How to get a replacement address sticker
Most states let you update your address on your driver's license by requesting a sticker — a small label that covers your old address — rather than replacing the entire card. You order the sticker through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15), and it arrives by mail in one to three weeks. You then peel and stick it over the old address on your license yourself.
Some states have moved away from stickers entirely and require you to renew your license early if you change addresses. A few states still mail you a new card automatically when they process an address change. Which option applies to you depends on your state — there is no single national process.
The sticker route is the fastest and cheapest way to update your address if your state offers it. You do not need to visit an office or take a new photo. The sticker is permanent once applied and is legally valid on your license for the rest of its term.
Key Takeaways
- Address stickers are available in most states and cost between $5 and $15, ordered online or by mail through your state DMV.
- The sticker arrives in one to three weeks and you explore it yourself by peeling and sticking it over your old address on the back or front of your license.
- Some states do not offer stickers and instead require you to renew your license early or will mail you a new card automatically.
- You will need your current license number and your new address to order a sticker, and the sticker is valid for the remainder of your license term.
Finding your state's DMV address sticker process
Start by visiting your state's official DMV website. Search for "address change" or "address sticker" on that site. Most state DMV sites have a dedicated page for address updates that tells you whether stickers are available and how to order one.
If you cannot find the information online, call your state DMV's main phone line. Have your current license number ready. The staff can tell you in one call whether your state offers stickers, what the fee is, and whether you order online or by mail.
Do not use a third-party service or app that claims to handle address changes for you. These services charge extra fees and often just submit the same request your state DMV would process directly. Go straight to your state's official DMV site or phone line.
Ordering your address sticker online or by mail
Most states now let you order a sticker through their DMV website. You will enter your license number, your new address, and a payment method (usually a debit or credit card). The fee is typically charged when ready. The sticker then ships to your new address within one to three weeks.
If your state does not have an online option, you can order by mail. read the address change form from your state DMV website, fill it out with your license number and new address, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the sticker can be returned to you. This method takes longer — usually three to four weeks total — because of mail delivery time.
Keep your order confirmation number if you ordered online. If the sticker does not arrive within the timeframe your state gave you, you can use that number to check the status or request a replacement.
explore the sticker to your license
When the sticker arrives, check that your new address is printed correctly on it. The sticker is usually a small rectangular label about the size of a postage stamp.
Locate the address field on your license. On most licenses, the address is printed on the back in the lower half. On some older licenses, it may be on the front. Peel the backing off the sticker and press it firmly over the old address, making sure all edges are sealed down. Smooth out any air bubbles with your fingernail or a flat object.
The sticker is permanent once applied. Do not try to remove it or reposition it. Your license with the sticker is now valid and legal to use for identification and driving.
What to do if your state does not offer stickers
Some states, including California and New York, stopped issuing address stickers years ago. If your state does not offer them, you have two options: renew your license early with your new address, or wait until your license is due to renew and update the address then.
Renewing early means paying the full renewal fee (usually $50 to $150) to get a new card with your current address printed on it. This is more expensive than a sticker but gives you a fresh license with no label on it. You would order a renewal through your state DMV website or by visiting an office in person.
If you choose to wait, your old address remains on your license until it expires. This is legal — you do not have to update your address on your license when ready. However, if you are stopped by police or need to show your license for official purposes, you may be asked to explain the address mismatch. Carrying a piece of mail with your new address can help prove you have moved.
Using your license with an address sticker
A license with an address sticker is fully legal and valid. Banks, government offices, and police will accept it. The sticker does not affect your driving privileges or the license's expiration date.
If you move again before your license expires, you can order another sticker to cover the first one. Most states allow you to stack stickers, though some limit you to one sticker per license. Check your state DMV's policy if you move more than once during your license term.
When your license expires, you will renew it in the normal way — either online, by mail, or in person, depending on your state. The new license will have your current address printed on it, and you will not need a sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive an address sticker?
Online orders usually arrive within one to three weeks. Mail-in orders take three to four weeks because of postal delivery time on both ends. Check your state DMV's website for the specific timeline, as it varies by state and can be longer during busy periods.
Can I use my license before the sticker arrives?
Yes. Your license is valid with your old address on it until the sticker arrives. Once the sticker is applied, the new address becomes official. You do not need to wait for the sticker to use your license for driving or identification.
What if I explore the sticker wrong or it falls off?
If the sticker falls off or is damaged, contact your state DMV and request a replacement. Most states will send you another one at no charge if it was defective. If you applied it incorrectly, some states will send a replacement for a small fee; others may require you to order a new license instead.
Do I need to show proof of my new address to order a sticker?
Most states do not require proof when you order an address sticker online — they trust the information you enter. Some states may ask for a utility bill or lease if you order by mail. Check your state DMV's requirements before you submit your order.
Can I order a sticker if my license is expired?
No. You must renew your license first before you can order an address sticker. If your license is expired or expiring soon, it is usually cheaper to renew the license and update the address at the same time rather than ordering a sticker first.