Alabama Address & Name Change at ALEA and ADOR · DMV Roads

Address & Name Changes in Alabama

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Alabama law requires drivers to update their address with ALEA within 30 days of moving. Vehicle records also need to be updated with the county license commissioner. Name changes are not on a strict deadline but should be completed before the next license renewal so the new credential matches your other identification. Both updates can be handled online for most situations or in person when supporting documents need verification.

Address change for drivers

The 30-day rule is statutory under Alabama traffic code. ALEA mails renewal notices, suspension notices, and other compliance correspondence to the address on file — missing those can lead to a missed renewal, an unpaid ticket that escalates, or a license suspension you don't know about until a traffic stop. Update promptly to avoid those scenarios.

Address update channels (ALEA)

  • Online — through the Alabama MyDMV portal. The change is free and updates the driver's license record. The new license card is mailed in 7-14 business days only if you specifically order a replacement; otherwise, the old card remains valid with the corrected address on file.
  • In person — at any ALEA Driver License Examining Office. Bring photo ID and two proofs of new Alabama residency dated within 90 days. The office updates the record on the spot and can issue a duplicate license at the standard duplicate fee.
  • By mail — submit a written request with photo ID copy and residency documents to the ALEA Driver License Division.

Updating registration and title address (ADOR)

Updating the ALEA address does not automatically update the vehicle registration or title. To update these records:

  • Vehicle registration — update with the county license commissioner where the vehicle is registered, or move the registration to a new county if the move is across county lines. The new county may also reassess ad valorem tax.
  • Vehicle title — the title — the metal certificate stored at home or with the lienholder — does not get updated automatically; the address printed on the title shows the address at the time of titling. To update the title, request a duplicate title with the new address through Alabama title replacement at the $20 standard fee.

Out-of-state moves

If you're moving out of Alabama, you don't update the Alabama address — you transfer the license to your new state. Most states require the transfer within 30-60 days of becoming a resident; the new state's DMV cancels the Alabama license once the new license is issued. ALEA releases your record to the new state through the Driver License Compact.

Name changes

Alabama updates the name on a driver's license after a marriage, divorce, court-ordered name change, or correction of a long-standing error. The update requires:

  • Marriage — certified marriage license.
  • Divorce — certified divorce decree showing the restored maiden name.
  • Court order — certified copy of the order changing the legal name.
  • Adoption — adoption decree or amended birth certificate.
  • Photo ID, Social Security card showing the new name, and one proof of residency.

The Social Security Administration must update the SSA record before ALEA will accept the new name on the license. The SSA office issues a new card within 7-10 business days, and ALEA verifies the name electronically against the SSA database.

Name update channels

Name changes require an in-person visit at any ALEA Driver License Examining Office — the agency must verify the certified name-change document and take a new photo to match the new name. Bring the certified document, the existing license, and proof of residency. The fee is the standard duplicate license fee, and a temporary paper license is issued on the spot while the new card is in the mail.

STAR ID and name changes

If you have a STAR ID-compliant license, ALEA requires the same federal-grade documentation as the original STAR ID issuance. Plan to bring all four document categories (identity, Social Security number, two proofs of residency) plus the certified name-change document. Allow extra time at the office for the document review process.

Updating other records after a move or name change

An ALEA update doesn't propagate to:

  • Voter registration — separate update through the Alabama Secretary of State.
  • Vehicle title — request a duplicate to update the printed address.
  • Auto insurance — call the carrier; rates may change with the new garaging address. AOIVS reporting may also need to update.
  • SSA, IRS, USPS, and bank records — separate updates required.

If your move includes a county change, the new county's ad valorem tax rate may differ from the previous county's. Plan for the rate change at the next registration renewal — see Alabama registration renewal.

Common reasons for delay

  • The SSA hasn't updated to the new name yet (ALEA's electronic check fails).
  • Residency documents are older than 90 days.
  • The marriage license or divorce decree isn't certified — only certified copies are accepted.
  • The name-change document doesn't show a clear before-and-after of the legal name.
  • The county registration hasn't been updated separately, so AOIVS or registration alerts continue going to the old address.

For the related procedures, see Alabama license renewal.

Official sources

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