Where to change your driver's license address

You change your driver's license address at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not online and not by mail in most states. The DMV is the only office that can update your license record. Some states let you change your address through their DMV website, but you will still need to visit in person eventually — usually within 30 days — to get a new physical card with your updated address printed on it.

A few states (including California, Colorado, and New York) now offer online address changes that do not require an in-person visit, but these are exceptions. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your state offers this option. If it does not, you will need to go to a DMV office, bring the documents listed below, and complete a form in front of a staff member.

Some DMV offices let you make an appointment online before you visit. Others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Checking your state's website before you go saves you a trip if the office is closed or if you need to bring additional documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your state's DMV office in person to change your driver's license address, unless your state offers an online-only option on its DMV website.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and a form of identification if your license has expired.
  • The fee for an address change is usually $0 to $20, depending on your state, and the new card arrives by mail within one to three weeks.
  • Some states let you update your address online first, then pick up your new card at a DMV office instead of waiting for it in the mail.

What documents you need to bring

You will need your current driver's license and proof that you live at your new address. Proof of address typically means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and new address on it. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 30 to 60 days, though this varies by state.

If your driver's license has expired, bring a second form of identification as well — a passport, state ID card, or birth certificate. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Some states require you to fill out a form before you arrive (often called an process for Driver's License or Address Change form). read this from your state's DMV website and bring it completed, or ask for a blank copy when you arrive at the office.

The cost and timeline

Most states charge no fee to change your address on an existing license. A few states charge $5 to $20 for a replacement card with your new address printed on it. Check your state's DMV website to find out whether there is a fee and how much it is.

Your new driver's license card usually arrives by mail within one to three weeks. During that time, your old card is still valid for identification purposes. If you need the new card faster, some DMV offices offer expedited printing, where you can pick up your new card the same day or within a few days — this usually costs extra and is not available at all locations.

What happens at the DMV office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk or use a kiosk if your DMV has one. A staff member will take your documents, verify your new address, and ask you to sign a form confirming the change. They may take a new photo for your license, depending on your state's rules.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, though wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter waits than visiting in the afternoon or on Saturday.

Changing your address online (if your state offers it)

California, Colorado, New York, and a handful of other states let you change your address through their DMV website without visiting an office. You will log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and pay any applicable fee online. Your new card will be mailed to you.

Even in these states, you may need to visit a DMV office if your license has expired, if you have changed your name, or if the online system flags your account for manual review. Check your state's website to see exactly which situations require an in-person visit.

If you move out of state

If you move to a different state, you will need to get a new driver's license from your new state's DMV rather than just changing your address. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving. You will need to bring your old license, proof of your new address, and proof of your new state residency (such as a lease or utility bill).

Some states also require proof that you have a Social Security number and that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. The requirements and fees vary significantly by state, so check your new state's DMV website before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address by phone or email?

No. The DMV requires you to change your address in person at an office or through your state's online system (if available). You cannot do it by phone, email, or mail.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?

Other documents work: a mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, government check, or tax return with your name and new address. Some states also accept a letter from your landlord or a notarized statement. Call your local DMV office to ask which documents they accept if you are unsure.

Do I need an appointment to change my address at the DMV?

It depends on your state and location. Some DMV offices require appointments; others do not. Check your state's DMV website to see whether appointments are available or required at your local office.

How long does it take to get my new card in the mail?

Usually one to three weeks. If you need it faster, ask about expedited options when you visit the office, though this is not available everywhere and usually costs extra.

What if I move again before my new card arrives?

Your old card is still valid until the new one arrives. Once the new card arrives at your old address, contact your local post office to have it forwarded to your new address, or return to the DMV to update your address again.