If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of Alabama then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your Alabama DMV change of address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.
It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since Alabama requires that you file your change of address paperwork within just 30 days of establishing residency, there really isn’t too much time to waste.
Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to know to complete your Alabama DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) driver license office to get started.
Will you need to get a new driver’s license if you’re moving to Alabama from another state?
Yes, unless you are a student who will not be permanently moving to the state or an active member of the U.S. military (or a dependent of either).
How do you get a new driver’s license in Alabama?
To get an Alabama driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency driver license office in person, since unfortunately you can’t do an Alabama DMV change of address online or over the phone.
Per the rules in most states, expect that an Alabama driver’s license for a new resident to the state is only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the ALEA or an outside court.
You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency driver license office:
If you are applying for a driver’s license and are under the age of 19, you will also need to provide proof of school enrollment or graduation. You can find a complete list of accepted documents here.
Note that if your name on your primary proof of identity does not match the name on your current driver’s license then you will also have to bring along proof of name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or a court order for a legal name change.
Is there a fee?
Yes. The fee for a new non-commercial driver’s license in Alabama is $36.25 plus a $5 transfer fee. Checks are not accepted, so be sure to bring along cash or a credit card.
Does an Alabama DMV change of address require a driving test?
No, provided your out of state drivers license has not been expired for a year or more. If you do need to take a driving test however there is an additional test fee of $5.
How long do you have to get an Alabama driver’s license or ID card?
As a general rule of thumb though, it’s a good idea to get your new driver’s license as soon as possible once you know that you will be a resident, however Alabama gives you 30 days to complete your Alabama DMV change of address information after establishing residency in the state.
So how do you know if you’re officially a resident of Alabama? Head to an ALEA driver license office if you plan to:
Do you need to register your out-of-state vehicle?
How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?
Alabama requires that you register your out-of-state vehicle within 20 days of establishing residency in the state.
How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Alabama?
Alabama vehicle registration services are available online in most counties. See a list of Alabama Department of Revenue vehicle licensing office locations here to find out whether online vehicle registration services are available in your area.
You’ll need to supply the following documents when you register your vehicle as a new resident of Alabama:
If your previous state did not issue a title for your vehicle, your vehicle registration card can serve as proof of ownership.
Your vehicle may require a VIN check, so if you are visiting an office in person, make sure to drive the vehicle you are registering.
What is the registration fee?
Fees vary. Check out the vehicle registration fees page to find out what you’ll owe.
Alabama requires that you update your driver’s license within 30 days with your new address when moving within the state (and no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it). With little time to waste, make sure to keep this at the top of your post-moving to do list.
How do you do an Alabama change of address?
Alabama DMV change of address services are not available online, but you don’t have to go wait in line in person either. Fill out your Driver License or Identification Card Change of Address application at home and then submit it in one of two ways:
Whichever option you choose, be ready to supply information on your driver’s license number, your new address, and your date of birth.
Will Alabama issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?
No, not unless you want one.
How much does an Alabama change of address cost?
An Alabama DMV change of address is free, but you’ll need to pay a $32.50 fee if you would like a duplicate license with your new address on it.
Do you need to update your address on your vehicle registration?
Yes. After you have updated your address with the DMV, call up your local Alabama Department of Revenue vehicle licensing office to notify them of your new address by phone.
How long do you have to update your vehicle registration with your new address?
You have 30 days to ensure that your vehicle registration is updated with your new address.
Do you need to notify the state of Alabama if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?
No. When you receive a driver’s license in your new state of residency Alabama will automatically cancel your state driver’s license, meaning there’s nothing specific for you to do on your end.
Do you need to notify the state of Alabama if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?
Do you need to return your Alabama license plates?
No, you can hold on to your license plates.
If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Alabama, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency driver license division at (334) 242-4400 or send an email to driverlicenseinfo@alea.gov.
If you are reaching out by phone, you are encouraged to have your driver’s license number and license plate number (if applicable) ready when you call.
We can help you out with that! Use Moving.com to quickly and easily search for reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Alabama move will cost, and happy moving.
Laura Mueller is a professional writer with nearly five years of experience writing about moving. She is particularly interested in topics around organization, home design, and real estate, and definitely has a few tricks up her sleeve after moving eight times in eight years during her 20s. Laura believes that moving should be as stress-free of an experience as possible, and is always working on new tips and shortcuts that she can share with readers on Moving.com.View all posts by Laura Mueller
