What you can do online depends on your state
Most states let you change your address online through their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, but not all. Some states require you to visit in person or mail in a form. A few states offer online changes only if you also renew your license at the same time. The fastest way to find out what your state allows is to go directly to your state DMV's website and look for "address change" or "update information" — the option will either be there or it will direct you to mail a form or visit an office.
Even when online changes are available, there are limits. Most states will only let you change your address if your license is not expired or suspended. Some states charge a small fee for the change, while others do it at no cost. A few states require you to show up in person if you have moved out of state, even if you are moving back in.
Key Takeaways
- Check your state DMV website first — the option to change your address online will be clearly listed if your state offers it.
- You will need your driver's license number, current address, and new address to complete an online change.
- Some states only allow online changes if you renew your license at the same time, which may cost extra.
- If your license is expired or suspended, you may have to visit an office or mail a form instead of changing online.
- The change usually takes effect when ready online, but your physical card will still show the old address until you renew it.
What information you will need to have ready
Before you start an online address change, gather these documents and details. You will need your current driver's license number, which is printed on the front of your card. You will also need your current address as it appears on your license and your new address. Some states ask for the date you moved or will move to the new address.
A few states require additional information, such as your Social Security number or date of birth, to verify your identity before processing the change. Check your state DMV website to see the full list before you begin — most sites show you exactly what to enter at each step.
How the online process usually works
The steps are similar across most states that offer online changes. You log into your state DMV account or create one if you do not have one yet. You then select "update address" or "change information" from the menu. You enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and submit. Most states show you a confirmation number on the screen and email you a receipt.
The change takes effect in the DMV system right away, which means your record is updated for things like voter registration and vehicle registration. However, your physical driver's license card will still show your old address until you renew it. When you renew — whether online or in person — you will receive a new card with the updated address printed on it.
When you have to visit an office or mail a form instead
If your state does not offer online address changes, you can usually mail a form to your state DMV. The form is called an address change form, update form, or change of information form, depending on your state. You can read it from your state DMV website, print it, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a copy of proof of your new address — usually a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
You may also need to visit a DMV office in person if your license is expired, if you are moving out of state and back in, or if your state does not offer mail-in or online options. Call your local DMV office or check the website to see if you can schedule an appointment, as many offices now require them. Bring your current license and proof of your new address.
What happens after you submit your change
Once you submit an online address change, your record updates in the DMV system within minutes to a few hours. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Save this email in case you need to follow up. Your new address will show up when you check your driving record online or when law enforcement runs your license.
Your physical card will not change until you renew your license. In most states, you can renew online as well, though some require you to renew in person. When you renew, you will receive a new card with your current address printed on it. Until then, your card still shows your old address, but the DMV system has the correct one.
Proof of your new address if you mail or visit in person
If you are mailing a form or visiting an office, you will need to bring or include proof that you live at your new address. The DMV accepts most of these documents: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government letter addressed to you at the new address. The document usually has to be dated within the last 60 days, though some states accept older documents if they are from a government agency.
A few states also accept a letter from your employer, a school enrollment letter, or a signed statement from a landlord or property manager. Check your state DMV website to see which documents they accept before you gather them. If you are moving and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease or rental agreement is usually the easiest option.
How long it takes and when you can use your new address
If you change your address online, the update is live in the DMV system within hours. You can use your new address for things like voter registration or vehicle registration right away. If you mail a form, it usually takes one to two weeks for the DMV to process it, though some states take longer. If you visit an office in person, the change is often processed on the spot.
Keep in mind that other agencies — your bank, insurance company, employer, or the post office — will not automatically know about your address change. You will need to update your address with them separately. The DMV change only updates your driving record and vehicle registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to renew my license to change my address online?
It depends on your state. Most states let you change your address without renewing. However, some states only offer online address changes if you renew your license at the same time, which costs extra. Check your state DMV website to see which option applies to you.
What if my license is expired?
Most states do not let you change your address online if your license is expired. You will have to renew your license first, either online or in person, and you can update your address as part of that renewal. Some states let you renew online, while others require an office visit.
Will my old address still show on my card after I change it online?
Yes. Your physical card will keep showing your old address until you renew your license. The DMV system updates when ready, so your record is correct, but you will not get a new card with the updated address until your next renewal.
Can I change my address if I just moved out of state?
If you moved out of state and are now moving back, some states require you to visit an office in person to change your address. Others let you do it online. Check your state DMV website or call your local office to find out what applies to you.
What counts as proof of my new address?
A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. Some states also accept government letters addressed to you at your new address. Check your state DMV website for the full list of accepted documents before you gather them.