According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), offices have been closed statewide until April 26 to update a computer system that’s been in use for nearly 20 years.
The upgrade will bring new computer equipment and focus on converting all data on file since 1970 into the agency’s new system called the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License System (LEADS), according to a release from the ALEA.
Once the system goes live, citizens will be able to pre-apply for a driver’s license and enter all necessary information before visiting a local office. They will also be able to update their addresses, pay for and reinstate their licenses, upload U.S. Department of Transportation medical cards and view Transportation Security Administration’s Hazmat background checks through the system.
“We understand that it may cause an inconvenience to some citizens that will not have full access of the driver license division’s resources and capabilities, but we assure everyone the result will be impressive, providing significant improvements for both citizens as well as driver license employees across the state,” Hal Taylor, head of the state police agency, said in a statement obtained by the Associated Press.