The fastest way to change your Georgia driver's license address

You can change your address online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website without visiting an office or paying a fee. Go to dds.ga.gov, select "Change Address," enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. The change takes effect when ready in their system, though your physical card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it.

If you prefer to change your address in person, you can visit any DDS office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. This also takes effect right away and costs nothing. The in-person route is useful if you want to update your address the same day or if you have questions about what documents count as proof.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through dds.ga.gov is free and takes a few minutes, with no office visit required.
  • You need your driver's license number and date of birth to change your address online.
  • Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and current address.
  • Your physical card will not update until you renew your license, but your address is correct in the DDS system when ready.
  • If you move out of state, you will need to get a new license in your new state rather than updating a Georgia license.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia DDS accepts several documents as proof of address. The most common are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a piece of government mail with your name and new address. The document must show your current address and be recent enough that it clearly reflects where you live now — typically within the last 60 days, though DDS does not publish a strict cutoff.

If you do not have any of these documents yet, you can use a notarized affidavit of residency signed by a notary public. This is a straightforward one-page form that states you live at your new address. You can find a notary at most banks, UPS stores, or through a local notary service. The affidavit costs a few dollars and takes minutes to complete.

Changing your address online step by step

Start by going to dds.ga.gov on your computer or phone. Look for the "Online Services" section and select "Change Address." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number (the number on the front of your card) and your date of birth. After you verify this information, you will enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in the system.

Review the address you entered to make sure it is correct — misspellings or wrong numbers will cause problems if you need to provide proof of address later. Once you confirm, the change is complete. You will see a confirmation message on screen, and your address is updated in the DDS database when ready. You do not need to print anything or visit an office.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

If you choose to visit an office, bring your current Georgia driver's license and one document that proves your new address. DDS offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours, though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and its hours on dds.ga.gov by entering your county or city.

Walk in during business hours — no appointment is needed for an address change. Tell the staff member you want to update your address, hand them your license and proof of address, and they will process it on the spot. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your address is updated when ready, and you will get your license back with no changes to the card itself.

When your physical card will show the new address

Your driver's license card itself will continue to display your old address until you renew your license. In Georgia, licenses expire on your birthday every eight years (or every five years if you are over 64). When you renew, you will receive a new card with your current address printed on it.

This does not cause problems in most situations. Police, banks, and other organizations can see your correct address in the system when they look up your license. The mismatch between your card and the system is normal and expected. If you need your address to match your card when ready — for example, if you are moving and want to show proof of your new address on the card itself — you would need to renew your license early, which costs the standard renewal fee.

What to do if you moved out of state

If you have moved to a different state, you cannot update your Georgia license address. Instead, you will need to get a driver's license in your new state. Each state has its own licensing process and requirements, so contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) to learn what documents you need and where to go.

You can keep your Georgia license as a second form of ID if you want, but it will not be valid for driving in your new state. Most people choose to get their new state's license and let the Georgia license expire naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address online or can I only do it in person?

You can do either one. The online method is faster and requires no office visit, but in-person is fine if you prefer it or want to ask questions about what documents count as proof.

What if my address change was rejected online?

This usually happens if your driver's license number or date of birth does not match what DDS has on file. Double-check both pieces of information and try again. If it still does not work, visit a DDS office in person with your license and proof of address.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address online or in person. You do not need to renew your license first.

How long does it take for the address change to show up in the system?

It is when ready. Whether you change it online or in person, your new address is in the DDS system right away and will show up when police or other organizations look up your license.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease as proof of address?

You can use a notarized affidavit of residency instead. A notary public will sign a form stating you live at your new address. This costs a few dollars and is accepted by DDS as proof.