How to change your address in Alabama
You can change your address on your Alabama driver's license in person at any Driver License Office, by mail, or online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. The online method is fastest — you fill out the form, pay the fee, and your updated license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you go in person, the change takes effect when ready and you walk out with an updated license the same day.
You do not need to renew your license to change the address. The license itself stays valid; only the address on file changes. You will need to bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Bring your current license and a form of ID if you are changing your address by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through ALEA take 7 to 10 business days and cost less than in-person changes.
- In-person changes at a Driver License Office happen the same day and require proof of your new address dated within 60 days.
- Mail-in changes require a completed form, proof of address, your current license, and a photo ID.
- You do not need to renew your license to change the address — your current license remains valid.
- The fee for an address change varies depending on the method you choose, so check ALEA's website for current pricing.
Changing your address online through ALEA
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website lets you change your address without visiting an office. Go to the ALEA Driver License Services page, select the address change option, and enter your license number, date of birth, and new address. You will pay the fee by credit or debit card. The system will confirm your submission and give you a confirmation number.
Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license during this time — the address change is recorded in the system even though your physical license still shows the old address. If you need the updated license faster, you will need to visit a Driver License Office in person.
Changing your address in person at a Driver License Office
Walk into any Alabama Driver License Office with your current license, proof of your new address, and a second form of ID. The staff will verify your information, process the change, and print your new license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. A second form of ID can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or birth certificate. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.
Driver License Offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ALEA website. No appointment is needed for address changes, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.
Changing your address by mail
read the address change form from the ALEA website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license, proof of your new address, and a copy of a photo ID. Send everything to the address listed on the form — typically the ALEA Driver License Division office in Montgomery. Include a check or money order for the processing fee.
Mail processing takes longer than online or in-person methods — expect 2 to 3 weeks for your updated license to arrive. Your current license remains valid during this time. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the mail is lost. If you do not receive your updated license within 4 weeks, contact ALEA to confirm they received your submission.
What counts as proof of your new address
Alabama requires proof dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your name and new address also work. Government mail addressed to you at the new address — such as a tax notice or voter registration card — is accepted.
The document must show your full name and the complete new address. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of address. If you recently moved and do not yet have a bill or statement in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or mortgage lender for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date.
Fees and processing times by method
| Method | Fee | Processing Time | When You Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online through ALEA | Varies — check ALEA website | 7 to 10 business days | Mailed to new address |
| In person at Driver License Office | Varies — check ALEA website | Same day | Printed on the spot |
| By mail | Varies — check ALEA website | 2 to 3 weeks | Mailed to new address |
Fees change periodically, so visit the ALEA Driver License Services page or call your local Driver License Office to confirm the current cost before you submit your request. The fee is typically lower for online changes than for in-person changes.
What happens to your old license
When you change your address online or by mail, your old license remains valid and you keep it. You will receive a new license card with the updated address. Some people keep both for a short time in case they need to prove their old address for a record or transaction. Once the new license arrives, you can destroy the old one or keep it as a backup.
If you change your address in person at a Driver License Office, the staff will take your old license and destroy it, then hand you the new one when ready. You leave with only the updated license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move?
Alabama law requires you to notify the Driver License Division of a change of address within a reasonable time after you move. While there is no specific important date stated in statute, updating your address within 30 days of moving is the safest approach. An outdated address can cause problems with traffic tickets, vehicle registration renewal notices, and official mail.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes, you can change your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect the suspension or revocation status. However, if your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive, and you will need to resolve the suspension before you can use the license to drive again.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, ask your landlord, property manager, or mortgage lender for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Include that letter with your proof of ID when you submit your address change request.
Can I change my address online if I have a commercial driver's license?
Address changes for commercial driver's licenses (CDL) must be done in person at a Driver License Office. You cannot change a CDL address online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of your new address, and a second form of ID to any Driver License Office.
What if my address change gets lost in the mail?
Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the form, proof of address, and your check or money order. If you do not receive your updated license within 4 weeks, contact ALEA with your confirmation details. They can check whether your submission was received and resend your license if needed.