Where and how to change your address depends on your state

You change your driver's license address through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through a federal office. Most states let you do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. A few states require you to appear in person. The process takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on whether you choose online submission or mail, and whether your state mails you a replacement card or straightforward updates your record.

You do not need to pass a test or retake your photo to change your address. The DMV updates your record and either mails you a new card with the updated address or confirms the change in their system without sending a physical card. Some states charge a small fee for a replacement card; others do not charge anything for an address change.

The fastest route is usually your state's DMV website, where you can often complete the change in minutes. If your state does not offer online changes, you can mail in a form or visit a local DMV office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states let you change your address online through the DMV website, which is faster than mailing or visiting an office.
  • You will need your driver's license number, current address, and new address; some states also ask for a phone number or email.
  • A few states require you to appear in person at a DMV office, so check your state's DMV website before you plan your approach.
  • If you are moving out of state, you will need to get a new license from your new state's DMV within a set timeframe, usually 30 to 60 days.
  • Address changes do not require a new photo or a written test, and most states charge little or nothing for the update.

How to change your address online

Start by visiting your state's DMV website and looking for a link labeled "change address," "update information," or "address change." The exact wording varies by state. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Then you will type in your new address and confirm the change.

After you submit the form, the DMV will either send you a confirmation email or show you a confirmation number on screen. Save this number. Some states update your record when ready and mail you a new card within one to two weeks. Others update your record right away but do not mail a physical card unless you request one.

If your state's website does not offer an online option, you will see a message saying so, along with instructions for mailing or visiting an office instead.

Mailing in an address change form

If your state does not offer online changes, read the address change form from the DMV website. The form is usually called "process for Address Change" or "Driver License Address Change Form." Print it, fill in your current license number, name, date of birth, and new address, then sign and date it.

Mail the form to the address listed on the DMV website, usually a regional DMV office or a central processing center. Include a copy of your driver's license if the form asks for one. Do not send your original license unless the instructions specifically tell you to. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive, and processing takes another one to two weeks after that.

Keep a copy of the form and the envelope's tracking number if you mail it with tracking. This gives you proof you sent it in case the DMV loses the form.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Visit a local DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your new address. Some states accept a letter from your employer or a government agency instead.

Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will verify your identity using your license, update your record in the system, and ask whether you want a replacement card mailed to you. If you say yes, you will pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15) and receive the card in one to two weeks. If you say no, your record is updated but you keep your old card with the old address printed on it.

In-person changes are processed when ready, so your address is updated in the DMV system the same day. This is useful if you need proof of your new address quickly for other purposes, like opening a bank account or signing a lease.

What happens if you are moving to a different state

If you are moving out of state, you cannot straightforward change the address on your current license. You must get a new driver's license from your new state's DMV. Most states require you to do this within 30 to 60 days of moving, though some allow longer. Check your new state's DMV website for the exact important date.

To get a new license, visit your new state's DMV office with proof of identity (your current license), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. You may also have to take a written test on traffic laws, depending on your new state's rules.

Your old license becomes invalid once you get your new one. Some states let you surrender your old license at the DMV office; others let you keep it as a souvenir. Ask the staff member what your state's policy is.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

Online changes usually update your DMV record within 24 hours. If you requested a replacement card, it arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days in most states, though some take up to 21 days. Mail-in changes take longer: the form takes 1 to 2 weeks to arrive, processing takes another 1 to 2 weeks, and the card takes another 1 to 2 weeks to arrive, for a total of 4 to 6 weeks.

In-person changes are the fastest. Your record updates the same day, and if you order a replacement card, it arrives within 1 to 2 weeks. If you do not order a replacement card, your address is updated in the system when ready, but your physical card still shows the old address.

You can use your driver's license for identification even if the address on it is outdated. Police and businesses will see the old address on the card, but the DMV's system shows the new one. If you need proof of your current address for a bank, landlord, or government office, bring a utility bill or lease instead of your license.

Fees and what you might need to bring

Most states charge nothing to change your address if you do it online or by mail. If you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, the fee is usually $5 to $20, depending on your state. A few states charge nothing even for a replacement card.

For online changes, you need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For mail-in changes, you need the completed form and sometimes a copy of your license. For in-person changes, bring your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days).

If you have lost your license or it is damaged, you will need to order a replacement at the same time you change your address. The fee for a replacement is usually higher than the fee for an address change alone, typically $15 to $30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I do not have a computer?

No, but you can mail the form or visit a DMV office in person. Both options do not require a computer. If you need help filling out the form, some DMV offices offer information, or you can ask a friend or family member to help you complete it.

Do I have to get a new photo when I change my address?

No. Address changes do not require a new photo. Your current photo stays on file. You only get a new photo if you renew your license or if your state requires it for other reasons, like a name change.

What if I move before my replacement card arrives?

Contact the DMV and give them your new address. They can remail the card to your new address at no extra cost. Keep the confirmation number from your original change request so you can reference it when you call.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes, you can change your address on an expired license. However, you cannot use an expired license for identification purposes. If you need a valid ID, you should renew your license at the same time you change your address.

How long does my old address stay in the DMV system after I change it?

The DMV replaces your old address with your new one when ready. The old address is not kept in the active system, though it may be stored in archived records for historical purposes. For all practical purposes, your new address is the only one on file.