Georgia lets you change your driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office

You can update your address on a Georgia driver's license without renewing the license itself. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) offers three routes: an online change through their website, a mail-in form, or a visit to a local DDS office. Which one you choose depends on whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license, how quickly you need the change, and whether you prefer to handle it from home or in person.

The online method is fastest if your license is REAL ID-compliant — the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner. If your license does not have that star, or if you want to verify the exact requirements before you start, calling your local DDS office at the number on the back of your license can save time. Mail and in-person routes work for any license type.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes work only for REAL ID-compliant Georgia licenses and take a few minutes from your computer.
  • Mail-in changes require the DDS form DL 43 and take two to three weeks; you do not need to renew your license to use this method.
  • In-person changes at a DDS office are when ready and work for any license type, but require a trip and a valid ID.
  • You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • A straightforward address change does not cost money, but if you also request a replacement card, DDS charges a small fee.

Online address change through the DDS website

If your Georgia driver's license has a gold star (REAL ID-compliant), you can change your address on the official DDS website without leaving home. Go to the Georgia DDS portal, log in or create an account, and follow the prompts to update your address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.

Once you submit the change online, DDS processes it when ready. Your new address takes effect right away in their system, though the physical card in your wallet will still show the old address until your license expires or you request a replacement. If you need a new card with the updated address printed on it, you can order one through the same portal for a fee, or wait until your next renewal.

If you do not have a REAL ID license or you run into trouble logging in, the mail and in-person methods below will work instead.

Mail-in address change using form DL 43

To change your address by mail, read or request the form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Georgia DDS website or by calling your local DDS office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the DDS website for your region. Processing takes two to three weeks. You do not need to include your physical license card or pay a fee for a straightforward address change. Once DDS processes your request, your address updates in their system, but your card will still show the old address until you renew or order a replacement.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you do not hear back within four weeks, contact your local DDS office to confirm receipt.

In-person address change at a DDS office

You can walk into any Georgia DDS office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address and change it on the spot. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address — utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, insurance bill, or bank statement all work. The staff will update your record when ready, and your address changes in the system right away.

Your physical license card will still show the old address unless you request a replacement card at the same time. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, DDS will charge a replacement fee. Without a replacement, the change is free.

DDS offices are open during standard business hours, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the week or early in the morning often means shorter lines. You can find your nearest office and current hours on the Georgia DDS website.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia DDS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance policies, and bank or credit card statements all may have access to. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo or printout is usually not accepted.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, some DDS offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on letterhead, along with a copy of your lease. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm what they will accept in your situation.

When you need a replacement card with your new address

If you want a new physical license card printed with your updated address, you can request it at the same time you change your address. In-person at a DDS office, you can ask for a replacement card on the spot and pay the fee. Online through the DDS portal, you can order a replacement card after updating your address. By mail, you can note on the form DL 43 that you want a replacement card and include payment.

The replacement fee varies depending on your license type and how long until your next renewal. Check the current fee on the Georgia DDS website or ask when you visit an office. A replacement card takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail after you request it.

Address changes and vehicle registration

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must update your registration separately with the Georgia Department of Revenue if your address has changed. You can renew or update your vehicle registration online through the Georgia DOR website, by mail, or at a local tag office.

Georgia law requires you to notify the state of an address change within 30 days, so handle both your license and registration promptly. Keeping them in sync also ensures you receive renewal notices and any official correspondence at the correct address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to renew my license to change my address?

No. An address change is separate from a license renewal. You can update your address anytime without renewing your license. Your license remains valid until its expiration date, and you only need to renew it when DDS notifies you or when it expires.

How long does it take for an address change to show up in the system?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes are when ready. However, your physical card will still show the old address until you request a replacement or renew your license.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Georgia license?

You can change your address to an out-of-state address using any of the three methods. However, Georgia law requires you to get a license from your new state within a certain timeframe. Check your new state's requirements, as most states require you to obtain a license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.

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

You can change your address on an expired license through mail or in person. If your license is suspended, contact your local DDS office first — you may need to resolve the suspension before updating your address, depending on the reason for the suspension.

What if the address change does not go through online?

If the online system rejects your change or you cannot log in, try the mail-in or in-person method instead. Call your local DDS office to ask whether your license is REAL ID-compliant or whether there is a flag on your record preventing the online update.