How to Change Your Address on an Alabama Driver's License

The fastest way to change your address in Alabama

You can change your address on your Alabama driver's license online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you do not have to visit an office or wait for mail. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to ALEA or visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person. Both methods work, but mail takes longer because ALEA has to process your request and mail you an updated license. In-person visits are usually faster than mail but require you to travel to an office during business hours.

Your new license will show your updated address. If you change your address online, ALEA will mail your new license to the address you provide. You do not need to renew your license early — the address change does not affect your license expiration date.

Key Takeaways

The online method through ALEA's website is the quickest option and requires only your license number, Social Security number, and email address.
You can also mail a completed form or visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person if you prefer not to use the online system.
Your updated license will be mailed to the new address you provide, and your license expiration date does not change.
You do not need to renew your license early when you change your address — the two processes are separate.

Changing your address online through ALEA

Visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website and look for the address change option in the driver's license section. You will enter your current license number, Social Security number, and the new address where you want your updated license mailed. The system will confirm your information and process the change when ready.

After you submit the form online, ALEA will mail your new license to the address you provided. The new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though this can vary depending on mail delivery times. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.

Keep your confirmation email or receipt from the online submission. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, you can contact ALEA with this information to check on the status of your request.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the address change form from the ALEA website. The form is called the Driver License Address Change Request form. Fill in your current license number, your name, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and a piece of mail or other document that shows your new address.

Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the ALEA website. Do not send cash or checks — ALEA does not charge a fee for address changes. Include a return envelope with postage if you want to receive confirmation, though this is not required.

Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time ALEA receives your request, plus the time it takes for mail to travel. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you need your address changed quickly, the online or in-person method is faster.

Changing your address in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office

Find the Driver License Examiner's Office nearest you on the ALEA website. Bring your current driver's license and a document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail. You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, but some locations may require one — check the ALEA website for your local office's policy.

Tell the staff member that you want to change your address. They will update your information in the system and issue you a new license on the spot. You will pay a small fee for the replacement license — the amount varies but is typically under $20. Ask the office staff for the exact fee before you complete the transaction.

Your new license is ready to use when ready. You can leave the office with your updated license in hand, so this method is useful if you need your address changed right away.

Documents you need for an address change

For an online address change, you need only your current license number, Social Security number, and email address. ALEA will verify your identity using information already in their system.

For a mail or in-person address change, bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, government mail with your name and address, or a bank statement. The document must show your full name and the address you are moving to.

If you do not have a document with your new address yet, some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement confirming your new address. Call your local Driver License Examiner's Office to ask what they will accept before you visit.

What happens to your old license

You do not have to turn in your old license when you change your address. Your old license becomes invalid once your new license is issued, but you do not need to physically destroy it or return it to ALEA. You can keep it or throw it away.

If you lose your new license before it arrives in the mail, contact ALEA when ready. They can issue a replacement, though you may have to pay a fee and visit an office in person. If your new license arrives and you later find your old license, there is no penalty — straightforward keep the new one and discard the old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address?

Online and in-person changes are fastest. If you change your address online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you change it in person at an office, you receive your new license when ready. Mail-in requests take 2 to 3 weeks for ALEA to process, plus mail delivery time.

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Alabama law requires you to change your address within 10 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a traffic citation. It is simpler to change it online or in person right away than to risk a ticket.

Will changing my address cost me money?

Online and mail-in address changes are free. If you change your address in person at a Driver License Examiner's Office, you will pay a replacement license fee, usually under $20. Ask the office staff for the exact amount before you complete the transaction.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes, you can change your address on an expired license. However, if your license is expired, you should renew it at the same time. Contact your local Driver License Examiner's Office or the ALEA website to learn whether you can renew and change your address in one visit or transaction.

What if I move again before my new license arrives?

Contact ALEA with your new address before your first replacement license arrives. They can redirect your license to your newest address or issue a new license with the updated address. Call the ALEA Driver License Section to explain your situation and ask how to proceed.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.