You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office
Washington allows you to update your driver's license address without getting a new license card. The fastest route is the online system at dol.wa.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form to the Department of Licensing or walk into any licensing office with proof of your new address.
The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you want to keep your current card. All three routes update your address in the state system right away, so police and courts will see your new address even if your physical card still shows the old one.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at dol.wa.gov is free and takes about 10 minutes, and your address updates in the state system when ready.
- You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
- If you change your address online or by mail, your physical license card keeps your old address until it expires or you renew it.
- Changing your address in person at a licensing office updates both your record and your card on the same day, but requires a trip and may have a wait.
- Washington does not charge a fee for an address change, whether you do it online, by mail, or in person.
Changing your address online through the Department of Licensing website
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Change Address" under the driver's license section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and then enter your new one.
After you submit, the Department of Licensing sends a confirmation email to the address you provide. Your address updates in the state system within one business day. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it or request a replacement card, but law enforcement and government agencies see your new address in their systems.
This method works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended. If your license is expired or suspended, you must visit an office in person or call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to discuss your options.
Changing your address by mail
read the "Change of Address" form from dol.wa.gov or request one by calling 360-902-3900. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Mail the form and proof to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive it. Like the online method, your physical card keeps your old address, but your record in the state system updates to show your new address.
Keep a copy of what you send for your records. If you do not receive confirmation within three weeks, call 360-902-3900 to check the status.
Changing your address in person at a licensing office
Visit any Department of Licensing office with your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. Bring the same types of proof as the mail method: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The office staff will update your record and print a new card with your new address on the spot.
You can find office locations and hours at dol.wa.gov. Most offices do not take appointments for address changes, so you may wait. Bring your current license and proof of address, and the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. There is no fee.
This is the only method that gives you a new physical card with your new address the same day. If you need your address updated when ready and you are willing to visit an office, this is the fastest route.
What counts as proof of your new address
Washington accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax form or court notice) also works.
Bank statements and credit card statements are not accepted. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to ask what alternatives they can accept — some offices will work with you if you bring a lease and another form of ID.
When your address change takes effect in different systems
The Department of Licensing updates its own system within one business day of your change, whether you submit online, by mail, or in person. Police, courts, and other state agencies can see your new address once the Department of Licensing record updates.
Your vehicle registration address does not change automatically. If you also need to update your address with the Department of Licensing for vehicle registration, you can do that online at dol.wa.gov or at the same time you visit an office for your driver's license. Voter registration, property records, and other government databases are separate and require their own updates.
If you change your address online or by mail, your physical license card still shows your old address. This does not cause legal problems — your record in the state system is what matters for traffic stops and official purposes — but you may want to request a replacement card if the mismatch bothers you. Replacement cards cost the same as renewal and can be ordered online.
What to do if you moved out of state or to a different country
If you moved out of Washington, you should get a driver's license from your new state rather than keeping a Washington license. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving, though enforcement varies. Keeping a Washington license after you move can cause problems if you are pulled over or need to prove your current address.
If you moved to another country, your Washington license remains valid for travel back to the United States, but you cannot renew it by mail or online once it expires. You would need to return to Washington in person to renew, or you can let it expire and get a license in your new country if you plan to stay there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online form takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your address updates in the Department of Licensing system within one business day. You will receive a confirmation email when the change is processed.
Will I get a new license card with my new address if I change it online?
No. If you change your address online or by mail, your physical card keeps your old address until you renew your license or order a replacement card. Changing your address in person at an office is the only way to get a new card with your new address the same day.
What if my proof of address is not in my name?
Documents must show both your name and your new address. If you have just moved and nothing is in your name yet, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 before you submit. Some offices will accept a lease with another form of ID, but policies vary by location.
Do I need to change my vehicle registration address at the same time?
No, they are separate. You can change your driver's license address and leave your vehicle registration address the same if you want. However, it is usually simpler to update both at once, which you can do online or at any licensing office.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
If your license is expired, you must renew it before you can change your address online. If it is suspended, you must contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to discuss your options, as you may need to visit an office in person or resolve the suspension first.