Whether you’re moving from out of state or just switching towns, you must change your Alabama address at the DMV. If you’re already an Alabama resident, you may fill out your forms at home and submit them by mail.
We get it, moving is stressful. Organizing, packing, traveling, unpacking… it’s an exhausting affair, no matter how many friends help you with the promise of pizza. When you’re done, you just want to relax and enjoy your new place.
But before you unwind, you need to make your new address official. In Alabama, that means heading to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, as well as calling your car insurance provider to ensure your coverage doesn’t lapse.
We get how painful moving can be—which is why we’ve created a simple guide to how to complete a DMV change of address in Alabama.
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How to change your address on an Alabama driver’s license
Unfortunately for weary movers, you can’t complete your Alabama change of address online. At a minimum, you’ll need to download, print, fill out, and mail your forms. And if you’re moving from out of state, you’ll need to physically go to your local DMV branch.
If you’re moving within Alabama
No matter if you’re moving from Montgomery
to Saraland
or just moving across town in Daphne
, you must update your address with the Alabama DMV. Fortunately, it’s not a hard process. Mail a completed change of address form
to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (the address is included on the form).
However you choose to update your address, you must also provide proof of signature, proof of Alabama residency, an Alabama ID card or driver’s license, your date of birth, and proof of Social Security number. An Alabama change of address is free. If you would like a new driver’s license with your updated address on it, the cost is $32.50.
If you’re moving to Alabama from another state
Out-of-state moves are a bit more complex. Acquiring an Alabama driver’s license takes several more steps and can only be completed in person.
You must first gather the documents that the DMV requires for license applications. At a minimum, you should have documents that prove the following four elements:
Your Alabama street address
Your Social Security number
How you combine documents to meet these requirements can vary, but you must meet those four requirements. A passport or military ID can be used to prove your name and date of birth. A bank statement, deed, or rental agreement may be used to prove your address. To prove your Social Security number, you may use a W-2 or a Social Security card.
Once you’ve rounded up all of your documents, head to your local DMV office and apply for your new driver’s license. Alabama driver’s licenses cost $36.25.
Also, make sure you update your vehicle’s registration within 20 days of establishing Alabama residency. Stop by your local DMV office to make the change official.
Other steps for an Alabama change of address
While you’re up and about changing the address on your driver’s license, don’t forget to update your mailing address with the United States Postal Service (USPS)! Filling out the USPS change of address form
will ensure you receive your mail and packages. It allows you to update your voter registration and may net you up to $750 in coupons at the same time. How to notify your insurance company of your Alabama change of address
You must provide your insurance company with your updated address to prevent any lapses in coverage.
Changing your address is usually as easy as calling your agent. Some companies may even allow you to change your address through an app or online portal. If in doubt, give your company a call!
Why notifying your insurance company of a change of address is so important
Insurance requirements vary from state to state. Alabama requires all drivers to carry liability and uninsured motorist insurance
, and you may also have coverage requirements from a lienholder (e.g., your lender). If you don’t notify your insurance company of your change of address and your policy lapses or you have insufficient coverage, you may be subject to fines, a license suspension, a registration suspension, or even jail time. Also, most insurance companies use your address to set your rate. They do this by determining the risk of accidents or vehicle damage associated with specific ZIP codes. If you change ZIP codes and don’t notify your insurance company, that may be considered fraud.
Put simply, providing your insurance company with timely notification of your change of address will save you truckloads of money and tons of headaches!
How to find affordable car insurance in Alabama
Providing your insurance company with an updated address is important, as it ensures you won’t experience a lapse in coverage. Unfortunately, you may see your car insurance
rate change with your new locale—and not always in the direction you’d like. Experts recommend shopping for car insurance after any move in order to keep rates low, no matter if you’re moving down the street or across the country. Thankfully, with licensed broker and super app Jerry
, you can find a new policy at a great rate in less than 45 seconds! Download Jerry, the trustworthy insurance comparison app
, and answer some quick questions. Then, pick a policy from a selection of top quotes sourced from over 50+ of the nation’s leading insurance providers. It’s that easy, and the savings are incredible! On average, Jerry drivers save over $800 a year on car insurance!
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FAQs
No. If you’re moving from another state, you must complete your change of address at a DMV office. If you’re moving within the state, you may submit your forms in person or by mail.
Yes. You must obtain an Alabama driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. As long as your license is active or has been expired for less than a year, you will not need to complete any additional testing to obtain an Alabama license.