The fastest way to change your address in Washington

You can change your address on your Washington driver's license online through the Department of Licensing website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you do not need to visit an office or pay a fee. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form or walk into any Washington licensing office with proof of your new address. In-person visits usually take 15 to 30 minutes. Mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks from the time the Department receives your form.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Department of Licensing website is free and the fastest option, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you change your address online or by mail, you keep your current license number and expiration date — you do not need to renew.
  • In-person changes at a licensing office take about 15 to 30 minutes and require the same address proof plus your current license.
  • If your address change involves moving to a different county, the process is the same — Washington does not require separate county registration.

Changing your address online through the Department of Licensing

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Change Address" option under driver's license services. 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.

After you submit, the Department sends a confirmation email. Your new license is printed and mailed to your new address. You will receive it in 7 to 10 business days. Your license number and expiration date do not change — only the address on the card itself.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no fee for an address change, whether you do it online, by mail, or in person.

What proof of address you need

Washington requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax records, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card.

If you are changing your address online, you do not submit proof at that moment — the Department may ask for it later if they need to verify your information. If you are changing your address in person or by mail, bring the document with you or include a copy.

If you do not have a document in your name yet, you can use a bill in a household member's name along with a signed statement from that person confirming you live there. Some licensing offices accept this; others do not, so call ahead if you are planning an in-person visit.

Changing your address by mail

read the "Change of Address" form from the Department of Licensing website (form DL 43). Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Make a copy of your address proof and mail both the form and the copy to the address listed on the form.

The Department processes mail requests in the order they arrive. Processing typically takes two to three weeks after they receive your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your new address once it is printed.

Keep a record of when you mail the form. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status.

Changing your address in person at a licensing office

Find your nearest licensing office on the Department of Licensing website. Bring your current driver's license and a document showing your new address (dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system — check before you go.

Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will verify your information, take a new photo if required by your license type, and process the change. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license is mailed to your new address in 7 to 10 business days.

Some offices are busier than others. If you go early in the morning on a weekday, you will usually wait less time than if you go in the afternoon or on a weekend.

What happens after you submit your address change

Once you submit your address change — whether online, by mail, or in person — the Department processes it and prints a new license card with your new address. Your license number stays the same. Your expiration date does not change. You do not need to renew your license early.

Your new license is mailed to the new address you provided. If you move again before it arrives, you can submit another address change. The Department will mail the license to your most recent address on file.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your old license is still valid. You can use it until the new one comes in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move to a different county in Washington?

No. Washington does not require separate county registration for driver's licenses. You only need to update your address with the Department of Licensing, regardless of which county you move to. The process is the same.

What if I move out of state — do I need to do anything with my Washington license?

If you move out of state and plan to stay there, you should get a driver's license from your new state. You do not have to return your Washington license, but you should not use it as your primary ID once you are a resident of another state. Check your new state's requirements for when you must get a license.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through the online system, by mail, or in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than a few years, some licensing offices may ask you to renew it at the same time. Call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Most new licenses arrive in 7 to 10 business days after the Department prints them. This timeline applies whether you change your address online, by mail, or in person. Mail delivery times can vary, so allow up to two weeks if you are in a remote area.

What if I do not receive my new license after three weeks?

Contact the Department of Licensing to check the status. Have your license number and date of birth ready. They can tell you whether the license has been mailed and provide a tracking number if available. If the license was lost in the mail, the Department can reissue it.