You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia DDS office
Georgia offers three ways to update the address on your driver's license or ID card. The fastest route is the online system if your license is current and you have a valid email address on file. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to the Department of Driver Services, or walk into any DDS office with proof of your new address. You do not need to renew your license early — the address change is free and does not affect your license's expiration date.
The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change and whether you have the required documents ready. Each route takes a different amount of time and asks for different proof, so knowing your options upfront saves a trip or a rejected form.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
- If you change your address by mail, send Form DL 43 with proof of your new address to the DDS mailing address, and expect the change to take two to four weeks.
- In-person changes at a DDS office take minutes but require you to bring an original or certified proof document showing your new address.
- Proof of address must be a recent document in your name — utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements are commonly accepted.
- You do not need to bring your physical license to change your address online or by mail, only your license number and personal information.
Changing your address online through the Georgia DDS website
The online method is the simplest if your license is not expired and you have access to email. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and look for the address change option in the "Online Services" section. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the email address currently on file with DDS. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.
Once you submit the change online, DDS will send you a confirmation email. Your address will update in their system within one business day in most cases. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires or you renew it. If you need proof of your new address for other purposes before your license expires, you can print the confirmation email or contact DDS directly.
If you do not remember the email address on file or cannot access it, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The online system will not let you proceed without matching the email DDS has for you.
Changing your address by mail with Form DL 43
To change your address by mail, read or request Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the Georgia DDS website or call 678-413-8400. Fill out the form with your current license number, name, date of birth, and new address. You must also include an original or certified copy of a document that shows your new address in your name.
Mail the completed form and proof document to: Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Do not send your physical license — DDS does not need it for an address change. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want written confirmation, though DDS will process the change whether or not you do.
Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. Your address will update in the DDS system, but again, your physical license will still show the old address until you renew it. If your mail gets lost, you can call DDS to confirm whether they received your form, or you can submit the change again.
What documents count as proof of your new address
DDS accepts original or certified copies of documents that show your name and new address. Common documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and complete new address.
If you do not have a recent document in your name, you can use a notarized letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating your name, new address, and the date you moved in. Some people also use a government-issued document like a voter registration card if it shows the new address, though DDS prefers utility or financial documents.
Do not send original documents by mail unless you can afford to lose them — send certified copies instead. If you are changing your address in person, bring the original so DDS can see it, but they will return it to you.
Changing your address in person at a DDS office
Walk into any Georgia DDS office with your driver's license and proof of your new address. You do not need an appointment for an address change. Tell the staff member you want to update your address, hand them your proof document, and they will process it on the spot. The entire transaction usually takes fewer than five minutes.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Georgia DDS website. If you go during lunch or late afternoon, wait times can be longer, so arriving early in the day or mid-week often means a shorter line.
After the in-person change, your address updates in the system when ready. Your physical license still shows the old address, but DDS records will reflect the new one right away. If you need proof of the change for a bank, employer, or other purpose, ask the staff member for a receipt or confirmation before you leave.
When your address change takes effect and what happens to your license
Your address updates in the Georgia DDS system within one business day of any of these three methods. However, the address printed on your physical license card does not change until you renew your license. This can feel confusing, but it is normal — DDS keeps your address current in their records for things like vehicle registration, tickets, and court notices, even though the card itself still shows the old address.
If you move and then get pulled over, the officer can see your current address on their computer. If you receive a ticket or a notice from the court, it will be sent to your new address on file. You do not need to carry proof of the address change with you, though keeping the confirmation email or receipt does not hurt.
When your license eventually expires and you renew it, the new card will print with your current address. Until then, the old address on the card is not a problem for most purposes.
What to do if you moved out of state or your license is expired
If you have moved to another state, you cannot update your Georgia address — you will need to get a license in your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to find out what documents and fees they require. You can keep your Georgia license as a form of ID, but it will not be valid for driving.
If your Georgia license is expired, you can still change the address in the system by mail or in person, but you cannot use the online method. The online system only works for current, valid licenses. Once you change your address by mail or in person, you can then renew your license at the same time or separately, depending on what is easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my physical license to change my address?
No, not for mail or online. For in-person changes, bring your license so the staff member can verify your identity and license number. For mail, you only need your license number written on the form — do not mail the card itself.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online system processes your change within one business day. You will receive a confirmation email when ready after you submit the form. Your address will be updated in DDS records, though your physical card will still show the old address until you renew.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. A suspension or revocation does not prevent you from updating your address. DDS needs your current address on file for legal notices and correspondence, so you can change it by mail or in person even if your license is not valid for driving.
What if the proof document I have is not in my name?
DDS requires the document to show your name and new address. If you do not have one, ask your landlord or property manager for a notarized letter on their letterhead stating your name, new address, and move-in date. That counts as acceptable proof.
Will changing my address cost me anything?
No. Address changes are free through all three methods — online, mail, and in person. You only pay a fee if you choose to renew your license at the same time, which is optional.