Modernized driver’s license system rolls out April 26
Franklin County, News, Top News Stories FRONT PAGE, Z - TOP HOME
 By  María Camp Published 
8:31 am Monday, April 18, 2022

Modernized driver’s license system rolls out April 26

For those who have become accustomed to dreading long waits as a routine part of a visit to get or renew a driver’s license or conduct other related business, good news is on the horizon, as officials report all that is set to change soon.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is planning April 26 as the date of launch for its new driver license system, a project years in the making, to be known as LEADS.

“This new system will consolidate multiple legacy systems into one integrated, modern system to further protect our citizens’ data and enhance customer service,” explained Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. “I am proud of ALEA’s dedication to complete this crucial and extensive task to positively impact all citizens.”

To install the new system and hardware, driver’s license offices statewide will be closed April 18 through April 26.

While offices will be closed temporarily and online services will not be available during the transition period, ALEA examiners will continue to administer Class D and CDL Road Skills Tests. County offices will remain open strictly for revenue and probate services.

In addition to the new hardware, tremendous amounts of data received since 1970 will be converted into LEADS.

“LEADS will also further protect Alabama citizens’ personal information,” explained ALEA secretary Hal Taylor. “This project has taken a tremendous amount of dedication from ALEA’s driver’s license employees. We have partnered with Fast Enterprises and have been preparing to successfully complete this launch for a number of years.”

Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore said employees in the Franklin County office have been taking part in training in order to be prepared for the change.

“LEADS will be a more streamlined system,” said Moore, “and it should allow for a quicker process for all involved.”

Set to provide significant improvements to the public and office personnel alike, it’s a move ALEA said represents a complete revitalization of the present system, which has been in place for nearly 20 years.

Once LEADS goes live, citizens will have access to a variety of new options and such enhanced services as allowing individuals to pre-apply for the Alabama Driver License and enter all necessary information prior to visiting a local office, thus greatly reducing wait times.

Expanded online services will give citizens the ability to:

  • Update their addresses
  • Pay and reinstate their licenses
  • Upload U.S. Department of Transportation Medical Cards
  • View the Transportation Security Administration’s HAZMAT background checks
  • Pre-apply for an Alabama license for the first time

“The Agency and my team are absolutely devoted to ensuring all of our local and state partners are fully informed on the new system,” explained ALEA driver’s license division Chief Jon Archer, “as well as on the significant impacts the office closures will have on citizens statewide during the modernization and transition process.”

For more information on LEADS and project updates, visit alea.gov.

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *