You can change your Washington driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a licensing office
Washington State Department of Licensing (WSDL) lets you update your address without renewing your license or paying a fee. The fastest route is the online system at dol.wa.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and updates your record when ready. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a form or visit a licensing office in person — both take longer but work just as well.
Your address change takes effect the same day you submit it online, or within 5 to 7 business days if you mail the form. In-person changes at a licensing office are processed on the spot. You do not need to bring your physical license or any documents to change your address — the system matches you by your license number and date of birth.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at dol.wa.gov is the fastest method and updates your record the same day you submit it.
- You can mail Form DL 43 to the Department of Licensing if you do not want to use the online system, though it takes 5 to 7 business days.
- Visiting a licensing office in person works if you need the change processed when ready or prefer to handle it face-to-face.
- Address changes are free and do not require you to renew your license or bring any documents with you.
Changing your address online through the WSDL portal
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Change Address" from the driver's license section. You will need your Washington driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license — the system does not accept abbreviations like "St." or "Ave." in most fields, so spell them out or use the full word.
After you submit the form, the system confirms your change when ready and sends you a confirmation email. Your updated address is live in the state's system right away, though the physical license in your wallet still shows the old address. You do not need to order a new license unless you want one — your current license remains valid, and law enforcement and other agencies can see your current address in the system.
Mailing Form DL 43 to update your address
read Form DL 43 (Address Change) from dol.wa.gov or pick one up at any licensing office. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and new address. You do not need to sign the form, but you do need to include your Social Security number so the department can match your record. Mail it to the address listed on the form — currently the Department of Licensing in Olympia, though you should verify the current mailing address on the form itself since it can change.
Processing takes 5 to 7 business days from the date the department receives your mail. There is no tracking system for mailed forms, so if you need to confirm the change went through, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 after a week and provide your license number. Like the online method, your physical license will still show the old address, but your record in the state system will be updated.
Updating your address in person at a licensing office
Walk into any Washington licensing office with your current driver's license and tell the staff you want to change your address. You do not need an appointment for an address change — it is a quick transaction. Bring a piece of mail or other document showing your new address if you have one, though the office may not require it depending on their procedures. Call ahead to your local office if you want to confirm what they need, since requirements can vary slightly between locations.
The office processes your change on the spot and updates the state system when ready. Your physical license still shows the old address, but your record is current. If you want a new license card with the updated address printed on it, you can order one at the same time, though there is a fee for that service (separate from the free address change).
What happens to your old address after you change it
Your old address is removed from your active license record once the change is processed. Law enforcement, government agencies, and businesses that check your license will see only your new address. Your old address does not appear on any new documents or records generated after the change date.
If you need documentation of the address change for a bank, insurance company, or other institution, you can print your confirmation email from the online submission or ask the licensing office for a printed confirmation if you changed it in person. Some institutions accept the confirmation email; others want an official document. Call ahead to ask what form of proof they need.
Timing and what to expect at each step
| Method | Time to process | When it's active | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (dol.wa.gov) | when ready | Same day | License number, DOB, last 4 SSN |
| Mail Form DL 43 | 5–7 business days | After WSDL receives and processes | Completed form, SSN, license number |
| In-person at office | Same day | when ready after submission | Current driver's license |
The online method is fastest if you need the change recorded quickly — your address is live in the state system the moment you submit. Mailing takes the longest because it depends on postal delivery and the department's processing queue. In-person is a middle ground: it is when ready, but you have to travel to an office and wait your turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to order a new license card when I change my address?
No. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. The state system shows your new address, so police and government agencies see the correct information. You can order a new card with the updated address if you want one, but there is a fee for that service and it is not required.
What if I moved out of state — can I still change my Washington address?
If you moved out of state, you should get a license from your new state instead of changing your Washington address. Washington does not issue licenses to people who no longer live in the state. Contact your new state's licensing authority to transfer your license.
How do I know if my address change went through?
If you changed it online, you get a confirmation email when ready. If you mailed the form, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 after a week with your license number. If you changed it in person, the office gives you a receipt or confirmation at the time.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address. However, if your license expired more than a few years ago, the system may not recognize it. Call the Department of Licensing first to confirm your record is still in the system before you try to change the address.
What if the online system says it cannot find my record?
This usually means the information you entered does not match the state's records exactly — often a spelling difference in your name or an incorrect date of birth. Try again with different variations, or call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to verify your information is correct before you try online again.