You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office

Washington allows you to update your address without renewing your license. The fastest method is the online portal at dol.wa.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form to the Department of Licensing or walk into any licensing office with proof of your new address.

The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have the required documents ready. All three routes are free, and none require you to get a new license card unless you want one.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dol.wa.gov is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and proof of your new address uploaded as a photo or PDF.
  • By mail, you send a completed form DL 43 with a copy of your proof of address to the Department of Licensing; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person changes at any Washington licensing office take minutes and require your current license and one document showing your new address.
  • You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address, and your current license remains valid after the change.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

What counts as proof of your new address

Washington requires one document that shows your name and new address and was issued within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. Government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card also counts.

The document does not have to be in your name alone — a lease or utility bill in a spouse's or partner's name is acceptable as long as it shows your address. If you have recently moved and do not yet have mail at the new address, ask your utility company for a letter confirming your account and address, or use a recent lease or purchase agreement.

Changing your address online through the Department of Licensing website

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Change Address" option under the driver's license section. You will need your Washington driver's license number, your date of birth, and a photo or PDF of your proof of address. Upload the document, review the information, and submit. The system will confirm the change when ready, though it may take a few hours to appear in the state's records.

The online method works best if you have a smartphone or scanner to photograph or upload your proof of address. If the upload fails, the website will tell you why — usually because the document is blurry, cut off, or does not clearly show both your name and address. Take the photo in good light and make sure all four corners of the document are visible.

Mailing a form to the Department of Licensing

read or request form DL 43 (Address Change) from dol.wa.gov or call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Make a copy of your proof of address and mail both documents to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. The Department of Licensing will send you a confirmation postcard at your new address once the change is complete. Keep your current license — you do not need to return it or get a new one unless you choose to renew.

Changing your address in person at a licensing office

Find your nearest Washington Department of Licensing office at dol.wa.gov/offices. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. Walk up to the counter, tell the staff member you need an address change, and hand over your documents. The change takes a few minutes and is recorded when ready.

No appointment is required for an address change, but offices can have wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter line. If you want a new license card with your updated address printed on it, you can request one at the same time, though there is a fee for a replacement card.

When your address change takes effect

Online changes are recorded within hours. In-person changes are recorded when ready. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from the date the Department of Licensing receives your form. Once recorded, your address is updated in the state's system and will appear on any official records or documents the state issues.

Your current license remains valid during this time, even though it still shows your old address. Police and other officials can see your updated address in the state database. If you need proof of your new address for a bank, landlord, or other purpose before your license arrives or before the mail-in change processes, bring your proof-of-address document itself — most institutions accept it.

Getting a new license card with your updated address

If you want your new address printed on your license card, you can request a replacement card when you make the address change. Online, there is a checkbox to request a replacement. By mail or in person, ask the staff member or note it on form DL 43. A replacement card costs the same as a renewal and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.

A replacement card is optional — your current card remains valid even after your address changes in the system. Many people keep their old card and only get a new one when they renew. If you move frequently or prefer not to pay for a new card, you can straightforward update your address in the system and use your old card along with a separate proof of address when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Washington law requires you to notify the Department of Licensing of a new address within a reasonable time after moving. There is no specific important date, but updating within 30 days is standard practice. Keeping an outdated address on file can cause problems with vehicle registration, insurance, and official notices.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address online, by mail, or in person. You do not have to renew the license first. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew it rather than straightforward update the address.

What if I do not have a document with my new address yet?

Contact your utility company and ask for a letter on company letterhead confirming your account and new address. Most utilities provide this within a day or two. A recent lease, purchase agreement, or signed rental agreement also works, even if it has not been officially recorded yet.

Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. Changing your license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You will need to update your vehicle registration separately through the Department of Licensing if you want both records to match.

How long does it take to receive a replacement card if I request one?

A replacement card with your new address takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. Online and in-person requests are processed the same way. If you need proof of your new address before the card arrives, your original proof-of-address document is acceptable for most purposes.