What you need to bring to change your address
To change your address on your driver's license, you need two things: proof of your new address and your current license. Most states require the proof of address to be a document issued within the last 60 days, though this varies by state — some accept documents up to 90 days old, and a few go longer. Call your state's DMV before you go, or check their website, because the exact timeframe matters.
You do not need to take a new photo, pass a vision test, or retake a written exam just to change your address. The DMV treats this as a straightforward update, not a license renewal. You will pay a small fee — usually between $5 and $25 depending on your state — but you keep your current license number and expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address was issued within the last 60 days (or your state's timeframe).
- Common proof-of-address documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address.
- You do not need to renew your license, take a photo, or pass any tests — an address change is a separate, faster transaction.
- Some states let you change your address online or by mail, while others require you to visit a DMV office in person.
Documents that count as proof of address
Your state's DMV has a list of documents they will accept. The most common ones are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a piece of mail from a government agency. All of these must show your name and your new address.
Some states also accept a property tax bill, an insurance policy, a paycheck stub, or a letter from your employer. A few states will take a notarized letter from a landlord or property manager if you do not have a lease. The key is that the document must be recent — within that 60-day window — and it must have both your name and your new address printed on it. A piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant" will not work.
If you have just moved and do not have a recent document yet, you have a few options. Some utilities send bills electronically; ask them to print a copy with your name and address. If you signed a lease, bring that even if it is older than 60 days — many states accept leases as proof of address regardless of date. A notarized statement from your landlord can also work in many states, though you will need to pay a notary to sign it.
How to change your address in person at the DMV
Walk into your local DMV office with your current license and proof of address. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will ask you to fill out a form — usually a short one, sometimes just a few lines on a card. You will write your new address on this form, and the DMV will update their records.
The staff member will check that your proof-of-address document meets the state's rules, scan or copy it, and then process the change. You will pay the fee at the counter. In most states, you walk out with an updated license that same day, or within a few days if they mail it to you. Some states print the new license on the spot; others mail it to your new address.
Changing your address by mail or online
Not all states let you change your address by mail or online, so check your state DMV's website first. If your state does offer this option, the process is usually straightforward: you fill out a form on the DMV website or print one from their site, include a copy of your proof-of-address document, and mail both to the address listed on the form. You will also need to include a check or money order for the fee.
Mail-in changes take longer than in-person visits — usually two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. Some states now let you upload a photo of your proof-of-address document through their website instead of mailing a physical copy, which speeds things up a bit.
What happens if your proof of address is too old
If your document is older than your state's timeframe, the DMV will not accept it. You have two choices: get a newer document, or ask the DMV what alternatives they will take. Some DMVs will accept an older lease or mortgage statement if you also bring a recent piece of mail from a government agency, even if that mail is just a tax notice or court document.
If you cannot get a recent document in time, a notarized letter from your landlord or property manager can sometimes fill the gap. You will need to go to a notary — banks, law offices, and some UPS stores offer this service for a small fee, usually $5 to $15 — and have them notarize a letter stating that you live at your new address. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm they will accept this before you pay for the notarization.
Changing your address when you renew your license
If your license is expiring soon anyway, you can change your address at the same time you renew. You will still need proof of your new address, and you will pay both the renewal fee and the address-change fee (or sometimes just one combined fee). The advantage is that you only make one trip to the DMV and handle everything at once.
The disadvantage is that renewal requires a new photo and sometimes a vision test, so the transaction takes longer. If you need your updated address on your license right away, it is faster to change your address now and renew later when your license actually expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if my state offers it?
Many states now let you change your address through their DMV website without visiting an office. You will upload a photo of your proof-of-address document and pay the fee online. The updated license is mailed to your new address within two to four weeks. Check your state DMV's website to see if this option is available to you.
What if I moved but do not have any documents yet?
Call your utility company and ask them to email or print a recent bill with your name and new address. If you signed a lease, bring that — most states accept leases regardless of how old they are. If neither works, a notarized letter from your landlord costs $5 to $15 and is accepted in most states.
Do I need to change my address before I move, or can I do it after?
You can change your address after you move. In fact, you must have proof that you actually live at the new address, so waiting until after you move is often easier. Just make sure your proof-of-address document is recent — within your state's timeframe — when you go to the DMV.
Will I get a new license number when I change my address?
No. Your license number stays the same. Only your address changes in the DMV's system. Your expiration date also stays the same, so you will not need to renew your license sooner just because you moved.
How much does it cost to change my address?
The fee varies by state, usually between $5 and $25. Some states charge nothing for an address change. Call your local DMV or check their website to find out what your state charges.