Where to change your address on your Washington license

You can change your address on your Washington driver's license or ID card through the Department of Licensing (DOL) online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. The online method is the fastest — you can update your address without leaving home and without paying a fee. If you prefer to go in person, you can walk into any DOL office with proof of your new address and leave with an updated license the same day.

Washington does not require you to get a new physical card when you change your address. The DOL will update your record in their system, and your current license remains valid. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail at your new address within a few days of the change.

You have 30 days from the date you move to notify the DOL of your new address. Waiting longer than 30 days does not invalidate your license, but it can create problems if you are stopped by law enforcement or need to use your ID for official purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DOL website is free and takes about five minutes, and you do not need to visit an office.
  • In-person changes at a DOL office are also free and happen when ready, so your record updates while you wait.
  • You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Washington gives you 30 days from your move date to report the change, though doing it sooner prevents confusion with law enforcement or financial institutions.

Changing your address online through the DOL website

Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and select the option to change your address on your driver's license or ID card. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information.

After you log in, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your record. Double-check the spelling and apartment or unit number if you have one. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Save or print this number — you may need it if you contact the DOL later with questions.

The DOL will mail a confirmation letter to your new address within three to five business days. This letter is not a new license; it straightforward confirms that your address change was processed. Your old license remains valid and does not need to be replaced.

Changing your address in person at a DOL office

Bring your current driver's license or ID card and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or bank statement. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address.

Walk into any DOL office during business hours. You do not need an appointment for an address change. Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to update your address. They will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update your record in the system while you wait.

There is no fee for an address change. Your license is updated when ready, though the physical card itself does not change. You will still receive a confirmation letter at your new address in the mail.

Changing your address by mail

Complete the address change form available on the DOL website or request one by phone at 360-902-3900. Print the form and fill it out with your current license number, name, and new address. Include a copy of a document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address when the change is complete.

The mail method is free but slower than online or in-person options. Use it only if you cannot access the online system or visit an office in person.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DOL accepts documents that show your name, your new address, and a date within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements also work.

The document must be an original or a clear copy — a photo of the document on your phone is usually acceptable at an in-person office, but mail-in submissions should include a photocopy. If the document shows a different name than your license (for example, you recently married), bring a second document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Post office boxes and mailbox rental services do not count as proof of residence. If you are living temporarily with someone else and do not have a utility bill in your name, ask the property owner or manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.

Timing and what to expect after you submit

Online changes are processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen. By mail, processing takes two to three weeks. In person, your record updates while you wait, though you still receive a confirmation letter later.

The confirmation letter arrives at your new address within three to five business days of the change. This letter is not a new license — it is straightforward proof that the DOL received and processed your request. Your old license card remains valid and does not need to be replaced.

If you do not receive a confirmation letter within two weeks of submitting your change online, or within four weeks of mailing your form, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to confirm the change went through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Washington does not issue a new card for an address change. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. The DOL updates your address in their computer system, and that is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they scan or look up your license.

What if I move before I change my address with the DOL?

You have 30 days from your move date to report the change. If you move and do not update your address within 30 days, your license does not become invalid, but it is considered out of date. Update it as soon as you can to avoid confusion with police or when using your ID for official purposes.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through the online system or in person at a DOL office. However, if your license has been expired for more than a few years, the DOL may require you to renew it at the same time. Call 360-902-3900 to confirm what you need before you visit an office.

What if the address on my license is wrong but I have not moved?

If the DOL has your address listed incorrectly and you are still living at the same place, you can correct it using the same process — online, by mail, or in person. Bring proof of your current address, and the DOL will update their record.

Do I need to change my address with the DOL if I already changed it with my bank or insurance company?

Yes. Notifying your bank or insurance company does not update your license record. The DOL keeps a separate system, and you must report the change to them directly. Updating your address with the DOL is a separate step from updating it with other organizations.