Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a licensing office

Washington State lets you update your address without renewing your license early. You can do this online through the Department of Licensing website, by mail with a form and proof of residence, or by walking into any licensing office with your current license and an address document. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits are when ready but require you to go during office hours.

You do not need a new photo or to retake a test. Washington only requires you to notify the state of your new address so mail reaches you and your records stay current. Your license itself stays valid until its expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Department of Licensing website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with no appointment needed.
  • By mail, you send form DL 43 with a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your new address, and processing takes one to two weeks.
  • In-person at any Washington licensing office, bring your current license and one document proving your new address, and the change is when ready.
  • Your license photo and expiration date do not change — only your address record updates.

Changing your address online

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Change Address" option under the driver's license section. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. There is no fee.

After you submit, you should see a confirmation page. Washington processes online changes within one business day, though the change may not appear in their system when ready. You do not receive a new physical license — your current one remains valid. If you move again later, you can update the address the same way.

Changing your address by mail

read or request form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Department of Licensing website or any licensing office. Fill in your name, license number, and new address. You must include one document that shows your new address and is dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents are a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement with your name and address on it.

Mail the completed form and your address document to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include a copy of both sides of your current license if you want to be extra careful, though it is not required. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your envelope. You will not receive confirmation in the mail — the change straightforward appears in their system.

Changing your address in person at a licensing office

Bring your current Washington driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Walk into any Department of Licensing office during business hours. You do not need an appointment for an address change.

Tell the staff member you are updating your address. They will scan your license and the address document, confirm your new address on screen, and the change is complete when ready. There is no fee. Your current license remains valid — you leave with the same card you brought in.

What documents prove your new address

Washington accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and full address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the easiest option. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your name and address. Property tax bills and bank statements also count. A post office change-of-address form does not count — you need something that shows the address itself, not just a request to forward mail.

If you do not have any of these documents yet because you just moved, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address. Some will email it to you when ready. If you are staying with someone temporarily and do not have a lease, a notarized letter from the homeowner stating you live there can work, though calling your local licensing office first to confirm is wise.

Timing and what happens next

Online changes process within one business day. Mail takes one to two weeks depending on postal delivery and processing volume. In-person changes are when ready. After your address updates, Washington will send future renewal notices and any official mail to your new address. If you are expecting a renewal notice and recently moved, the notice may go to your old address if the change has not yet processed — contact the Department of Licensing if you do not receive it within the expected timeframe.

Your license itself does not change. The photo, expiration date, and license number all stay the same. Only the address on file updates. If you lose your license after changing the address, a replacement will print with your new address on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address before I move or after?

You can change it either way. Many people do it after they move and have a utility bill or lease showing the new address. If you change it before moving, you will need a document dated within 60 days showing the new address, which may be harder to get in advance. Either timing works — just make sure you have the right document when you submit.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Washington address?

If you no longer live in Washington, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of updating the Washington address. Washington will eventually deactivate your license if you do not renew it, but updating the address to an out-of-state location can cause confusion with mail and records. Contact the Department of Licensing if you need guidance on your specific situation.

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, go to a licensing office with proof of residency and your Social Security card to renew it, and you can update the address at the same time. Online renewal is available if your license expired less than five years ago.

Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?

No. Your current license card stays the same. The address in Washington's system updates, but the physical card you carry does not change. When you renew your license at its expiration date, the new card will print with your current address at that time.

How do I know if my address change went through?

For online changes, you see a confirmation page when ready. For mail, you can call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 after two weeks and give them your license number to confirm. For in-person changes, the staff member tells you it is complete before you leave. If you are unsure, calling the licensing office is the fastest way to verify.