What you need to do to update your address
To change the address on your driver's license, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, bring proof of your new address, and complete a form. The DMV will issue you a new license with the updated address printed on it. Most states do not charge a fee for an address change alone, though some charge a small amount to reprint the card.
The process is straightforward because you are not renewing your license or changing any other information — just the address. You keep your current license number and expiration date. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you arrive during a quiet time and have the right documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person; most states do not allow address changes by mail or online.
- Bring one document that proves your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
- You will need to show your current driver's license and one form of government-issued ID if your license is expired.
- The new license arrives by mail in one to two weeks; you can continue using your old license until it arrives.
- Some states charge $5 to $15 to reprint your license; others do it free as part of address maintenance.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves you live at your new address. The DMV calls this a proof of residency document. Acceptable documents almost always include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and your new address, and most states require it to be dated within the last 30 to 60 days.
If your driver's license is expired, bring a second form of government-issued ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
Check your state DMV website before you go. Some states have slightly different rules — for example, a few accept a utility bill in a household member's name if you also bring a lease or mortgage in your name. Knowing the exact list for your state saves a wasted trip.
The form you fill out and where to get it
You will complete a form at the DMV office itself. Most states use a straightforward one-page form that asks for your new address and confirms that the information on your current license is still correct. The form is usually called an Address Change Form, DL-43 (California), MV-44 (New York), or something similar — the name varies by state.
You do not need to read or print the form ahead of time. The DMV office has copies at the counter or you can request one when you arrive. If you want to see what it looks like before you go, your state DMV website has a PDF version you can review. Filling it out takes two to three minutes.
How long the process takes and when you get your new license
The visit to the DMV usually takes 15 to 30 minutes from the moment you enter until you leave, assuming you have all your documents and arrive during a slower time. Peak hours are typically mid-morning on weekdays and early afternoon on Saturdays, so going early in the day or on a Tuesday or Wednesday often means a shorter wait.
Your new license will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks. You can use your old license — with the old address printed on it — until the new one arrives. If you need to show your license before the new one arrives and the address matters (for example, to prove residency for a job or school), bring the old license plus the proof-of-residency document you used at the DMV.
Cost and whether you need an appointment
Most states charge nothing for an address change. A few charge $5 to $15 to reprint your license card. California charges $20 for a reprint; New York charges $20 for a non-commercial license and $25 for a commercial one. Check your state DMV website to find out what your state charges.
Whether you need an appointment depends on your state. Some DMVs operate on a first-come, first-served basis; others use an online appointment system. A few states allow you to reserve a time slot online, while others require you to call or show up in person to book one. Your state DMV website will tell you which system your local office uses and how to book if appointments are required.
What happens if you move before your license arrives
If you move again before your new license arrives, you have two options. You can wait for the license to arrive at your first new address, then forward it to your second address using the postal service. Or you can return to the DMV and request that they send the license to your second address instead. Not all DMVs allow this, so call your local office first to ask whether they can redirect a license that is already in the mail.
If your license arrives at an old address and you no longer have access to it, contact your state DMV. They can issue a replacement license to your current address, though some states charge a small fee for a second reprint in a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online or by mail instead of going to the DMV?
Most states require you to visit the DMV in person. A few states, including some that offer online renewal, allow address changes through their website if your license is not expired and you are not changing any other information. Check your state DMV website to see if online change is available where you live.
Do I need to change my address on my license if I just moved?
It is not legally required in most states, but it is a good idea. Your license is a form of ID, and having an outdated address can cause problems if you are pulled over, need to prove residency, or use it for travel. Some states have rules about how long you can keep an old address on your license before you must update it — typically 30 to 60 days after you move.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
Other documents work: a mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, credit card statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you at your new address. Some states also accept a letter from your employer, school, or a government agency on official letterhead. Call your local DMV office to ask what they will accept if you do not have a typical proof-of-residency document.
Will my license number change when I update my address?
No. Your license number stays the same. Only the address printed on the card changes. Your expiration date also stays the same — an address change does not extend or shorten the life of your license.
How do I know if my new license was lost in the mail?
If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact your state DMV. They can check the status of your license in the mail system or issue a replacement. Some states charge a small fee for a replacement if it was lost; others do not.