Where to change your Alabama driver's license address
You can change your address at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver's license office in person, or online through the Alabama DPS website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired, and if you have not had any violations in the past year.
Alabama has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alabama DPS website. Walk-ins are accepted, but some offices get busy during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online if your license is valid, not suspended, and you have had no violations in the past year; otherwise you must go in person.
- In-person address changes take about 15 minutes and require your current Alabama driver's license and proof of your new address.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your new address.
- There is no fee to change your address on an existing license; you keep the same license number and expiration date.
- Your new address appears on your license when ready if you change it online, or the same day if you change it in person.
What documents you need to bring in person
Bring your current Alabama driver's license and one document that shows your new address. The address document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and new street address.
Acceptable address documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, insurance paperwork, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card. A PO box does not count as a residential address for driver's license purposes.
If your name on the address document does not match your name on your license exactly, bring a second document showing both names — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to explain the difference.
How to change your address online
Go to the Alabama DPS website and select the online address change option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need to enter your new address and confirm your current address.
The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history. Once you pass verification, your new address is recorded when ready. You do not need to pay a fee, and you do not need to visit an office.
Your updated license will show the new address the next time you view your digital license through the Alabama DPS app or website. Your physical card keeps the old address until it expires and you renew it, but your record in the system is updated right away.
When you cannot use the online option
You must go in person if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. You also cannot use the online option if you have had any traffic violations, license suspensions, or other violations within the past year, even if they have been resolved.
If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for the online option, call your local DPS office or visit in person. Staff can check your record and tell you which method you can use.
What happens at the DPS office
Hand your current license and address proof to the clerk. They will scan both documents, verify the address, and update your record in the system. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes unless the office is very busy.
You will not receive a new physical card. Your existing license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but your official record with the state now shows your new address. Insurance companies, law enforcement, and government agencies will see your updated address when they look up your license.
If you want a new card with the new address printed on it, you can request a duplicate license for a fee (usually around $20 to $25). This is optional — your current license is still legal to use.
Address changes and vehicle registration
Changing your driver's license address does not automatically change your vehicle registration address. You must update your vehicle registration separately with the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division.
You have 10 days to notify the state of a new address for your vehicle registration. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a county probate office. Keeping your registration address current is important because the state mails renewal notices and registration documents to that address.
If you moved out of state
If you have moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from your new state rather than updating your Alabama address. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving there. You can keep your Alabama license as a second ID, but your primary license should be from the state where you live.
When you explore for a license in your new state, you will typically need your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity. Some states accept your Alabama license as proof of identity; others require a passport or birth certificate. Check your new state's requirements before you visit the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address before my license expires?
No. You can change your address at any time, and it does not affect your license expiration date. Your license remains valid until the date printed on it, regardless of when you update your address.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
You can use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, insurance document, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card. All must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and new address.
Can I change my address by mail?
Alabama does not offer address changes by mail. You must either use the online option (if you are may be able to access) or visit a DPS office in person.
Will my insurance company automatically know about my address change?
No. Your insurance company does not receive automatic updates from the DPS. You must contact your insurance agent or company separately to update your address on your policy.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Your address is updated in the state system when ready, though it may take a few hours to appear in the DPS app or website.