Rehired employees
A worker counts as a new hire if never employed by you before, or if separated for at least 60 consecutive days. Recalled workers must also be reported. Source: workforce.alabama.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Multistate employers
Employers with staff in more than one state may register with HHS and report all new hires electronically to one state where they have employees, instead of each state. Employers that choose Alabama must report electronically. Source: workforce.alabama.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Penalties
Fines of up to $25 for each failure to report a new hire or recalled worker. Source: adol.alabama.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Recent changes
Alabama changed its new hire reporting system effective December 4, 2025; employers must register in the updated system before reporting. Source: adol.alabama.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
The law and where to check
The law: Alabama Act 97-228 (New-Hire Act of 1997) (opens in a new tab)
The agency: Alabama Department of Workforce, New Hire Unit (opens in a new tab)
What federal law says
Federal law requires every employer to report each new hire to the state's new hire directory within 20 days, or sooner if the state sets a shorter deadline. States use the reports for child support. Source: Social Security Act § 453A↗ (opens in a new tab)
New hire reporting checklist for Alabama employers
A simple order of work, based on the rules above. It is not a legal checklist.
- Collect the employee's Form W-4 details on day one.
- Report to the state shown above before the deadline.
- Include every required data field, including any state extras.
- Report rehires and, where required, independent contractors.
- Multistate employers: pick one state and register with HHS, or report to each state.
- Keep a copy or confirmation of each report.
More Alabama employment law guides
- All Alabama employment laws
- Alabama final paycheck law
- Alabama paid sick leave law
- Alabama meal and rest break laws
- Alabama overtime law
- Alabama pay frequency law
- Alabama vacation and PTO payout law
- Alabama at-will exceptions
New hire reporting laws in other states
See every state on one page, or pick a state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
All official government sources, last checked October 19, 2026.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on publicly available official sources and is for information only. It is not legal, tax, payroll or employment-law advice and does not guarantee compliance with federal, state or local requirements. Rules can depend on your location, industry, contracts and other circumstances, and laws change. Always check the official source, the relevant government agency or a qualified professional before making a decision. MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for any action taken based on this page.
Last checked: . Every rule and source link on this page was checked against the official government source on this date. Laws change, so always open the source link before you act.