Where to change your address and what you'll need
You can change your address at any Secretary of State office in Michigan, online through the state's website, or by mail. The online option is fastest if you have a valid email address and your current driver's license number. You'll need to provide your new address, and the Secretary of State will mail you an updated license within 7 to 10 business days.
If you go in person, bring your driver's license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. You can find your nearest Secretary of State office on the state website by entering your city or ZIP code. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
By mail, send a completed form to the Secretary of State along with a copy of your license and proof of address. The form is available on the Secretary of State website. Processing takes longer this way — typically 2 to 3 weeks — so use this route only if you cannot visit an office or use the online system.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change is the fastest method and requires only your driver's license number and a valid email address.
- At a Secretary of State office, bring your license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days.
- Your updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you change your address online or in person.
- You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the expiration date stays the same.
- If you move out of state, you will need to obtain a license from your new state rather than updating your Michigan license.
Changing your address online
Go to the Secretary of State website and select the option to change your address. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity. Then enter your new address and confirm your email address — this is where the Secretary of State will send you a confirmation.
After you submit, you'll receive an email with a link to complete the change. Click the link within 24 hours to finalize it. Once confirmed, your new license will be printed and mailed to your new address. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can use it for identification during this time.
Changing your address in person at a Secretary of State office
Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and new address.
Walk up to the counter and tell the staff member you need to change your address. They will verify your identity using your license, check your proof of address, and process the change on the spot. You'll pay a small fee — the amount varies but is typically under $10. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address by mail
read the address change form from the Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, including your current address, new address, and driver's license number. Make a copy of the front and back of your driver's license and include it with the form. Also include a copy of one document that proves your new address — use the same types of documents accepted in person (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, etc.).
Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send original documents — copies are sufficient. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address once the change is processed. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.
What happens if you move and don't update your address
Your driver's license remains valid even if your address is outdated. However, law enforcement can cite you for failing to report a change of address within 10 days of moving. More practically, an old address can cause problems when you need to show your license — police, banks, or other organizations may question whether it's still your valid ID.
If you're pulled over, an officer may ask why your address doesn't match your residence. While this alone is not grounds for a ticket in most cases, it can raise suspicion. For financial matters, banks and insurance companies often require a current address on file, so updating your license helps keep your records consistent across institutions.
Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended
You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired, as long as it has not been suspended or revoked. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue first before you can update your address. Contact the Secretary of State to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps are needed to restore your driving privileges.
If your license has straightforward expired but is not suspended, the address change process is the same. You'll still receive an updated license with your new address. When you renew your license later, the new address will already be on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my updated license in the mail?
After you change your address online or in person, your new license is typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you change your address by mail, add another 2 to 3 weeks for processing time before the license is printed and mailed. Your current license remains valid during this wait.
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?
Changing your address online is free. If you change it in person at a Secretary of State office, there is a small fee, usually under $10. Changing your address by mail may also include a small fee — check the form for details.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State with your updated address before your new license ships. If it has already been mailed, you can request it be forwarded, or you can pick it up at a Secretary of State office if it has arrived there. Call the office or check the website for the best way to handle this in your situation.
Can I change my address if I have a commercial driver's license?
Yes, the process is the same for a commercial driver's license as for a regular license. Bring the same documents and use the same online, in-person, or mail methods. Your commercial endorsements will remain on your updated license.
What counts as proof of my new address?
The Secretary of State accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance policies. The document must show your full name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. A copy is acceptable — you do not need to bring the original.