Where and how to change your address depends on your state
You change your driver license address through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through the federal government or your local town hall. Most states let you change your address 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 do it online or by mail and how busy your local DMV is.
You do not need to renew your license to change the address on it. The address change is separate from renewal, costs little or nothing, and does not affect your license's expiration date. Some states charge $5 to $15 for an address change; others charge nothing.
The fastest route is almost always your state's DMV website. You can usually start there even if you end up needing to mail documents or visit an office, because the website will tell you exactly what your state requires and whether you can do it online.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV website is the first place to check, because it shows what documents you need and whether your state lets you change your address online.
- Most states let you change your address online or by mail without visiting an office, though a few require an in-person visit.
- An address change does not renew your license or extend its expiration date — it only updates the address printed on your card.
- The process usually takes three to ten business days if you do it online, and one to three weeks if you mail documents.
- You will need your current driver license number and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
What documents you need to bring or send
Every state requires your current driver license number. Most also require proof of your new address. Acceptable proof usually includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it. The document typically needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state.
Some states also ask for proof of your identity beyond your license — a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. Check your state's DMV website to see what it specifically requires before you gather documents. Sending the wrong documents can delay your change by weeks.
If you are changing your name at the same time as your address, you will need additional documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Most states handle name and address changes together, but the process takes longer.
Changing your address online
About 40 states let you change your driver license address on their DMV website without visiting an office or mailing anything. You log in with your license number and personal information, enter your new address, and pay any fee by credit or debit card. The change usually takes effect within three to ten business days.
Not all states offer online address changes to all drivers. Some limit it to people whose licenses are not suspended or revoked, or who do not have certain violations on their record. Your state's website will tell you whether you are able to use the online option. If you are not, you will need to use the mail or in-person route.
Online changes are the fastest and most convenient option. If your state offers it and you are able to use it, that is almost always the best choice.
Changing your address by mail
If your state does not offer online changes or you cannot use that option, you can mail your documents to your state's DMV. You will need to fill out a form — usually called an Address Change Request or Change of Address form — and mail it along with your proof of address and your current license (or a copy of it).
Mail your documents to the address listed on your state's DMV website. Do not mail them to a local DMV office unless the website specifically says to. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your documents returned. The process usually takes one to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your mail.
Keep a record of what you mailed and when. If you do not hear back within the timeframe your state lists, call the DMV to check on your request. Some states let you track your mail-in request online using your license number.
Changing your address in person at the DMV
If your state requires an in-person visit or you prefer to do it that way, you can go to any DMV office in your state. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and any other documents your state requires. The office will update your address on the spot, and your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Some states charge a small fee for an in-person address change; others do not. Check your state's website before you go so you know what to bring and whether you need to pay. Many DMV offices let you make an appointment online, which can save you hours of waiting. If appointments are not available, go early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid long lines.
Bring more documents than you think you need. If the DMV staff member says one of your documents does not meet the requirements, having a backup will let you complete the change that day instead of coming back later.
What happens after you change your address
Your current license remains valid at your old address until it expires. You do not need to carry a new license with your updated address — the DMV's records are updated when ready, and police and other officials can see your new address in the system even if your physical card still shows the old one.
Your new license with the updated address will arrive by mail within one to three weeks. Keep your old license until the new one arrives. Once the new one comes, you can throw away the old one or cut it up.
If you move again before your new license arrives, you can request a second address change. Some states charge a fee for each change; others do not. Contact your DMV to ask about their policy.
Changing your address for vehicle registration at the same time
Your driver license address and your vehicle registration address do not have to match, but most people update both when they move. You can change your vehicle registration address through the same DMV office or website where you change your license address, or sometimes through a separate vehicle registration office depending on your state.
Some states let you change both your license and registration address in one transaction online. Others require separate requests. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can do them together and what documents you need for each.
If you do not update your vehicle registration address, you may not receive renewal notices or important mail from your state. It is worth doing at the same time as your license change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address before or after I move?
You can change your address before you move or after. Most people do it within a few weeks of moving. There is no penalty for changing it early, and there is no strict important date. However, waiting too long means you may miss important mail from your state, such as license renewal notices.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
Other documents work too: a mortgage statement, bank statement, credit card statement, government mail, or a letter from your employer or school with your name and address. Some states accept a notarized letter from a landlord or family member if you do not have an official document. Check your state's DMV website for the full list of acceptable documents.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
You can usually change your address even if your license is suspended. However, some states do not let you do it online if your license is suspended — you may need to mail documents or visit an office instead. If your license is expired, you may need to renew it at the same time. Contact your state's DMV to ask about your specific situation.
How long does it take to get my new license with the updated address?
If you change your address online or in person, your new license arrives by mail within one to three weeks. If you mail your documents, add one to three weeks for the DMV to process them, then another one to three weeks for the new license to arrive. The total can be four to six weeks.
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
You can request another address change. Some states charge a fee for each change; others do not. Contact your DMV to ask. You do not have to wait for your first new license to arrive before requesting a second change.