You can change your Georgia driver license address online through the DDS website, but only if your license is current and you have not had a name change
Georgia's Department of Driver Services (DDS) lets you update your address online at dds.georgia.gov without visiting an office. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. Your new address appears on your license when ready in the system, though the physical card in your mailbox will still show the old address until your next renewal.
The online method works only if your current license has not expired and you have not changed your legal name. If either of those applies to you, you must visit a DDS office in person or use the mail option instead.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's online address change is free and takes about 10 minutes through the DDS website.
- Your new address is active in the system right away, even though your physical card still shows the old one.
- You cannot use the online method if your license is expired or if you have changed your legal name.
- If you are ineligible for online, you can mail a completed form or visit a DDS office with proof of your new address.
What you need before you start the online process
Have your current Georgia driver license number and your Social Security number ready. You will also need a valid email address where DDS can send you a confirmation. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
Make sure you have your new address written down exactly as you want it to appear. Georgia's system will not accept a P.O. box as a mailing address for a driver license, so use a street address instead.
Step-by-step: completing the address change online
Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" from the menu. Enter your driver license number and Social Security number when prompted. The system will ask you several security questions to confirm your identity — these are based on information from your license file and credit history.
Once you pass the identity check, you will see a form with your current address pre-filled. Delete the old address and type in your new one. Review it carefully for spelling and numbers. Click submit, and you will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. That email serves as your proof that the change went through.
When the online method will not work for you
If your Georgia driver license has expired, the online system will reject your request at the identity verification step. The same happens if you have changed your legal name since your license was issued — the system cannot match your current name to your license file.
You also cannot use the online method if you are changing your address because you moved out of Georgia. If you now live in another state, you need to explore for a license in that state instead. Georgia does not issue out-of-state address changes on existing licenses.
Using the mail option if you cannot go online
read form DL 43 from the DDS website or pick one up at any DDS office. Fill in your driver license number, current name, and new address. Attach a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Mail the form and your document to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to include your physical license card. DDS will send you a confirmation letter when the change is complete.
Visiting a DDS office in person
If you prefer to handle this face-to-face, any DDS office can process an address change on the spot. Bring your current driver license and one document showing your new address. The office will update your record when ready, and you will leave with confirmation.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment for an address change — it is a walk-in service. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can give you a sense of how busy your nearest office is.
What happens after you change your address
Your new address is active in Georgia's system right away. Law enforcement, courts, and other agencies will see your updated address when they look up your license. However, your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it.
You do not need to get a new card printed just for an address change. When your license comes up for renewal — typically every 8 years for adults — you will receive the renewed card with your current address. If you need a replacement card sooner for some reason, you can request one at a DDS office, but there is a fee for that service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see my new address in the system?
The online method updates your address in Georgia's system within minutes. You will receive a confirmation email as proof. The physical card in your wallet will not change until your next renewal, but police and government agencies will see your new address when ready when they look up your license.
Can I change my address if I moved to another state?
No. Georgia only updates addresses for people who still live in Georgia. If you have moved out of state, you need to explore for a driver license in your new state. You can keep your Georgia license as a second ID if you want, but you cannot change its address to an out-of-state location.
What if the online system says my identity cannot be verified?
This usually means the security questions did not match your file, or your license is expired. Try again with different answers if you think you made a mistake. If it fails a second time, use the mail option or visit a DDS office with your license and proof of your new address.
Do I have to bring my physical license card to change my address online?
No. The online process only needs your license number and Social Security number. You do not mail in your card or show it to anyone. If you use the mail option, you also do not need to send the physical card — just the form and your proof of address.
Will my insurance company automatically see my new address?
No. Your insurance company does not automatically pull updates from Georgia's driver license system. You need to contact your insurance company separately and tell them your new address. Updating your license does not update your policy.