Where to change your driver's license address

You change your driver's license address at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not online and not by mail in most states. The exact name varies — some states call it the Secretary of State's office, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, or the Department of Transportation — but it is the same agency that issued your license.

You have three ways to do it: in person at a DMV office, by mail if your state allows it, or through a third-party vendor if your state contracts with one. In-person is fastest and carries the least risk of rejection. Mail takes two to four weeks. Third-party vendors (often found at grocery stores or vehicle registration offices) exist in about half the states and can be quicker than the DMV office itself, though they charge a small fee on top of the state's fee.

Start by visiting your state DMV's website and searching for "change address" or "update address." The site will tell you which method your state allows and whether you need an appointment. Many states now require appointments for in-person visits, and slots can fill weeks ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to your state's DMV office, mail a form, or use a third-party vendor — there is no online option in any state.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a completed address-change form if your state requires you to print one first.
  • In-person visits take 15 to 45 minutes depending on wait times; mail takes two to four weeks; third-party vendors are often faster but charge an extra fee.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks after you submit the change, and you can use your old license until it arrives.

What documents you need to bring

You will need three things: your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and (in some states) a completed form. Check your state DMV website to see if you need to fill out a form before you go, because some states require it and others do not.

Proof of address must be a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a credit card statement or a cell phone bill — most states do not accept those. If you do not have a document in your name yet, bring two documents that together prove your move: a signed lease plus a utility bill in a roommate's name, for example, or a purchase agreement plus a recent bank statement.

Bring your current license even if it is expired, because the DMV uses it to verify your identity and pull up your record. If you have lost your license, bring a state ID card, passport, or birth certificate instead.

Changing your address in person at the DMV

Call or visit your state DMV website to find the office nearest you and check whether it requires appointments. If it does, book one online or by phone — walk-ins are often turned away. Bring your license, proof of address, and the form if your state requires it.

At the counter, tell the clerk you want to change your address. Hand over your documents. The clerk will verify your identity, check that your proof of address is acceptable, and update your record in the system. You will pay a fee (usually $5 to $25, depending on your state) and receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within one to three weeks.

You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives and are worried about the address mismatch, you can bring the receipt from the DMV as proof of the change, though most police officers will not ask for it during a traffic stop.

Changing your address by mail

Not all states allow mail-in address changes. Check your state DMV website first. If yours does, read or request the address-change form, fill it out completely, and mail it with your proof of address and a check or money order for the fee to the address listed on the form.

Mail takes longer — expect two to four weeks for the DMV to receive your form, process it, and mail your new license back to you. Include a return address on your envelope so the DMV can send your new license there. Some states ask you to include a copy of your old license as well; check the form's instructions.

Keep a copy of everything you mail, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, call the DMV to confirm they received your form.

Using a third-party vendor

About 25 states contract with third-party vendors to handle address changes. These are usually located at grocery stores, vehicle registration offices, or tag agencies. They charge an extra fee — typically $5 to $15 on top of the state fee — but often have shorter wait times than the DMV office.

Find a vendor location on your state DMV website by searching "third-party vendor" or "authorized agent." Bring the same documents you would bring to the DMV: your license, proof of address, and any required form. The vendor will process your change on the spot, take your fee, and send your information to the DMV. Your new license will arrive by mail in one to three weeks, just as it would from the DMV office.

The trade-off is convenience for cost. If your DMV office has a long wait or requires an appointment weeks out, a vendor can be worth the extra fee. If your DMV has short waits, the vendor fee is money you do not need to spend.

What happens after you submit the change

Once you submit your address change — whether in person, by mail, or through a vendor — the DMV updates your record when ready (or within a few days if you mailed it). Your new license is printed and mailed to your new address. You will receive it within one to three weeks.

Until your new license arrives, your old license is still valid for driving, even though the address on it is wrong. You do not need to do anything else. If you move again before your new license arrives, you can submit another address change, and the DMV will mail the license to your most recent address.

If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact your state DMV. Bring your receipt from the change you submitted. The DMV can check whether the license was mailed and, if it was lost, reissue it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online?

No state allows you to change your driver's license address online. You must go in person, mail a form, or use a third-party vendor. Some states let you renew your license online, but address changes are not included in that option.

Do I need an appointment at the DMV?

Many states now require appointments for in-person visits, especially after the pandemic. Check your state DMV website to see if appointments are required or recommended. If they are required and you show up without one, you will likely be turned away.

What if my proof of address is not in my name yet?

Bring two documents that together prove your move and identity. A signed lease in your name plus a utility bill in a roommate's name, or a purchase agreement plus a bank statement, usually works. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm what combination they will accept.

Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one?

Yes. Your old license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives. The address mismatch is not a problem. You can use your DMV receipt as proof that you have submitted a change if you need it, though you rarely will.

What if I move again before my new license arrives?

Submit another address change. The DMV will mail your new license to your most recent address. You only pay the fee once per change, so you will pay it again for the second move.