How to Change Your Address on a Washington Driver License

Change your address at the Department of Licensing website or in person

Washington State lets you change your driver license address online through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or by visiting a licensing office in person. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home. If you prefer to handle it in person or need to update other information at the same time, you can walk into any DOL office with your current license and proof of your new address.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. Washington treats an address change as a record update, not a license renewal, so there is no charge involved. Your license itself stays valid and does not need to be replaced unless it is expiring soon or you want a new card with the updated address printed on it.

Key Takeaways

The fastest way to change your address is online at dol.wa.gov using your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Address changes are free and do not require you to renew your license or pay any fees.
If you change your address online or by mail, your physical license card will still show your old address until your license expires and you renew it.
You can also change your address in person at any Department of Licensing office by bringing your current license and proof of your new address.

Change your address online through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Change Address" option under the "Driver License" section. You will need your current Washington driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it, then submit the change.

After you submit online, the Department of Licensing updates your record when ready. Your new address is now in the system and will appear on any documents the state sends you. However, the physical card in your wallet will still show your old address until you renew your license. If you need the new address printed on the card itself, you can request a replacement card for a fee, or wait until your license renewal date.

Keep a record of your confirmation number or screenshot after you submit. If you need proof that you changed your address for mail forwarding or other purposes, you can reference this confirmation.

What proof of address you need

Washington requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax records, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.

If you are changing your address online, you do not upload the proof at that moment — the system straightforward asks you to confirm you have it. However, if you change your address by mail or in person, bring the original document or a clear copy with you. The DOL staff will verify it before processing your change.

If your name does not appear on the document (for example, if you are on a spouse's utility bill), bring a second document that shows both your name and your connection to that address, such as a lease with your name on it or a piece of mail addressed to you at that location.

Change your address by mail

read the "Change of Address" form from dol.wa.gov or request one by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and sign it. Include a copy of your proof of address and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. The DOL will update your record and send you a confirmation letter to your new address. During this time, your address in the state system is being updated, but your physical license card still shows the old address.

Change your address in person at a DOL office

Find your nearest Department of Licensing office at dol.wa.gov and check their hours before you go. Bring your current driver license and one document that proves your new address (dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis while others use an online reservation system.

The staff will verify your proof of address, update your record in the system, and you will receive a confirmation on the spot. Your address change is complete when ready. If you want a new license card printed with your updated address, you can request one at that time — there is a fee for a replacement card, typically around $20, though the address change itself is free.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address is updated in the Department of Licensing system, all future mail from the state — renewal notices, vehicle registration documents, and other official correspondence — will go to your new address. If you changed your address online or by mail, your physical license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license or request a replacement card.

If you also need to update your vehicle registration address, that is a separate process handled through the Department of Licensing or online at dol.wa.gov. Your driver license address and vehicle registration address do not have to match, but updating both keeps your records consistent.

If you moved out of state or no longer need your Washington license, you should still notify the DOL so your record is accurate. You can do this by mail or in person using the same process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new license card when I change my address?

No. An address change does not require a new card. Your current license remains valid. The new address updates in the state system and appears on all future mail from the DOL. If you want the new address printed on your physical card, you can request a replacement card for a fee, but it is not required.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online change takes a few minutes to complete and is processed when ready. Your address is updated in the state system right away. If you change your address by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

You can use other documents such as a mortgage statement, property tax records, government mail, a bank statement with your address, or an insurance policy. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. If your name does not appear on the primary document, bring a second document that connects you to that address.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can update your address in the system, but you cannot use an expired license as your primary ID for in-person transactions. If your license is expired and you need to change your address in person, bring an additional form of ID such as a passport or state ID card along with your expired license and proof of address.

Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver license address and vehicle registration address are separate records. Changing one does not automatically change the other. If you want to update your vehicle registration address as well, you will need to do that through a separate transaction with the Department of Licensing.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.