If you live in Alabama and want to update your license, it looks like you’ll have to wait until next week as local driver’s license offices close for a tech upgrade.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), offices have been closed statewide until April 26 to update a computer system that has been in use for nearly 20 years.
The upgrade will bring new computer equipment and focus on converting all data recorded since 1970 into the agency’s new system called the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License System (LEADS), according to an ALEA statement.
Once the system goes live, citizens will be able to pre-apply for a driver’s license and enter all the necessary information before going to a local office. They will also be able to update addresses, pay and reinstate licenses, download U.S. Department of Transportation medical cards, and view Transportation Security Administration Hazmat background checks through the system.
“We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some citizens who will not have full access to the resources and capabilities of the Driver’s License Division, but we assure everyone that the result will be impressive, bringing significant improvements to citizens. as well as to driver’s license employees across the state,” Hal Taylor, chief of the state police agency, said in a statement obtained by the Associated Press.
In the meantime, until offices reopen, state examiners will continue to administer road tests for regular and commercial licenses, and county offices will be open for tax and probate services.
