Where you can change your address online
Most states let you change your driver's license address online through their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, but not all of them. The process and what you'll need varies by state — some states handle it entirely online, others require you to mail in a form or visit an office in person even after you start online.
Start by going to your state's DMV website directly. Search "[your state] DMV change address" to find the official portal. Do not use third-party websites that claim to process DMV transactions — they charge fees and add unnecessary steps. Your state's DMV site is always free.
Before you begin, have your driver's license number and the address you want on file ready. You'll also need to know whether your state requires you to pay a fee for the address change — most do not, but a few charge $5 to $15.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you change your address online through their DMV website, but some require you to mail a form or visit an office even if you start the process online.
- You will need your current driver's license number and your new address to begin, and the process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- Some states mail you a new license with the updated address; others straightforward update your record and keep your current license valid.
- If your state does not offer online address changes, you can mail a form or visit a DMV office in person.
Step-by-step process for online address changes
Log into your state's DMV portal using your driver's license number and date of birth, or create an account if you do not have one. The login screen will be clearly marked on the DMV homepage. Some states use a separate identity verification step — you may be asked to answer security questions or verify your identity through a third-party service like ID.me.
Once logged in, look for a link labeled "Update Address," "Change Address," or "Manage My License." Click it and enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Double-check the spelling and zip code — errors here mean your license will have the wrong address on it.
Review the information on the confirmation screen before you submit. Most states show you what your updated license will look like. If everything is correct, submit the change. You should receive a confirmation number and an email receipt when ready.
Some states charge a small fee at this point and will ask for a payment method. Others do not charge anything. If a fee applies, your state's DMV website will tell you the amount before you pay.
What happens after you submit your change
After you submit, your address change is usually recorded in the DMV system within one to three business days. However, what you receive in the mail depends on your state's policy. Some states mail you a new physical license with the updated address printed on it — this typically arrives within two to three weeks. Other states straightforward update your record and send you a confirmation letter; your current license remains valid even though the address on it is outdated.
Check your state's DMV website or your confirmation email to see which applies to you. If you are getting a new license in the mail, do not throw away your old one until the new one arrives. If your state only updates the record, your old license is still valid for identification purposes.
If you do not receive anything within the timeframe your state provided, contact the DMV directly. Have your confirmation number ready.
States that require mailing or in-person visits
A small number of states do not offer online address changes at all. These include Alaska, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and South Dakota. If you live in one of these states, you will need to either mail a form to your DMV or visit an office in person.
To find out which option is available in your state, go to your state's DMV website and look for "Change Address" or "Update License Information." If no online option appears, the site will direct you to read a form or schedule an in-person appointment. Some states now let you schedule DMV appointments online, which can save you time waiting in line.
If you choose to mail a form, include your driver's license number, your new address, and your signature. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail usually takes two to four weeks.
What to do if you cannot access the online system
If you try to log in and cannot remember your password, most DMV websites have a "Forgot Password" link on the login screen. Click it and follow the prompts to reset your password using your email address or phone number.
If you do not have an online account and cannot create one, or if the website will not let you log in even after resetting your password, call your state's DMV customer service line. The number is on your state's DMV website. Explain that you want to change your address, and they can either help you over the phone or direct you to the nearest office where you can do it in person.
Some states also let you change your address at a local DMV office without an appointment, though wait times vary. If you go in person, bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days usually works.
Proof of address you might need
If you are changing your address in person or by mail, your state will likely ask for proof that you actually live at the new address. Acceptable documents usually include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you at the new address. The document typically needs to be dated within the last 60 days.
If you do not have any of these, some states accept a notarized statement from a landlord or property owner confirming your residence. Call your DMV before you visit or mail anything to confirm what your state accepts — requirements vary.
If you are changing your address online, most states do not ask for proof at this stage. They verify your identity through the login process and trust that you are updating your own record. However, if your state does ask for proof during the online process, upload a clear photo or scan of the document.
Updating your address with other agencies
Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your address with other government agencies or private companies. You will need to notify them separately. This includes your voter registration, vehicle registration, insurance company, bank, employer, and the U.S. Postal Service.
The U.S. Postal Service offers a free mail forwarding service that redirects mail from your old address to your new one for up to one year. You can set this up online at usps.com or at your local post office. This is useful while you are waiting for other organizations to update their records.
For vehicle registration, most states let you update it online at the same DMV website where you changed your license address. For voter registration, go to your state or county election office website. Notifying your bank, insurance, and employer can usually be done by phone or through their online portals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online submission itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your state's DMV system updates your record within one to three business days. If your state mails you a new license, that arrives within two to three weeks. If your state only updates the record, you are done once you receive the confirmation email.
Do I have to pay to change my address?
Most states do not charge a fee for an address change. A few states charge $5 to $15. Your state's DMV website will tell you the cost before you submit payment. If you are mailing a form or visiting in person, the fee (if any) is the same as online.
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
If you are expecting a new license in the mail and you move again, contact your DMV when ready with your new address. They can redirect the license to your updated address or cancel it and issue a new one. Do this as soon as you know you are moving — waiting until the license arrives at your old address makes it harder to retrieve.
Is my old license still valid if my address is wrong?
Yes. Your driver's license is valid for identification and driving even if the address printed on it is outdated. However, if you are asked to provide proof of your current address (for a bank account, rental process, or insurance), the outdated address on your license may not be accepted. Bring a separate document like a utility bill or lease in those situations.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Most states let you change your address online even if your license is expired, as long as it has not been expired for more than a certain number of years — usually five to ten. If your license is very old or expired longer than your state allows, you will need to renew it at the same time. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to confirm what applies to you.