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

Washington State allows you to change your driver's license address online through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or by visiting a DOL office in person. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving 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 current license remains valid; only the address on file changes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online at dol.wa.gov, by mail, or in person at any Department of Licensing office without paying a fee.
  • Online changes take effect when ready, while mail and in-person updates may take several business days to appear in the system.
  • You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your physical license card will not change — only the address in the Department of Licensing database updates, so you can keep using your current card.
  • If you are moving out of state or your license is expiring soon, an address change alone may not be enough and you should contact DOL directly.

Changing your address online through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Change Address" option in the driver's license section. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.

After you submit the change online, it takes effect in the Department of Licensing system right away. However, the address may take a few business days to sync with other state agencies and databases. Your physical license card itself does not change — you keep using the card you have now, even though the address on file is different. If you need a new card with the updated address printed on it, you would need to renew your license, which involves a separate process and a fee.

Changing your address by mail

Print the address change form from the DOL website (form DL 43) 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 signature. Include a copy of your proof of address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter; the change is complete when it appears in the system. If you need to confirm the change went through, you can call DOL or check online using your license number.

Changing your address in person at a DOL office

Bring your current Washington driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax document or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and new address.

Walk into any Department of Licensing office during business hours. Tell the staff member you need to change your address. They will verify your identity using your license, check your proof of address, and update the record in the system. The change takes effect when ready. You will receive a receipt showing the update was completed. Your physical license card does not change, but the address in the state database is updated right away.

What counts as proof of your new address

The Department of Licensing 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 form of proof. A lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or government mail (tax forms, voter registration, court documents) all work.

The document must be in your name. If you just moved and have not received mail at your new address yet, ask your utility company, landlord, or bank for a statement or letter on their letterhead showing your new address. Some people use a lease agreement signed by both tenant and landlord, which counts even if it is dated before you moved in, as long as the move-in date is listed and has passed.

Timeline and what happens after you change your address

Online changes appear in the DOL system when ready. Mail and in-person changes take one to three business days to process. Once the change is recorded, it updates the address used for vehicle registration renewals, voter registration (if you have registered to vote in Washington), and other state services linked to your driver's license.

Your current physical license card remains valid and does not need to be replaced just because your address changed. You can continue using it for identification. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you would need to renew your license, which involves a fee and a separate process process. Most people keep their current card and straightforward use the updated address on file with the state.

If you are moving out of state or your license is expiring soon

If you are relocating to another state, changing your Washington address will not transfer your license. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe they require (usually 30 to 60 days after moving). You can change your Washington address before you leave if you want to keep your Washington license active, but most people get a new license in their new state instead.

If your Washington license expires within the next few months, you may want to renew it before moving rather than just changing the address. Renewing gives you a fresh license valid for several more years. Contact the Department of Licensing to ask whether renewing or changing your address makes more sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I just moved?

Washington law requires you to notify the Department of Licensing of a new address within a reasonable time. There is no specific important date listed in state law, but updating your address within 30 days of moving is standard practice. Changing your address keeps your voter registration and vehicle registration records accurate.

Will changing my address cost me anything?

No. Changing your address is free. You only pay a fee if you renew your license or request a replacement card with the new address printed on it. A straightforward address change in the system has no cost.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes, you can still update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change is a separate transaction from your license status. However, if your license is suspended or revoked, you should contact the Department of Licensing about your specific situation, as there may be other steps you need to take.

How long does it take for my new address to show up when someone looks up my license?

Online changes appear in the DOL system when ready. In-person changes typically take one to three business days. Mail changes take two to three weeks. Once updated, the address appears when law enforcement or other authorized parties look up your license record.

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

You can use a bank statement, credit card statement, mortgage statement, or government mail such as a tax form or voter registration card. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. If you have none of these, contact the Department of Licensing to ask what other documents they accept in your situation.