Update your address in person at a DDS office or online through the Georgia DDS website

Georgia gives you two ways to change the address on your driver's license: visit a Department of Driver Services office in person, or update it online if you have a valid Georgia license. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. The in-person method takes longer but works if your license is expired or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — it is a separate transaction. Your license stays valid with the old address until you update it, but you should change it before you move or shortly after, since using an outdated address on official documents can cause problems with mail, vehicle registration, and law enforcement stops.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address updates work only if your Georgia driver's license is currently valid and not expired.
  • The Georgia DDS website lets you change your address without visiting an office, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must visit a DDS office in person to update your address.
  • Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) and a valid ID if you go in person.
  • Your vehicle registration address should match your driver's license address to avoid registration renewal problems.

Update your address online through the Georgia DDS website

Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Update Address" or "Change Address" — the exact link name varies slightly depending on the page layout. You will be asked to log in or create an account using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Once you are logged in, enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document. Georgia's system will not accept a P.O. box as a primary residence address, so use your street address instead. Review the address for spelling and number accuracy before you submit, because mistakes here will print on your license record.

After you submit, the system will show you a confirmation screen. Your address change takes effect when ready in the Georgia DDS database. You do not receive a new physical license card — your old card remains valid, and the address on file updates behind the scenes. If you need a new card with the updated address printed on it, you can order one through the same online portal for a fee, though it is not required.

Update your address in person at a DDS office

Find your nearest DDS office by visiting dds.georgia.gov and using the office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code to see all locations near you, along with their hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Many offices now require appointments, so check before you go.

Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The document must show your full name and street address — P.O. boxes do not count.

Tell the DDS staff member that you want to update your address. They will verify your identity, check your proof of address, and process the change on the spot. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, they can still update your address, but you may need to handle other issues with your license status at the same time. The address change is when ready, and you can request a new license card with the updated address for a fee if you want it printed.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your Georgia driver's license is expired, you cannot use the online address update tool — you must visit a DDS office in person. The same rule applies if your license is suspended or revoked. Bring your expired or suspended license along with proof of your new address and a valid form of ID, such as a passport or military ID.

The DDS staff can update your address even though your license status is not current. However, they may also ask whether you want to renew or reinstate your license at the same time, since you are already there. You can choose to update only the address and handle renewal or reinstatement separately, or you can take care of everything in one visit. Ask the staff what the total cost would be for each option so you can decide.

Update your vehicle registration address to match

After you change your driver's license address, update your vehicle registration address as well. Georgia's Department of Revenue handles vehicle registration separately from the DDS, so changing one does not automatically change the other. Go to mvd.georgia.gov or visit your county tax commissioner's office to update your vehicle registration.

You will need your vehicle's VIN, current registration card, and proof of your new address. The process is similar to updating your driver's license — you can do it online or in person depending on what the tax commissioner's office offers in your county. Keeping both addresses in sync prevents problems when your registration renewal notice arrives at an old address and you miss the important date.

Timeline and what to expect after you update

If you update your address online, the change is when ready. Your address updates in the Georgia DDS system right away, and law enforcement can see the new address if they run your license during a traffic stop. You do not receive a new physical card unless you order one.

If you update in person at a DDS office, the address change is also when ready in the system. If you request a new license card with the updated address printed on it, it will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old card until the new one arrives — both are valid during that time.

If you move to a new address and do not update your driver's license, you may receive mail from the DDS, courts, or law enforcement at your old address. You may also have trouble with vehicle registration renewal notices, insurance documents, and official correspondence. Update your address as soon as you can after you move to avoid these delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my address if my license is about to expire?

Yes. If your license is still valid (not yet expired), you can update your address online or in person without renewing. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but your address on file with the DDS updates when ready.

Do I have to get a new license card printed with my new address?

No. Updating your address in the system is separate from getting a new card. Your old card stays valid. You can order a new card with the updated address if you want, but it costs extra and is not required.

What counts as proof of address for the DDS?

A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and street address all work. Government mail with your name and address also counts. P.O. boxes do not count as a primary residence address.

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

If you order a new card with your updated address, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card remains valid while you wait. If you only update the address without ordering a new card, there is nothing to wait for — the change is when ready.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Georgia address?

If you moved out of state, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your Georgia address. Once you have a valid license in your new state, you can let your Georgia license expire or request a duplicate with your out-of-state address if Georgia allows it — contact the DDS to ask what your options are.