Minnesota lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office

The fastest way is the online system through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, update your address, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to the state or visit a driver's license office in person — both take longer but work just as well.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. Minnesota does not charge for address-only updates. You also do not need a new physical card unless you want one; your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, and law enforcement and other agencies can see your current address in the system.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website is fastest and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address.
  • Mailing Form DL-43 to the state takes one to two weeks and requires your signature; you can read the form from the Department of Public Safety website.
  • Visiting a driver's license office in person works when ready but requires a trip during office hours and proof of your new address.
  • Address changes are free in Minnesota, and your old license card remains valid even after you update your address in the system.

Changing your address online through the state system

Go to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and find the driver's license services section. You will see a link for online address changes. Click it and log in using your driver's license number and date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on mail or other official documents, then submit.

The system confirms the change when ready and sends you an email receipt. Your address updates in the state database right away, so police, courts, and other agencies see your new address when they look up your record. This method works from any computer or phone with internet access and takes about five minutes.

The only limitation is that your physical license card still shows the old address. If you need the card itself to reflect your new address — for example, if you are moving to a different state and need proof of your Minnesota address — you can order a replacement card through the same online system for a fee, or visit an office in person.

Mailing a form to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

read Form DL-43 (Address Change) from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Fill in your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and new address. Sign and date the form — unsigned forms are rejected. Mail it to the address listed on the form, which is typically the state's driver's license processing center in St. Paul.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the state receives your form. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail; instead, you can check your address online through the Department of Public Safety website using your license number and date of birth. The state keeps no record of when your change was processed, so check the system a few days after you mail the form to confirm it went through.

Include only the completed form and your signature — do not send documents, photos, or extra paperwork. The state processes address changes by mail only, so sending extra items slows the process without helping. If your form arrives unsigned or incomplete, the state will not contact you; it will straightforward reject it and you will have to resubmit.

Changing your address in person at a driver's license office

Find the driver's license office nearest you on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Most cities have at least one office; larger cities have several. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document must show your name and the address you are changing to.

Walk in during office hours or book an appointment online if the office offers it. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will scan your license, verify the new address against your document, and update the system on the spot. The change takes effect when ready, and you walk out with your old card and an updated address in the state system.

Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo or photocopy alone is not enough. If you do not have a document with your name and new address on it, the office staff can tell you what documents they accept. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you pick a less crowded time.

What documents prove your new address

Minnesota accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, bank or credit card statements, and insurance documents. The document must show your name and your new address. It must be dated within the last 60 days — older documents are not accepted.

If you do not have a document in your name, you can use a document in a spouse's or parent's name if you also bring proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate. Some offices are stricter about this than others, so call ahead if you are unsure.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate for an address change. Those documents are required only if you are renewing your license or explore for a REAL ID card. For address-only changes, proof of your new address is all you need.

Timing and when your change takes effect

Online changes take effect when ready. Your address updates in the state system within minutes, and law enforcement, courts, and other agencies can see your new address when they look up your record. Your physical card still shows the old address, but that does not matter for most purposes.

Mail-in changes take one to two weeks. The state does not send a confirmation letter, so you have to check online to confirm the change went through. If you need proof that your address changed by a certain date — for example, for a court case or insurance — do not rely on the mail method; use the online or in-person method instead.

In-person changes take effect when ready, just like online changes. You leave the office with your old card and an updated address in the system. If you need a new card with your new address printed on it, you can order one through the online system or ask the office staff to order it for you; that takes an additional one to two weeks.

Replacing your card if you want the new address printed on it

Your old license remains valid even after you change your address. You do not have to get a new card. However, if you want a card that shows your new address, you can order a replacement through the online system or ask for one at a driver's license office.

Replacement cards cost a fee — the amount varies and you can check the current fee on the Department of Public Safety website. The card arrives in the mail in one to two weeks. You can use your old card until the new one arrives; both are valid.

If you are moving out of state or need the card for a specific purpose, check whether you actually need the new address printed on it. Many situations — like updating your address with your insurance company or bank — do not require a new card. Changing your address in the system is usually enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Minnesota law requires you to notify the Department of Public Safety of your new address within a reasonable time after moving. There is no specific important date, but doing it within 30 days is standard practice. Failure to update can result in fines, though enforcement is rare.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address online, by mail, or in person. You do not have to renew your license first. However, if your license is expired and you want to drive, you will need to renew it separately.

What if I moved but do not have a document with my new address on it yet?

Use the online method instead. The online system does not require proof of your address — you straightforward enter it. If you prefer in-person or mail, wait until you have a utility bill, lease, or other document in your name at the new address, or ask the office staff what alternatives they accept.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address in the state system does not affect your driving record or insurance rates. Your record stays the same; only your address updates. You still need to notify your insurance company separately of your move, as they maintain their own records.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. Only you can change your address online or by mail. If you use the in-person method, you must be present with your license and proof of your new address. A family member or representative cannot do it for you.