You can change your Georgia driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office

Georgia allows you to update your address without renewing your license early. The fastest way is online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website if you have a valid email address and your current license number. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to DDS or visit a local office in person. The address change itself is free — you only pay if you choose to renew your license at the same time.

The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you want a new physical card. An online change updates your record when ready but does not issue a new card. A mail or in-person visit can also issue a replacement card with your new address if you request it, though that takes longer and costs a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the Georgia DDS website are free and take effect when ready, but you keep your current license card.
  • You need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you must visit a DDS office or mail in a form, and you will pay a replacement fee.
  • Mailing in a form takes two to three weeks; visiting an office in person is faster but requires an appointment at most locations.

Changing your address online through the DDS website

Go to the Georgia DDS website and look for the "Address Change" option under online services. You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provide — you must click the link in that email to complete the change. Once you confirm, your address is updated in the state system right away.

This method does not send you a new license card. Your current card remains valid and will still show your old address, but the address on file with the state will be correct. This is usually enough for things like vehicle registration, voting, and mail forwarding. If you need a card that shows your new address printed on it, you will need to use one of the other methods.

Requesting a replacement card by mail

read the "process for Replacement Driver's License" form from the Georgia DDS website, or call 678-413-8400 to request one by mail. Fill out the form with your new address and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the replacement fee. The fee varies depending on how many years remain on your license, so check the DDS website or call before you send payment.

Mail your form and payment to the DDS address shown on the process. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DDS receives your envelope. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provided. Keep your current license until the new one arrives — it remains valid during this time.

Visiting a DDS office in person

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website and schedule an appointment — walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the replacement fee if you want a new card. If you only want to update your address without a new card, you may not need to pay, but confirm this when you book your appointment.

The office visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will fill out a form, have your photo taken if you are getting a replacement card, and receive your new card on the spot or within a few days. Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for address proof.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia DDS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document such as a voter registration card. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not work.

If you do not have any of these documents yet, you can sometimes use a letter from your landlord or a recent mail piece from a government agency. Call your local DDS office to ask what they will accept in your situation before you visit.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

An online address change takes effect when ready — your record updates the same day you confirm your email. A mailed form takes two to three weeks from the day DDS receives it. An in-person visit at a DDS office is the fastest: if you get a replacement card, you receive it the same day or within a few business days.

After your address is updated, you should also update your address with your car insurance company, your vehicle registration (through the Georgia Department of Revenue), and the U.S. Postal Service. These are separate from your driver's license and do not update automatically. If you are registered to vote, update your address with your county election office as well.

Replacement card fees and what they cover

A replacement driver's license card costs between $20 and $32 depending on how many years remain on your current license. This fee covers a new card printed with your new address. If you only update your address online or by mail without requesting a replacement card, there is no fee. Check the Georgia DDS website for the exact fee for your situation, as it can change.

The replacement card is valid for the same expiration date as your current license — you are not renewing your license, only replacing the card. When your license actually expires, you will need to renew it at that time, which is a separate process with its own fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new card, or can I just update my address on file?

You can update your address on file without getting a new card — that is what the online method does. Your current card stays valid even though it shows your old address. However, if you want a card that shows your new address printed on it, you must request a replacement card, which costs a fee and takes time to arrive.

What if I moved out of state?

If you no longer live in Georgia, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your Georgia address. Once you have a license from your new state, you can let your Georgia license expire. If you are moving but keeping a Georgia address temporarily, you can update it the same way as any other address change.

Can I change my address at the same time I renew my license?

Yes. When you renew your license, you will be asked for your current address. If it has changed since your last renewal, provide the new one. You do not need to change it separately first.

How long does my current license stay valid if I only change my address online?

Your current license card stays valid until its printed expiration date. The address on the card will not match your file, but the card itself is still legal to use for driving and identification.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

Call your local DDS office and explain your situation. They may accept a letter from your landlord, a recent piece of mail from a government agency, or other documents depending on your circumstances. Some offices are more flexible than others, so it is worth asking before you visit.