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.