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

Georgia allows you to update your address without renewing your license, and the fastest method is online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a test — you are only changing the address printed on your card. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail in a form or visit a DDS office in person, though both take longer.

The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you have access to a printer and valid payment method. Online is fastest; mail takes one to two weeks; in-person is when ready but requires a trip to an office during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Georgia DDS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with no office visit required.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to change your address online.
  • If you change your address in person at a DDS office, the update is when ready and you leave with a temporary paper license valid until your new card arrives by mail.
  • Mailing in a change-of-address form takes one to two weeks and requires you to print and sign the form, then mail it with a check or money order.
  • Your new license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your change is processed, regardless of which method you use.

Changing your address online through the DDS website

Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" or "Update Your Information." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct.

Enter your new address in the fields provided. Make sure the street address, city, state, and ZIP code are all correct — this is what will print on your new card. You will then be asked to review the information one more time before submitting. At the end, you will pay a small fee using a debit or credit card. Georgia charges a fee for address changes even though you are not renewing; the amount varies but is typically under $10. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

Your new license card will be mailed to the address you just entered. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, your old card with the old address is still valid for identification purposes.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

Bring your current Georgia driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or passport.

Walk into any DDS office during business hours — no appointment is required for address changes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Tell the clerk you need to change your address. They will take your license, update the information in the system, and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for identification until your new card arrives by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days. You will not pay a fee if you change your address in person at a DDS office.

To find the DDS office nearest you, go to dds.georgia.gov and use the office locator tool. You can also call the DDS customer service line to confirm hours before you go.

Changing your address by mail

read the Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate License) from the Georgia DDS website, or call DDS customer service to request it be mailed to you. Print the form and fill in all required fields, including your current license number, date of birth, and new address. Sign and date the form — it must be signed by you, not printed.

Include a check or money order for the fee (typically under $10) made payable to "Georgia Department of Driver Services." Do not send cash. Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the DDS website — the mailing address is on the form itself. Include a copy of proof of your new address if you want to be thorough, though it is not always required for mail-in address changes.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DDS receives your form. Your new license card will be mailed to the address you provided. If you need to know whether your form arrived, call DDS customer service with your license number and they can tell you the status.

What to do if your address change is urgent

If you need proof of your new address before your new card arrives, the in-person method is your only option. When you change your address at a DDS office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for identification and shows your new address. It remains valid until your new card arrives in the mail.

If you have already submitted an online or mail request and need the change faster, you can go to a DDS office and request an expedited reprint. You will pay a fee for this service. Call DDS customer service first to ask about expedited options and fees in your area.

What happens after your address change is processed

Once your change is submitted through any method, the DDS system updates your record when ready or within one business day. Your new license card is printed and mailed to your new address. The card itself takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after processing.

While you wait, your old license is still valid. You can use it for identification, driving, and any other purpose. When your new card arrives, the old one becomes invalid and you should destroy it or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to turn it in.

If your new card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DDS customer service with your confirmation number (if you changed your address online) or your license number. They can check the status and remail the card if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within Georgia?

Yes. Your driver's license must show your current address. If you move to a new address within Georgia, you should update it within a reasonable time. There is no specific important date, but having an outdated address can cause problems if you are stopped by police or need to use your license for identification.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. You must renew your license first, then change the address. If your license is expired, you cannot use the online address-change service. Go to a DDS office with your expired license and proof of your new address, and ask about renewing and changing your address at the same time.

What if I move out of Georgia?

If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. You do not need to formally cancel your Georgia license, but you should not use it as your primary ID once you have a license from your new state. Some states require you to surrender your out-of-state license when you get a new one.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company may need to know about your move for rating purposes, but that is a separate process — contact your insurance agent directly. The DDS does not notify your insurance company when you change your address.

What if the address on my license is wrong and I did not move there?

If your license shows an address you never lived at, go to a DDS office in person with proof of your correct address. Bring your license and a document showing your real address (utility bill, lease, bank statement). Explain the error to the clerk and they will correct it. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready.