Change your address at the DMV in person or online through DC's MyDMV portal

The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card. You can do this in person at a DMV office or online through MyDMV if you have a valid DC driver's license and a current email address. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. In-person visits take longer but let you handle other license matters at the same time.

You do not need to bring your physical license to change your address online, but you will need to know your license number and the date it expires. If you go in person, bring your current license and proof of your new DC address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through MyDMV take about 10 minutes and cost nothing, but you need your license number and expiration date.
  • In-person address changes at a DMV office require your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The DMV will mail you a new license with your updated address within 7 to 10 business days of an in-person change.
  • Online changes update your record when ready, but you keep your current license card until it expires.

Changing your address online through MyDMV

Go to dmv.dc.gov and select "MyDMV" from the homepage. Click "Sign In" and enter your email address and password. If you do not have a MyDMV account, you will need to create one — the system will ask for your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Once you are logged in, select "Update License Information" and then "Change Address." Enter your new DC address exactly as it appears on your proof document. Review the information for accuracy, then submit. You will see a confirmation message on screen. Your address record updates when ready, though your physical license card will not change until it expires or you renew it.

Keep the confirmation email the system sends you. If you need proof of your address change before your new license arrives, you can print or save this email.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Visit any DC DMV office during business hours. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The DMV office locations and hours are listed on dmv.dc.gov under "Visit a Service Center."

Tell the staff member you need to update your address. They will verify your identity using your license, check your address proof, and process the change. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a new license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.

If you are also renewing your license, changing your name, or updating your photo at the same visit, let the staff member know upfront so they can process everything together.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new DC address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water), lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and government mail all work. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo of a bill on your phone is not acceptable in person, though MyDMV does not require physical proof.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, along with a copy of your lease. Some DMV offices also accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you cannot obtain other proof, though you should call ahead to confirm your local office accepts this.

Timeline and what happens next

If you change your address online, your DMV record updates the same day. Your physical license card does not change — you keep using the old card with the old address printed on it until it expires. When you renew your license later, the new card will show your current address.

If you change your address in person, the DMV mails you a new license card with the updated address within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old card until the new one arrives. If you need to verify your address change before the new card arrives, use the confirmation email from MyDMV or ask the DMV office for a printed confirmation receipt at the time of your visit.

If you cannot visit a DMV office or use MyDMV

If you do not have internet access or cannot visit an office, call the DC DMV at 311 (or 202-737-4404 from outside DC). Staff can answer questions about address changes and may be able to mail you forms, though they cannot process the change over the phone. You will still need to submit the form by mail with proof of your new address.

Mail-in address changes take longer — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. Call 311 first to ask which forms to use and where to mail them, since the address depends on the type of change you are making.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new license photo when I change my address?

No. An address change does not require a new photo. You only need a new photo when you renew your license, which happens every 8 years in DC, or if you choose to update your photo at the time of renewal.

What if my address proof is not in my name?

The document must show your name and your new address. If a utility bill or lease is in a roommate's or spouse's name, ask the DMV office whether they will accept a signed letter from that person confirming you live there, along with a copy of the lease or bill. Call 311 first to confirm your local office's policy.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You cannot use MyDMV if your license is expired. You will need to visit a DMV office in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of DC residency (the same documents used for a standard renewal).

How long does my old address stay on my license after I move?

If you change your address online, your old address stays on your physical card until it expires or you renew. If you change your address in person, you receive a new card with the updated address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card is no longer valid once the new one arrives.

What if I move out of DC?

If you are moving to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. Contact that state's DMV for their requirements. You do not need to formally close your DC license — it straightforward expires on its scheduled date.