What You Need to Do in Alabama
To change your address on an Alabama driver's license, you must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person with proof of your new address. Alabama does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. You will need to bring your current license, one document showing your new address, and pay a $20.50 fee. The process takes about 15 minutes if you have the right documents.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license with the outdated address until the new one arrives — there is no gap in validity. If you need the license sooner, some offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot, though this is not standard practice at all locations.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Examiner's Office in person; Alabama does not process address changes remotely.
- Bring your current license, one proof-of-address document, and $20.50 in cash or card.
- Acceptable proof-of-address documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; your old license remains valid until then.
- If you are also renewing your license at the same time, the fee is $25 instead of $20.50.
Acceptable Proof-of-Address Documents
Alabama accepts one document showing your name and new address, dated within the last 60 days. The most common documents are utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your full name and the complete new address where you now live.
If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or bank statement in your name at the new address, a signed lease or rental agreement works. If you are staying with family or in temporary housing, ask the property owner or manager for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, dated within 60 days, along with their contact information. This is less common but is sometimes accepted — call ahead to confirm.
Documents that do not work include credit card statements without an address, printed bank statements from online-only banks that show no physical address, or documents older than 60 days. Do not bring a utility bill in someone else's name, even if you live there.
Where to Go and What to Bring
Find your nearest Driver License Examiner's Office using the Alabama Department of Public Safety website or by calling 334-242-4437. Offices are located in most counties, and hours vary by location — many are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have limited hours or close for lunch. Check the specific office location before you go.
Bring these items in person:
- Your current Alabama driver's license
- One proof-of-address document dated within the last 60 days
- $20.50 in cash or a debit or credit card (fees vary slightly by county)
If you do not have your current license (lost or stolen), you will need to report it and follow the replacement process instead, which requires additional documents and a different fee. If you are changing your name at the same time, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Timeline and What Happens Next
After you submit your documents and pay the fee, the examiner will update your address in the Alabama system and issue a receipt. Your new license will be printed and mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else — the office handles the mailing.
Your old license with the outdated address remains valid during this time. You can use it for identification, voting, or any other purpose until your new license arrives. There is no waiting period or temporary license period unless you specifically request one and the office has the capability to issue it.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver License Examiner's Office where you made the change. They can check the status and reissue if needed. Keep your receipt from the day you applied — it shows the date and location of your transaction.
Combining an Address Change with License Renewal
If your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it and change your address at the same time during a single visit. The combined fee is $25 instead of $20.50. You will need the same proof-of-address document, plus your current license (or an expired license if it expired within the last year).
If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test as part of the renewal. Call your local examiner's office to confirm what you need before you go. Combining both transactions saves you a trip and a separate fee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is bringing a proof-of-address document that is older than 60 days. Utility bills and bank statements from more than two months ago will not be accepted. If you have just moved, bring the most recent document you have, even if it is only a few weeks old.
Another mistake is bringing a document in someone else's name. Even if you live with a spouse, parent, or roommate, the address document must show your name. If you cannot get a document in your name within 60 days, ask the property owner for a signed letter confirming your residency.
Do not assume you can mail in the change or handle it online. Alabama requires an in-person visit. Do not bring only a copy of your license — bring the physical card. And do not forget the fee; most offices do not accept payment plans or defer the cost.
If You Have Moved Out of State
If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead of changing your Alabama address. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. Keeping an Alabama license with an out-of-state address can cause problems with vehicle registration, insurance, and law enforcement.
If you are temporarily out of state but still an Alabama resident, you can change your address to an Alabama address (such as a family member's home or a P.O. box, though P.O. boxes are not ideal for license purposes). Contact your local examiner's office to discuss your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address without visiting an office in person?
No. Alabama requires an in-person visit to a Driver License Examiner's Office. You cannot change your address by mail, phone, or online. This is a state requirement and applies to all residents.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
Ask your landlord, property manager, or the homeowner to provide a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, dated within 60 days, with their phone number and address. Bring this letter along with your current license and the fee. Call ahead to confirm the office will accept it.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid during this time. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the examiner's office with your receipt.
Do I have to change my address if I move within Alabama?
Yes. Your license must show your current address. Driving with an outdated address is not illegal, but it can cause problems with traffic stops, vehicle registration, and insurance claims. It is best to update it within a few weeks of moving.
What if my proof-of-address document is 65 days old?
It will not be accepted. Alabama requires documents dated within the last 60 days. If you have a more recent document (even if it is from a different source), bring that instead. If not, wait until you receive a newer utility bill or statement.