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 method is the online portal at DDS.ga.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form to the Georgia Department of Driver Services or visit a local DDS office in person. The address change itself does not require a new photo or a new license card — your current license remains valid, and the system records your new address in the state database.
Which method works best depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you have the required documents. Online is fastest because the address updates when ready in Georgia's system. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits at a DDS office are also quick but require you to travel during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at DDS.ga.gov is free and updates your address the same day without requiring a new license card.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
- If you mail the change, use Form DL 43 (Address Change) and send it to the Georgia DDS mailing address; processing takes one to two weeks.
- Visiting a DDS office in person requires a current ID and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Changing your address online through DDS.ga.gov
The online method is the simplest route for most people. Go to DDS.ga.gov, select "Address Change" from the menu, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will also need the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.
Once you submit the form online, Georgia's database updates the same day. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid. The address change is recorded in the state system, so when police or other officials run your license, they will see your new address. This method works for standard driver's licenses and ID cards.
If you encounter an error during the online process or your account will not load, you can try again later or use one of the other methods. The online system is available 24 hours a day, so you can complete it at any time.
Mailing an address change form to Georgia DDS
If you prefer not to use the website, you can request Form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. You can read it from DDS.ga.gov or call the DDS customer service line to request a copy by mail. Fill out the form with your current license number, your new address, and your signature.
Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself. Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date Georgia DDS receives it. There is no fee for an address change by mail. Once processed, your address will be updated in the state system, though you will not receive written confirmation — you can verify the change by logging into your online DDS account or calling customer service.
Keep a copy of the form and the mailing receipt for your records in case you need to follow up. If you do not hear back within three weeks, contact DDS to confirm they received your form.
Updating your address in person at a DDS office
You can walk into any Georgia DDS office and request an address change on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
The DDS employee will update your address in the system while you wait. There is no fee. Your current license card remains valid — you do not receive a new one. The address change is recorded when ready, and you can leave with your updated information in the state database.
DDS offices are located throughout Georgia. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on DDS.ga.gov. Some offices are busier than others, so visiting early in the day or mid-week may mean a shorter wait.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online at DDS.ga.gov | Driver's license number, date of birth, last four digits of SSN | Free | Same day |
| Mail Form DL 43 | Completed form, current license number, signature | Free | 1–2 weeks |
| In person at DDS office | Current driver's license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free | when ready |
Why Georgia requires an address update and what happens if you do not change it
Georgia law requires you to notify the DDS of an address change within a certain timeframe. The state uses your address on file for voter registration, vehicle registration, and official correspondence. If you move and do not update your address, you may not receive important notices about license renewal, vehicle registration renewal, or court documents.
Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it can cause problems. If you are pulled over, the officer will see an address that does not match where you actually live. This can raise questions and may complicate the stop. More importantly, if you need to renew your license or register a vehicle, Georgia will mail materials to your old address, and you may miss the important date.
Updating your address is straightforward and free, so it is worth doing as soon as you move. The online method takes less than 10 minutes and requires no trip to an office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new license card when I change my address?
No. An address change does not trigger a new card. Your current license remains valid and unchanged. The address update is recorded in Georgia's database, so officials will see your new address when they scan or look up your license, but the physical card you carry stays the same.
What if I moved but have not received mail at my new address yet?
For the online method, you do not need proof of address — you only need your license number, date of birth, and SSN. For in-person updates, you can use a lease agreement, utility bill, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and have no documents yet, the online method is your best option.
How long does it take for the address change to show up in the system?
Online changes update the same day. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person updates are when ready. Once recorded, the new address appears in Georgia's system when your license is scanned or looked up by law enforcement or other agencies.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can update your address on an expired license through any of the three methods. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Check DDS.ga.gov or call customer service to confirm your license status before you proceed.
What if I changed my address online but want to verify it went through?
Log back into your DDS account at DDS.ga.gov and check your profile. You can also call the Georgia DDS customer service line to confirm the address on file. If you mailed the form, wait at least two weeks before checking, since processing takes that long.