You can change your Georgia driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office
Georgia lets you update your address without getting a new license card. The fastest way is online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website — you can do it in minutes from home. If you prefer to go in person or need to handle other license business at the same time, you can visit a DDS office. Mail is also an option, though it takes longer.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. Your current license stays valid; only the address record updates in the system. This matters because some places — like banks or insurance companies — may ask to see your license, and they will see your old address until you update it.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest and requires only your license number, date of birth, and new address.
- You can change your address in person at any DDS office during business hours without an appointment at most locations.
- If you mail in a change, you will need to send a signed form and proof of your new address, and the process takes one to two weeks.
- Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but your record in the system updates right away.
- You must update your address within a certain timeframe after moving; check your state's residency rules if you are new to Georgia.
Changing your address online through the DDS website
Go to the Georgia DDS website and look for the address change option in the online services section. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your date of birth, and your new Georgia address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record or personal history.
Once you submit the change online, it takes effect when ready in the state system. You will receive a confirmation email or number. Your address is now updated for official records, vehicle registration, and any state databases that pull from the DDS system. Your physical card will not change — it will still print your old address — but that does not affect the validity of your license or the address on file.
Changing your address in person at a DDS office
Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website. Most offices do not require an appointment for address changes, though some busy locations may ask you to check wait times online first. Bring your current Georgia driver's license and one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works.
Tell the staff member you need an address change, not a renewal. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. They will update your record on the spot, and you will get a receipt. Like the online method, your physical card keeps your old address, but your official record updates when ready. If you also need to renew your license or handle another transaction, you can do that at the same visit.
Changing your address by mail
read the address change form from the Georgia DDS website — it is usually called the "Address Change Request" or similar. Fill it out completely, sign it, and include one document that proves your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Mail both to the address listed on the form, which is typically the DDS central office in Atlanta.
Processing by mail takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your envelope. You will not get a phone call or email confirmation — the change just appears in the system. If you need to know whether it went through, you can call the DDS customer service line or check online a few weeks after mailing. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up.
What counts as proof of your new address
Georgia accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or insurance policy also work. Some offices accept a letter from your employer or a government agency on official letterhead, though this is less common — call ahead if you plan to use something unusual.
The document must be an original or certified copy, not a photo or screenshot. If your name on the document does not exactly match your license (for example, you recently married and changed your name), bring a second document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are having trouble finding an acceptable document, call your local DDS office before you go in — they can tell you what they will accept.
Timeline and when your address takes effect
Online and in-person changes take effect the same day. Your address updates in the DDS system when ready, and any state agency or business that checks your record will see the new address right away. Mail-in changes take one to two weeks from receipt, depending on how busy the office is.
Your physical driver's license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license. Renewal happens every eight years for most adults in Georgia. If you need a card with your new address sooner — for example, because you are moving out of state or need it for identification purposes — you can request an early renewal, though this usually costs a fee and requires visiting an office in person.
If you moved out of state or to Georgia recently
If you just moved to Georgia and have a license from another state, you will need to get a Georgia license rather than just change an address. That is a separate process from an address change. If you moved out of Georgia and still have a Georgia license, you should update it to your new state's address or get a license in your new state, depending on your residency status and how long you plan to stay.
Georgia requires you to update your address within a certain timeframe after moving within the state — check the current rules on the DDS website or call to confirm the important date. If you have moved multiple times or are unsure whether your address is current, you can call DDS customer service with your license number and they will tell you what address they have on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my physical license card show my new address right away?
No. Your physical card keeps your old address until you renew your license. However, your address in the state system updates when ready, so any official record or database that pulls from DDS will show the new address. If you need a card with your new address printed on it, you would need to renew early, which usually involves a fee.
Can I change my address online if I have an out-of-state license?
No. The online address change tool only works for current Georgia licenses. If you have a license from another state, you will need to get a Georgia license first. Once you have a Georgia license, you can change the address online or through any of the other methods.
What if I do not have a document that proves my new address?
Call your local DDS office and explain your situation. They may accept alternative documents, such as a letter from a government agency, a lease without your name printed on it (if you bring ID), or other proof depending on your circumstances. Some offices are more flexible than others, so it is worth asking before you make a trip.
Do I have to change my address if I move within Georgia?
Yes, Georgia requires you to update your address within a set timeframe after moving. Check the DDS website or call for the current important date. Driving with an outdated address on file can cause problems with vehicle registration, insurance, and official records, so it is best to update it as soon as you can.
How long does it take to change my address by mail?
Mail-in address changes typically take one to two weeks from the date the DDS office receives your envelope. Processing time can vary depending on how busy the office is. You will not receive a confirmation call or email, so you can check online or call DDS a few weeks after mailing to confirm the change went through.