The fastest way to update your address in Georgia
You can change your address on your Georgia driver's license online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is the quickest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $0. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests. Georgia will mail you an updated license with your new address within 7 to 10 business days.
You must update your address within 30 days of moving. If you do not, you risk getting a ticket if you are stopped by police, since your license will show an address where you no longer live. The good news is that the process itself is straightforward once you know which route to take.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Georgia DDS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your new address, and a valid email address to change your address online.
- If you cannot go online, you can mail a completed form to the DDS address or visit a DDS office in person with your license and proof of your new address.
- Georgia law requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving, so do not wait until you receive a notice.
Changing your address online through the DDS website
Go to the Georgia DDS website and look for the "Change of Address" option under the online services section. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your new street address, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
Once you complete the online form and submit it, you will receive a confirmation email. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to pay anything, and your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Mailing in your address change
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail your request to the Georgia DDS. read the "Change of Address" form from the DDS website or call 678-413-8400 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with a copy of your current driver's license to the address listed on the form.
Include proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail processing takes longer than the online method — typically 2 to 3 weeks for your request to be processed, plus another 7 to 10 days for your new license to arrive. This route works well if you do not have reliable internet access or prefer a paper trail.
Updating your address in person at a DDS office
You can walk into any Georgia DDS office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The staff will update your information on the spot, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
This method is useful if you need to handle other driver's license business at the same time, such as renewing your license or updating your name. DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, and some locations offer extended hours. Check the DDS website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you go.
What counts as proof of your new address
Georgia accepts several types of documents as proof of your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and new street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government-issued document with your new address, or a property tax bill.
A post office change-of-address confirmation does not count as proof of your new address for DDS purposes. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Some DDS offices will accept this in place of an official document.
What happens if you miss the 30-day important date
Georgia law says you must update your address within 30 days of moving. If you are stopped by police and your license shows an old address, you can receive a ticket for failing to update your information. The ticket itself is usually a misdemeanor with a fine, though the exact penalty varies by county.
The good news is that updating your address after the important date works the same way as updating it on time — you use the same online form, mail process, or in-person visit. There is no separate "late" process or additional fee. Update your address as soon as you realize you have missed the important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my old license when I change my address online?
No. The online system only needs your license number, which you can read from your current license. You do not need to mail in or surrender your old license. It remains valid until your new license arrives.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can update your address on an expired license through any of the three methods. However, if your license expired more than a certain time ago, you may need to renew it at the same time. Contact the DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm whether your license can be updated without renewal.
How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address?
The DDS typically mails your updated license within 7 to 10 business days of processing your request. Online requests are processed fastest, usually within 1 to 2 business days. Mail and in-person requests may take a few extra days to process before the license is printed and mailed.
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
You can submit another address change request. If your new license has not arrived yet, you can update your address again through the online system or by visiting a DDS office. The DDS will send your license to your most recent address on file.
Is there a fee to change my address on my Georgia driver's license?
No. Changing your address is free through all three methods — online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you are also renewing your license or making other changes that require a new photo or testing.