The address format on your driver license

The numbers and street names printed on your driver license follow a specific format that your state's Department of Motor Vehicles uses to organize addresses. When you see something like "147 Ave 120 St" on your license, it means your address is 147 Avenue, 120th Street — the avenue number comes first, then the street number. This format is common in states and cities that use a numbered grid system for their streets, particularly in parts of New York, New Jersey, and other areas with organized street numbering.

Your license prints your address exactly as it appears in the DMV's records. If the format looks unusual to you, it is because the DMV entered it that way when you first got your license or last renewed it. The address itself is real; the format is just how that particular state or city labels its streets.

Key Takeaways

  • The format "147 Ave 120 St" means 147 Avenue at 120th Street, not two separate numbers — it is a single address in a numbered grid system.
  • Your DMV entered this address format based on how your city or state labels its streets, and it appears on your license exactly as recorded in their system.
  • If you believe your address is printed incorrectly on your license, you can request a correction through your state's DMV.
  • You do not need to change your license address unless you have actually moved to a different location.

Why your state uses this address format

Cities with numbered grids — where avenues run one direction and streets run perpendicular — use this system to make addresses clear and searchable. Instead of named streets like "Oak Avenue" and "Maple Street," a grid system uses numbers. Your address tells someone exactly where to find you: go to 147th Avenue, then find 120th Street, and your building is at that intersection or nearby.

The DMV records addresses in the format your city uses. When you provide your address during registration or renewal, the DMV employee enters it the way it appears on your mail, your lease, or the form you fill out. If your city uses the "Avenue/Street" format with numbers, that is how it shows up on your license.

How to verify your address is correct

Check your driver license against mail you receive at home, your lease or deed, or utility bills. The address should match what you actually live at. If the street name, avenue number, or street number on your license does not match where you actually receive mail, you should correct it.

To update your address, visit your state's DMV website or office and request an address correction. You will typically need to show proof of your current residence — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail all work. The DMV will issue a corrected license, which usually takes one to two weeks by mail, though some states offer it when ready at the office for an additional fee.

When you need to update your license address

You should update your address if you have moved to a new location. Most states require you to notify the DMV within a certain number of days after moving — this ranges from 10 to 30 days depending on your state. Driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a traffic ticket in some states, though police typically use it as a secondary issue rather than a primary reason to stop you.

You do not need to update your license straightforward because the format looks different from how you write your address. If mail reaches you at "147 Avenue, 120th Street" and your license says "147 Ave 120 St," that is the same address — just abbreviated. The DMV uses abbreviations to fit information on the card.

What happens if your address is wrong

An incorrect address on your license can cause problems when you need to prove your identity or residency. Banks, landlords, and government offices may question whether the address on your ID matches your actual location. If you are pulled over by police, an outdated address can complicate the interaction, though it is not usually a violation on its own.

More practically, an old address means official mail from the DMV — renewal notices, ticket information, or registration documents — may go to the wrong place. You could miss important important date or not receive documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "147 Ave 120 St" the same as "147 Avenue 120 Street"?

Yes. The DMV abbreviates street names to fit them on the license card. "Ave" is short for Avenue and "St" is short for Street. Your actual address is 147 Avenue, 120th Street, and the abbreviations are just how the DMV prints it.

Do I need to correct my license if the format looks wrong?

Only if the actual numbers or street names are incorrect. If your license says "147 Ave 120 St" and that is where you actually live, the format is fine. The DMV's format is standard for your area.

How long does it take to get a corrected address on my license?

Most states mail a corrected license within one to two weeks. Some DMV offices offer when ready replacement at the office for a fee. Check your state's DMV website for the specific timeline and cost.

Can I update my address online?

Many states allow address changes online through their DMV website, though some require you to visit an office in person. Check your state's DMV website to see whether online renewal or correction is available where you live.