a list of all office locations and hours on its website. Search by county or city to find the office nearest you.
Hours vary widely. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; others have limited hours or are closed on certain days. Call ahead or check the website before you go, especially if you are traveling a distance. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can be long during lunch hours or late afternoon.
What Happens After You Submit Your Address Change
Once you submit your address change in person, the examiner updates your record in the Alabama driver license system when ready. Your corrected license is printed and mailed to your new address. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days if you changed your address in person, or 15 to 20 business days if you changed it by mail as part of a renewal.
Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. You do not need to do anything else. If you move again before the corrected license arrives, go back to an examiner's office and update your address a second time. The first corrected license will be returned to the post office as undeliverable, and a new one will be mailed to your latest address.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing a proof-of-address document that is older than 60 days. Utility bills, bank statements, and government mail older than 60 days will be rejected. If you just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date, or bring a signed lease.
Another mistake is trying to change your address by mail without renewing your license. Alabama does not process address-only changes by mail. You must go in person or submit the address change as part of a renewal process.
Do not assume your address has been updated just because you told someone at the examiner's office. The address change is complete only when the examiner enters it into the system and you receive your corrected license. If you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to confirm the change was processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online?
No. Alabama does not offer online address changes for driver licenses. You must change your address in person at an examiner's office or by mail as part of a renewal process. In-person is faster and works in all situations.
What if my proof of address is in my spouse's name but shows my address?
It will not work. The proof-of-address document must show your name and your new address. If you have recently married and your name has changed, bring your marriage certificate along with a document in your new name. If the document is in your spouse's name only, bring a second document that shows your name at that address, such as a lease in both names or a bank statement in your name.
Do I need to bring my old license if I change my address in person?
Yes. You must bring your current Alabama driver license to the examiner's office. The examiner will not process an address change without it.
How long does it take to receive my corrected license?
If you change your address in person, expect 7 to 10 business days. If you change it by mail as part of a renewal, expect 15 to 20 business days. Business days do not include weekends or state holidays. If you do not receive your license within this timeframe, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
What if I move again before my corrected license arrives?
Return to any examiner's office and update your address again. Your first corrected license will be returned to the post office as undeliverable. A new license will be printed and mailed to your latest address. You will not be charged a fee.