Alabama voter records • Moving guide
Official cancellation form: NVRA-25
How to Cancel Voter Registration in Alabama After Moving
Moved out of Alabama? You can request removal of your old Alabama voter registration using the state’s official, signed NVRA-25 form. The key is sending it to the Board of Registrars in the Alabama county where you were registered.
Independent informational guide. This website is not the Alabama Secretary of State or a county election office. Only authorized election officials can process and confirm voter-record changes.
To cancel your Alabama voter registration, download Form NVRA-25, complete your identifying information, choose the appropriate removal reason, sign and date it, and mail it to the Board of Registrars in the Alabama county where you are registered. Contact that office to verify receipt and processing. Moving does not require waiting for the normal inactive-voter removal cycle. Alabama Secretary of State instructions.
How to cancel voter registration in Alabama: step by step
Alabama offers a dedicated voluntary removal request. You do not need to invent a letter or rely on a third-party cancellation service.
- Download Alabama Form NVRA-25.Use the official Voter Removal Request Form issued by the Alabama Secretary of State. Confirm that it is NVRA-25 rather than the family-report form NVRA-24.
- Identify your existing Alabama record.Enter your full registered name, date of birth, and address as recorded in Alabama. Supply the other identifying information requested on the form, following its instructions.
- Select your removal reason.The form provides options for no longer wanting to be an Alabama voter, moving out of an Alabama county, registering elsewhere, or declining to state a reason. Choose the accurate option for your circumstances.
- Sign and date your request.NVRA-25 explicitly states that the registered voter must complete it. A typed name without a required signature should not be assumed sufficient.
- Mail it to your former county Board of Registrars.Use the official county directory for the current mailing address. Do not send it automatically to the statewide Elections Division in Montgomery.
- Check whether the request was processed.Ask the county office to confirm receipt, whether further information is needed, and whether the registration has been removed. Keep a copy of your completed form for your records.
Important distinction: This is a voter-initiated cancellation. It is different from Alabama’s routine process for reviewing voter addresses after a possible move.
Do you actually need to cancel your Alabama registration?
That depends on where you moved. A voter who left Alabama permanently has a different task from someone who simply moved between streets in the same county.
Moved permanently to another state?
Use NVRA-25 to request cancellation of your old Alabama registration. Separately, register to vote in your new state under its residency and registration rules.
Moved within the same Alabama county?
Usually update your registered address instead of cancelling your right to vote in that county. The county Board of Registrars can help correct your record.
Moved to a different Alabama county?
Submit a registration application for your new county. Alabama says registration does not automatically follow voters across county lines.
Only away temporarily?
A temporary absence, including some student or military circumstances, does not necessarily change voting residence. Determine your actual residence before requesting cancellation.
Alabama’s voter-registration FAQs address moving within the state and across county boundaries. If you remain an eligible Alabama resident, removing your registration may be unnecessary and could complicate participation in upcoming elections.
Don’t cancel solely because your mailing address changed. Voting residence and postal address are not always the same. Students, military families and people temporarily working elsewhere may have special residency considerations.
How to complete the Alabama NVRA-25 cancellation form
The one-page Voter Removal Request Form NVRA-25 was published by the Alabama Secretary of State. The PDF reviewed for this guide carries a November 23, 2021 revision date. A form’s revision date is not an application deadline.
Information requested
| Form section | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Full registered name | First, middle or maiden, last name, and suffix if applicable. Use the name associated with your Alabama registration. |
| Former Alabama registration address | Street address, city and ZIP code as shown on the Alabama voter record. |
| Current mailing address | Your present mailing address if it differs from the former registration address, including city, state and ZIP code. |
| Identity details | Date of birth and requested identification, such as driver’s license information or the last four Social Security digits in the applicable field. |
| Contact details | Telephone and email details requested by the form, as applicable. |
| Reason for removal | Select one of the listed reasons that accurately describes your situation. |
| Voter signature and date | Sign, print your name and add the signature date in the requested format. |
Which reason should you check?
Form NVRA-25 lets you indicate that you no longer want to remain registered in Alabama; that you no longer live in a specified Alabama county; that you are now registered in a county and another state or commonwealth; or that you do not wish to give a reason.
These alternatives are not interchangeable. For example, if you are not yet registered in your new state, do not claim that you are. The form includes an option that does not require stating a reason.
Does the form require a notary?
The examined NVRA-25 form includes signature and date fields and does not present a notarial certificate. Follow the current official form rather than paying for notarization merely because other election forms sometimes require it. The receiving county office can advise if anything else is needed.
Privacy tip: NVRA-25 requests personal identification information. Send it through the election office’s accepted process. Avoid posting completed copies publicly or submitting them to unverified websites.
Where to mail a voter registration cancellation in Alabama
The Alabama Secretary of State instructs voters to mail the completed, signed NVRA-25 to the Board of Registrars of the county where they are registered. That is the central mailing rule.
Use the official Alabama county Board of Registrars directory to find that county’s mailing address and telephone number. The directory includes all Alabama counties and sometimes lists multiple physical office locations.
- Identify your former registration county.Use the county on your registration record, not automatically the county nearest your current home.
- Open the official county directory.Select the matching county and locate its mailing address. Some counties use a post office box, while the physical office is elsewhere.
- Address the envelope to the Board of Registrars.Include the county office’s exact current mailing details from the official listing and the signed form.
- Retain proof of sending.Keep a copy and consider a trackable mailing service. A delivery record can help with follow-up, although delivery alone does not prove processing.
Example: former Birmingham-area voter
If your Alabama registration was in Jefferson County before you moved to Georgia, you would obtain the Jefferson County Board of Registrars mailing details from the official directory—not mail your form to the Georgia election office or assume Montgomery handles all county cancellations.
If you cannot identify the proper county, contact the Elections Division for guidance, or check your former voter registration record using the state’s voter-information service.
Moving within Alabama vs. moving out of state
Registration updates and voter-record cancellations serve different purposes. Choosing the wrong process can create unnecessary delays.
| Your situation | Recommended official process |
|---|---|
| Moved within the same county | Update your registration address with the existing county Board of Registrars. |
| Moved to another Alabama county | Register or update in your new county. Ask the registrars how your former county record will be handled. |
| Moved permanently to another state | Register in the new state if eligible and use Alabama NVRA-25 to request removal of the old Alabama registration. |
| Temporary relocation | Determine your true legal voting residence first. A temporary move alone may not justify cancellation. |
| Moved overseas | Examine military/overseas voter eligibility and voting-residence rules before cancelling an Alabama record. |
| No longer wish to be registered | The NVRA-25 form provides a voluntary removal option even without explaining your reason. |
What about automatically transferring your registration?
When you register in a new state, that state’s processes may result in information being shared with Alabama. However, a voter should not assume the old registration disappears immediately merely because a new application was submitted.
Alabama has a separate written cancellation mechanism precisely for a voter who wants to ask the old county to remove their record. Using it can make your intent clear.
Moving between Alabama counties
Alabama’s official FAQs state that registration does not automatically follow a voter across county lines. Complete the registration/update application for the new county rather than treating a voluntary removal request as your only action.
Do not vote based on an outdated residence. Before an election, establish which jurisdiction you are eligible to vote in and follow its registration rules. An old database listing does not by itself establish ongoing eligibility.
Can a family member cancel someone else’s Alabama registration?
Not by signing NVRA-25 for the voter. The state’s form clearly identifies NVRA-25 as a request that must be completed by the registered voter.
Alabama provides a different document—Form NVRA-24, Report of Voter’s Change of Residence or Death—for specified people reporting that a voter has moved away from their registered precinct or has died.
NVRA-25: the voter’s own request
Used when the registered voter personally asks to be removed from Alabama’s voter list. It is completed and signed by that voter.
NVRA-24: notification by others
Used by a qualifying family member or designated election/public official to report a voter’s relocation outside the precinct or death. It is a report, not the voter’s signed cancellation.
The NVRA-24 reporting rules are also described in Alabama Administrative Code Rule 820-2-2-.31. The form asks for information identifying the voter, the reason for the report, the reporting person’s information, signature and relationship or official title.
Example: an elderly parent moved away
If your parent moved to another state and is able to complete the request, they can use their own NVRA-25. If you are reporting their relocation as a qualifying family member, NVRA-24 is the more relevant notification form.
The county Board of Registrars determines how the report is investigated and processed. Submitting NVRA-24 should not be represented as automatically cancelling another person’s registration.
How to confirm that your Alabama registration was cancelled
Submitting the form is the first step. The practical goal is to determine whether the old county has actually updated its voter list.
- Allow for mailing and office handling.Do not assume that a form becomes effective the moment it is posted.
- Contact the former county registrar.Provide the name and former Alabama registration address needed to locate your record. Ask if the signed request was received.
- Ask whether anything is missing.If the signature, old address or identifying information is unclear, the office may need clarification before completing the requested change.
- Ask for confirmation of status.Request the office’s available confirmation method and retain any written response.
- Check the official voter lookup where helpful.Use My Voting Information, but remember that a search result alone may not fully explain processing status.
What if your old registration still appears?
Check with the county office before resubmitting multiple forms. An online lookup may be updated on a different schedule from internal election-office processing. The county can tell you whether your request is pending, incomplete or already completed.
Keep a simple record: a copy of your signed request, mailing or tracking details, the date you contacted the registrar, and the response you received. You do not need to place personal identity numbers in an ordinary unencrypted message just to ask for an initial status update.
How long does Alabama voter registration cancellation take?
The state instructions reviewed for this article do not give a universal number of business days guaranteeing when every NVRA-25 cancellation will be completed.
Actual handling may depend on when the county receives the form, whether the record can be matched to the voter, whether the form is complete and the office’s processing procedures.
Voluntary removal is different from routine list maintenance
Alabama also reviews possible voter moves using address data and other records. Under its Alabama Voter Integrity Database (AVID) guidance, a possible move can trigger an address-confirmation notice rather than immediate cancellation.
If a voter does not respond, an inactive status may result. Federal and state protections generally restrict removal based only on a suspected change of residence without written confirmation and the applicable notice-and-waiting procedure.
Alabama’s voter-list maintenance statute, Section 17-4-30, describes notices and a period extending through the second federal general election for certain unconfirmed moves. This should not be confused with a signed request from the voter to be removed.
Is inactive the same as cancelled?
No. Alabama explains that an eligible inactive voter may still vote after confirming or updating the address through the applicable procedure. An inactive status is not automatically proof that registration has been cancelled.
For a voluntary removal, ask the county specifically whether your NVRA-25 request has been acted upon, rather than asking only whether the record appears active.
Registering to vote in your new state
After moving out of Alabama, you’ll generally need to follow the new state’s voter registration rules to participate in elections there. Requirements, registration methods, deadlines and voter ID rules can differ substantially.
A practical moving checklist
- Determine your new legal voting residence.
- Find the new state’s official election website.
- Check voter eligibility and registration deadlines.
- Submit a new registration application if eligible.
- Confirm your new registration status.
- Request Alabama cancellation if appropriate.
- Update your address with relevant agencies separately.
- Check your new polling place before voting.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s state election resources can help you identify official registration procedures. You can also begin with Vote.gov for state-specific voter registration directions.
What if your new state already registered you?
Some states participate in cross-state data-sharing or voter-list maintenance processes. Nevertheless, do not assume the old Alabama record was immediately cancelled. If you want direct confirmation, send NVRA-25 and follow up with your former Alabama county.
Registration in more than one database can sometimes result from moves or administrative timing, but eligibility to cast a ballot depends on actual residency and applicable law. Never vote in more than one jurisdiction in the same election.
Common cancellation problems and how to resolve them
“I don’t remember which Alabama county registered me.”
Look at your old registration card, prior residence address, or the official Alabama voter-information service. If the record is unclear, call the Elections Division for help locating the proper county office.
“The form asks for my old address, but I have moved twice.”
Use the address associated with your existing Alabama voter record, as requested on NVRA-25. Supply your current mailing address separately where applicable. If you cannot determine the registration address, consult the county registrar.
“I lost the NVRA-25 PDF.”
Download it again from the official Register to Vote / Update Your Information page. Avoid forms hosted on unrelated sites when the Secretary of State supplies a direct copy.
“Can I cancel my registration by telephone?”
The official voter-removal instructions direct voters to complete, sign and mail NVRA-25. A telephone call can help you find the office or inquire about processing, but don’t assume a phone conversation alone constitutes a signed cancellation request.
“Can I submit NVRA-25 online?”
The official instructions reviewed identify a downloadable form to be completed, signed and mailed to the county Board of Registrars. The Alabama online voter registration/update service should not be treated as a confirmed online cancellation portal.
“I received an address-confirmation postcard.”
Read the notice and respond accurately. It may relate to a routine address check rather than a voluntary NVRA-25 cancellation. If you genuinely remain an Alabama voter, the notice may provide an opportunity to confirm or correct your registration details.
“Someone else wants to remove my registration.”
A relative or other eligible reporter may use NVRA-24 to notify the county of a move or death. That does not grant them authority to impersonate you on NVRA-25. If you believe a registration change was made incorrectly, contact the county Board of Registrars promptly.
Alabama Elections Division map and county office finder
Alabama’s statewide Elections Division is located at 600 Dexter Avenue, Suite E-206, Montgomery, Alabama 36130. It can provide statewide election guidance, but your signed NVRA-25 cancellation request belongs with the Board of Registrars in your former county.
- State office
- Alabama Secretary of State
Elections Division - Phone
- 334-242-7210
- Toll-free
- 1-800-274-8683
- Physical location
- 600 Dexter Avenue, Suite E-206
Montgomery, AL 36130 - Mailing address
- P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616 - County cancellation office
- Find your former county Board of Registrars
How to find the right county office instead
- Open the state county directory.Visit Board of Registrars: All Counties.
- Locate the county where you were registered.Read the mailing address carefully—some counties have more than one physical office.
- Call if uncertain.Ask the registrar whether the published address is correct for mailed NVRA-25 forms and whether any additional handling instructions apply.
Map limitation: A single Montgomery map cannot accurately represent all 67 county registration offices. The official county directory is the correct source for local mailing destinations. Do not use a generic statewide map pin as your county registrar’s address.
Alabama voter registration cancellation FAQs
How do I cancel my voter registration in Alabama?
Download Form NVRA-25, complete your information, choose an accurate reason, sign and date it, and mail it to the Board of Registrars in the Alabama county where you are registered.
What form cancels Alabama voter registration after moving?
Form NVRA-25 is the state’s voter-initiated removal request. Form NVRA-24 is a separate report used by qualifying family members and certain officials to notify the county of a voter’s move or death.
Can I cancel my Alabama voter registration online?
The official instructions reviewed require a signed NVRA-25 form mailed to the county Board of Registrars. Do not confuse online registration or record updating with an authorized online cancellation process.
Does registering in another state automatically cancel Alabama registration?
Not necessarily immediately. Interstate list-maintenance arrangements vary, and database updates may take time. Use NVRA-25 if you want to make a direct removal request and confirm its processing with your Alabama county.
Do I need to cancel if I move within Alabama?
Usually you need to update registration instead. If you move across Alabama county lines, register in your new county. If you move within the same county, update your address with that county’s Board of Registrars.
Where should I send Alabama Form NVRA-25?
Mail the completed, signed form to the Board of Registrars of the county where you are registered. Use the Secretary of State’s official directory for the correct mailing address.
How long does cancellation take?
No universal processing-time guarantee was found in the official NVRA-25 instructions. Contact the receiving county Board of Registrars to confirm receipt, any missing details and final status.
Can a family member cancel my registration?
The registered voter must complete NVRA-25. A qualifying family member may report a move or death using NVRA-24, but the county evaluates and processes the report.
Is a notary required to cancel voter registration?
The official NVRA-25 form reviewed includes a voter signature and date, with no notarial certificate. Follow the current form and ask the county registrar if you have special circumstances.
What happens if my old registration remains inactive instead of cancelled?
An inactive record is not necessarily removed. Alabama’s address-confirmation process and voluntary written cancellation are different procedures. Contact the county about your specific NVRA-25 request.
Official forms, sources and useful voter resources
The following government resources provide the documents and rules discussed in this article. Use these links for consequential decisions rather than relying on an unofficial copy of a form.
- Alabama Voter Removal Request Form NVRA-25 (PDF) — the voter-signed cancellation form.
- Alabama Secretary of State: Register to Vote / Update Your Information — links to registration, update and removal forms.
- County Boards of Registrars — mailing addresses and county contact information.
- Form NVRA-24: Report of Voter’s Change of Residence or Death — the separate notification form.
- Official Alabama voting FAQs — guidance on moves and registration updates.
- Alabama Voter Integrity Database — how possible changes of residence are reviewed.
- Alabama Administrative Code Rule 820-2-2-.31 — report of a voter’s residence change or death.
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission: Voter Registration Cancellations — national state-by-state cancellation resources.