Change your address online, by mail, or in person at the DMV
North Carolina lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new license card. You can do this online through the NC Division of Motor Vehicles website, by mail with a form and proof of your new address, or by visiting a DMV office in person. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your record updates the same day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits are when ready but require you to go to a DMV location during business hours.
You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. Your current license stays valid; only your address record changes in the system. If you have moved out of state or your license is expired, you will need to renew instead of just updating the address.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the NC DMV website is the fastest option and updates your address the same day at no cost.
- You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
- Mailing in a form (DL 43) with proof takes 7 to 10 business days and requires you to include a copy of your driver's license.
- If your license is expired or you moved out of state, you must renew your license instead of just changing your address.
- Your current license card remains valid during and after the address change — you do not receive a new card.
Update your address online through the NC DMV website
Go to ncdmv.org and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Address Change" or "Update Your Information." You will need 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 record and ask you to enter your new address.
After you submit the new address, the system will ask you to upload or photograph proof of your address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your new location. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Take a clear photo or scan if you are uploading — the DMV system needs to read the address and date clearly.
Once you submit, your address updates in the DMV system the same day. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your physical license card does not change, but your address is now correct in the state database. If you need a new card with the updated address printed on it, you can order one for a fee through the same online system, but this is optional.
Mail in the address change form with proof documents
read or request the Form DL 43 (Address Change) from the NC DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. Make a copy of the front and back of your driver's license and include it with the form.
Attach proof of your new address — the same documents accepted online work by mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). Mail the completed form, your license copies, and proof of address to the address listed on the form. The DMV processes mail requests in the order received, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
You will not receive a new card in the mail. Your address updates in the system, and your current license remains valid. If you want a card printed with your new address, you will need to order it separately and pay a fee.
Visit a DMV office in person for an when ready update
Find your nearest DMV office on ncdmv.org and check the hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail from the last 60 days), and proof of residency if required by your county. Some offices ask for additional documents, so call ahead or check the office's specific requirements on the website.
Walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment if your office offers them — appointments are faster and reduce wait time. Tell the staff member you need an address change. They will verify your documents, update your record in the system, and you are done. The change is when ready. You do not receive a new card unless you request one and pay the fee.
What to do if your license is expired or you moved out of state
If your North Carolina driver's license expired more than three years ago, you cannot just change the address — you must renew the entire license. The renewal process includes the address update. You can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on how long it has been since your license was issued.
If you moved to another state, your North Carolina license is no longer valid for driving. You need to get a driver's license from your new state. You cannot update only the address on an out-of-state license through North Carolina.
Proof of address documents the DMV accepts
The DMV accepts the following as proof of your new address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- Lease agreement or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Government mail (tax notice, voter registration, court document)
- Insurance policy or insurance bill
- Pay stub with your address
Documents older than 60 days will not be accepted. If you just moved and do not have a recent document yet, wait until you receive a utility bill or other dated mail at your new address before you submit your change request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new license card when I change my address?
No. Your current card stays valid and does not change. Only your address in the DMV database updates. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can order one through the online system or at a DMV office, but you will pay a fee for this optional service.
How long does it take for my address to update?
Online changes update the same day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits at a DMV office are when ready. Your license remains valid during the entire process — you do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes, you can update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect your suspension or revocation status. However, you cannot drive legally until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
Wait until you receive a document dated within the last 60 days at your new address. This could be a utility bill, bank statement, or government mail. You cannot update your address without recent proof. If you are moving soon, you can submit your change request as soon as you have a dated document from your new location.
Can I change my address by phone or email?
No. The NC DMV only accepts address changes online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You cannot change your address by calling or emailing the DMV directly.