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

You can change your address on an Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. The in-person route takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing. The mail route is free but slower and only works if your license is not expired and you have no violations or restrictions that require a new photo.

Alabama does not offer online address changes. You must use one of these two methods, and the state does not charge a fee for the change itself — you pay only if you need a replacement card issued at the same time.

Key Takeaways

In-person address changes at a DPS Driver License Office are free and take about 15 minutes; you need your current license and proof of your new address.
Mail-in address changes are free but only available if your license is not expired and has no violations or restrictions requiring a new photo.
Proof of address must be a recent document showing your name and new address — utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements all work.
If you change your address by mail, the DPS will mail your updated license to your new address within 7 to 10 business days after they receive your request.
You cannot change your address online; Alabama requires either an in-person visit or a mailed request form.

In-Person Address Change at a DPS Driver License Office

Walk into any Alabama DPS Driver License Office with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. The office will update your record on the spot. You do not need to bring a completed form — staff will handle the paperwork. The change takes effect when ready, though your physical license card will still show the old address until you request a replacement.

Proof of address must show your name and your new street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government document such as a tax return or property deed. The document should be dated within the last 60 days, though the DPS may accept older documents if they are the only proof available.

You can find the nearest DPS Driver License Office on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website. Offices are located in most counties. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead is not always possible, but visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.

Mail-In Address Change

To change your address by mail, you must first confirm that your license meets three conditions: it is not expired, it has no violations or restrictions that would require a new photo (such as a corrective lens restriction or a medical condition flag), and you have not changed your address in the past 12 months. If all three are true, you can mail a request to the Alabama DPS.

Write a letter or use the DPS address change form (available on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website) that includes your full name, current license number, old address, new address, and a phone number or email where the DPS can reach you if needed. Enclose a copy of one document proving your new address — the same types of documents accepted in person work by mail. Do not send your original license; a photocopy is sufficient.

Mail your request to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, at the address listed on their website. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your letter. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. Keep track of when you sent it; if you do not receive your updated license within two weeks, contact the DPS to confirm they received your request.

When You Need a Replacement Card at the Same Time

If your license is expired, or if you have a violation or restriction that requires a new photo, you cannot use the mail-in method. You must visit a DPS Driver License Office in person. At that visit, you can change your address and request a replacement card in one transaction.

A replacement card costs $20.50 in Alabama. You will need your current license (even if expired), proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return). The office will take a new photo and issue a replacement card on the spot or mail it to your new address within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office's equipment.

What Happens to Your Old Address After You Change It

Once you change your address with the DPS, your driver's license record is updated when ready. Law enforcement, courts, and other agencies that check your license will see your new address. However, your physical license card will still print your old address until you receive a replacement card.

If you change your address by mail and do not request a replacement card, you will continue to carry a license that shows your old address. This is legal in Alabama, but it can cause confusion during traffic stops or when you use your license as identification. If this concerns you, you can request a replacement card for $20.50 at any DPS Driver License Office.

Address Changes for Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL)

If you hold a commercial driver's license, you must change your address in person at a DPS Driver License Office. The mail-in method is not available for CDL holders. Bring your current CDL, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number. The process is the same as for a standard license, and there is no additional fee for the address change alone.

If your CDL has medical restrictions or other endorsements, confirm with the office staff that your address change does not trigger a requirement for a new medical certificate or other documentation. In most cases it does not, but it is worth asking before you leave.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not send your original license by mail. The DPS does not need it, and you will be without your license while it is in transit. A photocopy is sufficient for a mail-in request.

Do not assume your proof of address is recent enough. Check the date on your utility bill or bank statement before you submit it. Documents older than 60 days may be rejected, though the DPS has discretion to accept older documents if you have no other proof.

Do not expect your physical license card to update automatically. If you change your address by mail, your card will show your old address until you request and receive a replacement. If you change your address in person without requesting a replacement card, the same applies. Plan accordingly if you need your license to show your current address for identification purposes.

Do not overlook the 12-month rule for mail-in changes. If you changed your address by mail within the past 12 months, you must visit an office in person to change it again. This rule prevents duplicate requests and processing errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online?

No. Alabama does not offer online address changes for driver's licenses. You must either visit a DPS Driver License Office in person or mail a written request with proof of your new address. Online changes are not available through the Alabama Department of Public Safety website.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

The DPS takes 7 to 10 business days to process a mailed address change request after they receive it. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address during that time. Total time from when you mail your request to when you receive your updated license is typically 2 to 3 weeks, depending on mail delivery speed.

Do I have to get a new license card when I change my address?

No. An address change alone does not require a new card. Your license record is updated when ready, and law enforcement will see your new address when they check your license. Your physical card will still show your old address, but that is legal. You can request a replacement card for $20.50 if you want your card to reflect your current address.

What if my proof of address is older than 60 days?

The DPS prefers documents dated within 60 days, but they may accept older documents if you have no other proof available. Bring what you have and ask the office staff whether it will work. If you are mailing your request, include a brief note explaining why your document is older and ask whether they will accept it.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address, but you must do it in person at a DPS Driver License Office. You cannot use the mail-in method if your license is expired. At the office, you can change your address and renew your license in one visit. Renewal and the address change together cost $20.50 for a standard license.

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.