You can change your Michigan driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office

Michigan offers three ways to update your address on your driver's license: through the online system, by mailing a form, or by visiting a Secretary of State office in person. The online method is fastest and requires no documents if your license is current. If you choose to mail or visit in person, you'll need to bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement typically works. You do not need to take a new photo or pay a fee unless you're renewing your license at the same time.

The address change takes effect when ready if you do it online or in person. By mail, allow 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your form. Your physical card will not change; the address update appears in the state's system right away.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at michigan.gov/sos is the fastest option and works if your license is not expired or suspended.
  • If you mail a form, include proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease, and allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
  • In-person visits at any Secretary of State office take a few minutes and require the same proof of address as the mail method.
  • You do not pay a fee to change your address unless you are renewing your license at the same time.

Changing your address online

Visit michigan.gov/sos and select "Change Address" under the driver's license section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new address. Once you submit, the change is recorded when ready in Michigan's system.

This method works only if your license is current and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired or is suspended, you must use the mail or in-person method instead. The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card (form DL 44) from michigan.gov/sos. Fill in your new address on the form, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address.

Mail your form and documents to the Secretary of State office. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after they receive it. You do not need to include your old license or pay a fee. Keep a copy of what you send for your records.

Changing your address in person at a Secretary of State office

Visit any Secretary of State office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Bring the same documents you would mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. The staff will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready.

No appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Visit michigan.gov/sos to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. Bring only the documents listed above; you do not need to bring anything else or pay a fee.

What counts as proof of your new address

Michigan accepts several types of documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days works. So do a current lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or government mail (such as a tax document or voter registration card) with your name and address.

The document must show your full name and your new address. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or bank statement in your name at the new address, a signed lease or rental agreement is usually the fastest option. If you are unsure whether a specific document will work, call the Secretary of State at 1-888-767-6424 before you go.

Timeline and what happens after you change your address

If you change your address online or in person, the update appears in Michigan's system when ready. If you mail your form, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. During that time, your address in the state system is still your old one, though the Secretary of State has received your request.

Your physical driver's license card does not change when you update your address. The card still shows your old address until you renew your license. When you renew — whether online, by mail, or in person — you can request a new card with your current address, though this is optional. The address in Michigan's system is what matters for voting, vehicle registration, and law enforcement records.

If your license is expired or suspended

The online method does not work if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. You must use the mail or in-person method instead. Bring your expired or suspended license along with proof of your new address to a Secretary of State office, or mail the form DL 44 with the same documents.

Changing your address does not renew your license or lift a suspension. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it separately. If it is suspended, you must resolve the reason for the suspension (usually an unpaid traffic fine or child support obligation) before the suspension is lifted. The Secretary of State staff can tell you what you need to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?

Yes. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate. You must update your vehicle registration address with the Secretary of State as well. You can do this online at michigan.gov/sos, by mail using form REG 13, or in person at a Secretary of State office. Both updates are free.

What if I moved out of state?

If you no longer live in Michigan, you should not update your Michigan address. Instead, you will need to get a driver's license in your new state. Once you have a valid license from another state, you can surrender your Michigan license by mail or in person at a Secretary of State office.

Can I change my address if my license is in the mail after a recent renewal?

Yes. You can change your address online or by mail even if your renewed license has not arrived yet. The address change takes effect in the state system right away. When your renewed license arrives, it will show your old address, but the system will have your new one on file.

How long does an address change take if I do it in person?

In-person address changes take a few minutes at the counter. Wait times to see a staff member vary by location and time of day. Visit michigan.gov/sos to find your nearest office and check current wait times before you go.

Will I have to pay to change my address?

No. Changing your address is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time, which costs around $25 for a standard renewal, though the exact amount varies.