Where to update your driver's license information
You can update your New York State driver's license at a DMV office in person, by mail, or online through the DMV website — but which method works depends on what information you're changing. Address changes and name changes have different routes, and some updates require you to appear in person with documents.
The fastest route for most changes is the DMV's online system at dmv.ny.gov, which handles address updates in minutes. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person visits at a DMV office take about an hour on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Address changes can be done online at dmv.ny.gov or by mail, but name changes require an in-person visit with legal documents proving the change.
- You will need your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to update online.
- Mail-in updates require a completed form MV-44 (Address Change) or MV-45 (Name Change) plus supporting documents, sent to the address listed on the DMV website.
- In-person visits require an appointment at most DMV offices; you can book one online or by calling 518-486-4368.
- Fees vary by transaction type — address changes are free, but name changes cost $20 and require a new photo and signature.
Updating your address online or by mail
An address change is the simplest update. If you moved within New York State, you can change your address online at dmv.ny.gov without visiting an office. Log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, then enter your new address. The change takes effect when ready, though your physical license card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew.
If you prefer to mail the change, read and complete form MV-44 from the DMV website, then mail it with a piece of mail showing your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works) to the address printed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks.
Do not mail your physical license unless the DMV specifically asks you to. Address changes do not require a new photo or signature, so your current card remains valid.
Changing your name on your driver's license
A name change requires an in-person visit to a DMV office and proof that your name legally changed. You will need to bring your current driver's license, a document showing your new legal name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certified name change document), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
Complete form MV-45 before you go, or fill it out at the office. The fee is $20. You will receive a new license with your updated name, new photo, and new signature on the spot or within one to two weeks, depending on whether the office has a photo station.
Book an appointment online at dmv.ny.gov or call 518-486-4368. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but appointment holders are seen first, and wait times without an appointment can exceed two hours.
Updating other information on your license
Changes to your sex marker, eye color, or height also require an in-person visit. Sex marker changes require a completed form MV-44 plus a letter from a licensed physician or mental health professional stating that you have undergone or are undergoing gender transition. Bring your current license and the letter to a DMV office.
Height and eye color changes do not require supporting documents — the DMV will update these based on what they observe during your visit. These updates are free and take about an hour.
If you need to correct information that was entered incorrectly when you first received your license (a misspelled name, wrong birth date, or wrong address), bring your current license and a document proving the correct information (a birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport). Corrections are free.
What to bring to a DMV office
| Type of Update | Documents Needed | Fee | Can You Do It Online? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address change | Current license; proof of new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement) | Free | Yes |
| Name change | Current license; legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order); proof of Social Security number | $20 | No |
| Sex marker change | Current license; letter from physician or mental health professional | Free | No |
| Height or eye color correction | Current license | Free | No |
| Correction of DMV error | Current license; document proving correct information | Free | No |
Finding a DMV office and booking an appointment
New York State operates DMV offices in every county. Use the office locator at dmv.ny.gov to find the one nearest you, see current wait times, and check which services that office offers. Some smaller offices do not handle all transaction types, so confirm before you go.
Most offices now require appointments, which you can book online at dmv.ny.gov or by phone at 518-486-4368. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Online booking shows available times for the next two to four weeks.
If you cannot reach an office by phone or online, you can visit in person to ask staff to book an appointment for you. Bring your current license and be prepared to wait.
Timeline and what to expect after your update
Online address changes take effect when ready. Your physical license card will still show your old address, but the DMV's records are updated right away, and law enforcement can see your current address when they scan your license.
Mail-in updates take two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. Name changes processed in person are complete the same day if the office has a photo station on-site; otherwise, your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
If you need proof of your updated information before your new card arrives, you can request a replacement license at any DMV office. The fee is $20, and you will receive it when ready if the office has a photo station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my license if I moved out of New York State?
No. If you moved out of New York, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can keep your New York license as a non-driver ID, but it will not be valid for driving. Contact your new state's DMV to learn how to get a license there.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?
Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married or divorced. They can issue a certified copy for a fee, usually $10 to $25. You will need this certified copy to change your name at the DMV — a photocopy or uncertified version will not work.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can update your address online or by mail even if your license has expired. However, if you need to renew your license at the same time, you must do that in person at a DMV office. Renewals cannot be done online if your license is more than two years expired.
How long does my updated license stay valid?
Your license remains valid for the same expiration date it had before the update. Changing your address, name, or other information does not extend or shorten the validity period. You will renew on your original expiration date unless you also renew your license at the time of the update.
What if the DMV made an error on my updated license?
Return to the DMV office with your incorrect license and proof of the correct information. The DMV will issue a corrected license at no charge. Bring the same documents you brought for the original update, plus the incorrect license.