Where and how to report your address change to Washington

Washington requires you to report an address change within 30 days of moving. You can do this online through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or in person at any DOL office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing if you only update your address without requesting a new card.

If you go online, you'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The DOL will mail you a confirmation letter within two weeks. Your license itself remains valid at your old address until it expires; the address change is recorded in the system.

If you want a new physical card printed with your new address, you can request one during the online update for a $20 fee, or you can wait until your renewal. Many people skip the new card and just keep the confirmation letter as proof of their current address.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington gives you 30 days from your move date to report the address change to the Department of Licensing.
  • The online update at dol.wa.gov takes about 10 minutes and is free if you don't order a new card.
  • You can also mail a completed form or visit a DOL office in person, but online is the fastest option.
  • Your current license stays valid even after you update your address; a new card with the new address costs $20 if you want it before your renewal date.
  • The DOL will send you a confirmation letter by mail within two weeks of your online update.

Online address change through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Change Address" option under the driver's license section. You'll be asked to log in or create an account using your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Have your new address ready, including the ZIP code.

The system will confirm your identity and show you your current address on file. Review it carefully before submitting, because the change is recorded when ready in the DOL database. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot.

Within two weeks, the DOL will mail you a confirmation letter to your new address. This letter serves as proof of your address change and is often accepted by banks, insurance companies, and other institutions that need to verify your current address.

Mailing in your address change

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed form to the Department of Licensing. read the "Change of Address" form from dol.wa.gov or request one by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill in your driver's license number, name, old address, and new address.

Mail the form to the address listed on the DOL website — it varies by region, so check before you send it. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. Processing by mail takes three to four weeks.

You do not need to include payment for a mail-in address change. The DOL will send you a confirmation letter once the change is recorded.

In-person address change at a DOL office

You can walk into any Washington Department of Licensing office and report your address change at the counter. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, rental agreement, or mortgage statement all work. The process takes about 15 minutes.

The staff member will update your address in the system on the spot. You'll receive a receipt showing the change was recorded. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can order it at that time for $20; it will be mailed to your new address within two weeks.

DOL office hours and locations vary. Search for the office nearest you on dol.wa.gov, or call 360-902-3900 to confirm hours before you go.

What happens if you miss the 30-day window

Washington law requires the address change within 30 days, but there is no automatic penalty for reporting it late. However, if you're stopped by law enforcement and your license shows an outdated address, an officer may cite you for failing to report the change. The fine is typically $124.

More practically, an outdated address can cause problems with vehicle registration renewal, insurance claims, and court notices. If you've moved and haven't updated your address yet, do it as soon as you can, even if you're past the 30-day mark.

Ordering a new card with your new address

If you want a physical card showing your new address before your license expires, you have two options. During an online address update, you can check the box to order a new card for $20. By mail or in person, you can also request a new card at the time you report your address change.

The new card will be mailed to your new address within two weeks. Your old card remains valid until it expires; the new card straightforward has the updated address printed on it. If your license is expiring within the next year anyway, many people skip the $20 fee and just wait for the renewal.

Address changes for commercial and motorcycle licenses

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement, the address change process is the same. Use the online system, mail the form, or visit a DOL office in person. You'll need the same documents and information as for a standard driver's license.

CDL holders should be aware that some employers require proof of a current address on file. If you're moving, update your address with the DOL and then notify your employer's safety or HR department so they have the confirmation letter or receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address with the vehicle registration too?

Yes. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. Update your address with the DOL for your license, and update it with your vehicle registration through the same DOL website or by mail. You can often do both at the same time online.

What if I move out of state?

Your Washington license remains valid in other states, but you should update your address with the DOL to reflect where you actually live. If you've moved permanently to another state, you'll eventually need to get a license from that state, but there's no important date to do so when ready.

Can I change my address without getting a new card?

Yes. The address change itself is free and doesn't require a new card. Your current license stays valid; the DOL just updates the address in their system and sends you a confirmation letter. A new physical card costs $20 and is optional.

How long does the online address change take?

The online update takes about 10 minutes to complete. The change is recorded when ready in the DOL system. The confirmation letter arrives by mail within two weeks.

What documents do I need to show my new address?

For in-person or mail updates, bring one document showing your new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. The document must show your name and the new address clearly.