What to bring when you change your address at the DMV
You will need two types of documents: proof of your identity and proof of your new address. Most states require you to show both before they update your license. The exact documents accepted vary by state, but the categories are consistent — a current ID, something showing your name and new address, and sometimes proof that you live there.
Bring originals, not copies. The DMV staff will look at the documents in person and may write down information from them. Some states scan documents into their system; others just verify them and hand them back. Either way, you cannot mail in address changes in most states — you have to appear in person at a DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- You need a current government-issued ID (your driver license, passport, or state ID card) plus one document showing your name and new address.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — most states accept any of these.
- Bring originals, not photocopies, and plan to visit a DMV office in person since most states do not process address changes by mail.
- Some states charge a small fee for address changes; others do it free — check your state DMV website before you go.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks in most states, so you may need to show proof of your address change separately until then.
Government-issued ID documents that work
Your current driver license is the easiest first document to bring — the DMV already has it on file. If you do not have a valid license or it is expired, bring a passport, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID card instead. The document must have your photo, your name, and an expiration date that has not passed.
If your name has changed since your current ID was issued, you will also need to bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not update your address alone if your name on the ID does not match the name you are using now.
Documents that prove your new address
The DMV accepts a wide range of documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a government letter (such as a tax return or voter registration card) also work in most states.
The document must show your full name and your complete new address. A bill addressed to "M. Chen" will not work if your license says "Marcus Chen." The address must match exactly what you want on your new license. If you just moved and have not received a utility bill yet, a lease signed by you and your landlord, or a mortgage statement, will usually work instead.
Some states accept a notarized affidavit of residence if you cannot produce a bill or lease — this is a signed statement from someone who lives with you, notarized by a notary public. Check your state DMV website to see whether this option is available where you live, because not all states offer it.
What happens if you do not have proof of address
If you moved recently and have not received any mail at your new address yet, contact your state DMV before you go to the office. Some states will let you bring a signed lease or a mortgage statement instead of a utility bill. Others will accept a letter from your landlord or a notarized statement. A few states will let you update your address online or by mail if you cannot produce a physical document.
Do not make up a document or alter one you have. The DMV staff are trained to spot forged or altered papers, and doing so is a crime. If you genuinely cannot produce proof of address, ask the DMV what alternatives they offer — most have at least one backup option.
Fees and processing time
Most states charge between $0 and $10 to change your address on your driver license. A few states do it free; others charge a small fee. Check your state DMV website or call ahead to confirm the cost, because fees vary and some states waive them under certain circumstances.
After you submit your documents at the DMV office, your new license will be mailed to your new address. This usually takes one to three weeks, depending on your state and how busy the DMV is. You will receive a temporary paper license or a receipt showing your new address if you ask for one — keep this with you until your new license arrives, because it proves you have reported the change.
What to do if your documents are not accepted
If the DMV staff tell you a document does not meet their requirements, ask what documents they do accept. The rules are specific to your state, and what works in one state may not work in another. The staff member can tell you exactly what you need to bring back.
If you cannot get the document they want, ask whether there is an alternative. Some DMV offices have more flexibility than others, and supervisors can sometimes approve documents that are slightly outside the standard list. It is worth asking, especially if you have a document that shows your name and address but is not on the official list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online instead of going to the DMV?
Most states require you to change your address in person at a DMV office. A few states offer online address changes for driver license holders, but you typically need to verify your identity through a find portal first. Check your state DMV website to see whether online changes are available where you live.
What if my name on my ID does not match the name on my address proof?
Bring both documents and explain the situation to the DMV staff. If your name changed recently, bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If the names straightforward do not match for another reason, the staff can help you figure out what to do.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. The DMV does not require your Social Security card to change your address. You need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your new address. If you are changing your name at the same time, bring the document that proves the change instead.
What if I moved out of state?
You will need to get a new driver license from your new state's DMV. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of your new address in the new state, and proof of your Social Security number (usually a Social Security card or tax return). The process is the same as changing your address, but you will receive a new license from the new state instead of an updated one from your old state.
Can someone else bring my documents for me?
No. You must appear in person at the DMV to change your address. Some states allow a parent or guardian to handle the transaction for minors, but adults must do it themselves. Bring your documents and your current license to the DMV office.