Arizona requires you to update your driver license address within 10 days of moving
When you move to a new address in Arizona, you must notify the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicles Division within 10 days. You do not need to renew your license early — you only update the address on your existing license. ADOT offers three ways to do this: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicles office.
The online method is fastest and costs nothing. The mail and in-person routes both require you to submit a form and proof of your new address. Which route you choose depends on whether you have the documents ready and how quickly you need the change recorded.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona law requires you to report a new address to ADOT within 10 days of moving, even if your license is not expiring soon.
- The online change-of-address service through the ADOT website is free and takes minutes if you have your license number and new address.
- If you use mail or visit an office, you will need Form DL 44 (process for Arizona Driver License) or Form DL 43 (Change of Address), plus one document proving your new address.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days of your move.
- Processing times vary: online changes appear in the system within one business day, while mail submissions take 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address online through ADOT
The ADOT website has a dedicated change-of-address tool that works if your license is valid (not expired or suspended) and you have not had more than one address change in the past 12 months. Go to the Motor Vehicles section of the ADOT website, select "Change of Address," and enter your driver license number, date of birth, and new address.
You will receive a confirmation number when ready. The address change takes effect within one business day and appears on your record in the system, though your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it. You do not pay a fee for this service.
If the online tool rejects your request, it usually means your license has restrictions or you have already made a change recently. In that case, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing a change-of-address form to ADOT
read Form DL 43 (Change of Address Only) from the ADOT website or request it by phone at 602-255-0072. Fill in your current license number, name, date of birth, and new address. Attach one document that proves you live at the new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail all work as long as the document is dated within 60 days of your move.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to the ADOT Motor Vehicles Division. The mailing address is on the form itself. Include a copy of your license if possible, though it is not required. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date ADOT receives your envelope.
There is no fee for a change of address by mail. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up.
Updating your address in person at a Motor Vehicles office
Visit any ADOT Motor Vehicles office with your current driver license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo or photocopy alone is not accepted.
You do not need to fill out a form beforehand; staff will complete the paperwork at the counter. The change is recorded when ready and you receive a receipt. There is no fee. Your physical license card still shows the old address until renewal, but your record in the ADOT system reflects the new address right away.
Wait times at offices vary by location and time of day. Busier offices in Phoenix and Tucson often have longer lines during midday and late afternoon. Visiting early in the morning or on weekday mornings typically means shorter waits.
What counts as proof of your new address
ADOT accepts a narrow list of documents to verify your address. The document must be dated within 60 days of your move and show your full name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax records, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration confirmation).
Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance documents do not count. A letter from your landlord or a handwritten note does not count either. If you do not have an acceptable document yet — for example, if you just moved and your utility bill has not arrived — wait until you receive one before submitting your change of address.
Timeline and when the change takes effect
The timing depends on which method you use. Online changes appear in the ADOT system within one business day. In-person changes take effect when ready at the counter. Mail submissions take 7 to 10 business days from receipt.
In all cases, your physical driver license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license. The address change updates your record in the ADOT database, which is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they check your license. You are not required to carry a new card with the updated address.
If you need proof that your address has been updated before your card is renewed, ADOT can issue an address change confirmation letter. Request this at a Motor Vehicles office or by mail.
What happens if you do not update your address
Arizona law requires the update within 10 days. Failing to report a change of address is a civil violation, though enforcement is uncommon in practice. The real consequence is that official mail from ADOT, the courts, or other agencies will go to your old address and you may miss important notices — such as license renewal reminders or court summons.
If you receive a ticket or are stopped by law enforcement and your license shows an address you no longer live at, you may face questions about why the information is outdated. Updating promptly avoids this friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new license card when I change my address?
No. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. The address change updates your record in the ADOT system, which is what matters for legal purposes. You will receive a card with the new address only when you renew your license at the end of its validity period.
What if I moved out of state — do I still need to notify Arizona?
If you have moved out of Arizona permanently, you should surrender your Arizona license and obtain a license from your new state. If you are moving temporarily but keeping your Arizona license, notify ADOT of your out-of-state address using the same methods (online, mail, or in person). Some states have reciprocal agreements with Arizona, so check with your new state's motor vehicle agency as well.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. The online tool and mail form both require a valid license. If your license is expired, you must renew it first. You can renew and change your address at the same time by visiting a Motor Vehicles office or submitting a renewal process by mail.
How do I know if my address change went through?
If you used the online tool, you receive a confirmation number when ready. If you mailed a form, keep your receipt or a copy of what you sent. If you visited an office, ask for a receipt before you leave. You can also call ADOT at 602-255-0072 and provide your license number to confirm the address on file.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease yet at my new address?
Wait until you receive an acceptable document dated within 60 days of your move. In the meantime, your old address remains on file. If you need to update urgently, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your occupancy, though ADOT may not accept this — call ahead to confirm before submitting it.