Where to update your address

Washington State allows you to change your driver's license address through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. If you prefer to handle it in person or by mail, both options are free and take longer but may feel more straightforward if you're uncomfortable with online forms.

The online portal is at dol.wa.gov. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. If you don't have those details handy, you can still mail a form or visit an office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your address online at dol.wa.gov without paying a fee or visiting an office.
  • Online updates require your driver's license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and date of birth.
  • If you mail a form, use the Address Change Form (DL 43) and send it to the address listed on the form itself.
  • In-person updates at any DOL licensing office take a few minutes and require only your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Your physical license card will not change — the address update happens in the state system when ready.

Updating online through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Your Address" or a similar option (the exact wording changes occasionally, but it will be clearly labeled). You'll be asked to create an account or log in if you already have one. Enter your driver's license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you're logged in, enter your new address exactly as it appears on mail you receive at that location. The system will confirm the change when ready. You do not need to pay anything, and you do not need to visit an office. Your address will be updated in the state system right away, even though your physical card still shows the old address.

Mailing the address change form

If you prefer to mail your change, read or request the Address Change Form (DL 43) from dol.wa.gov. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You do not need a new photo or any other documents — just the signed form.

Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself (this address may vary by region). Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. Once received, the DOL will update your address in their system. Again, your physical card will not change, but your record will reflect the new address for purposes like vehicle registration and license renewal.

Updating in person at a licensing office

Visit any DOL licensing office in Washington. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations accept them to reduce wait time.

Tell the staff member you need to update your address. They will verify your identity using your license, confirm your new address from your document, and process the change on the spot. The whole process takes five to ten minutes. There is no fee. Your address will be updated when ready in the state system.

What happens to your physical license card

Your driver's license card itself will not change when you update your address. The card will still show your old address until you renew your license. This is normal and expected — Washington does not issue a new card just for an address change.

However, the address in the state system (what law enforcement and other agencies see when they scan your license) will be updated right away, whether you change it online, by mail, or in person. When you renew your license at the end of its validity period, you'll receive a new card with the current address printed on it.

Timing and what to expect

Online changes take effect when ready. By-mail changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes take effect the same day. If you need your address updated quickly — for example, because you're renewing vehicle registration or updating records elsewhere — the online or in-person route is faster.

After you've updated your address, you don't need to do anything else unless you're also renewing your license or changing other information like your name. If you move again, you can update your address as many times as you need using any of these three methods.

If you've lost your license or don't have your license number

If you don't have your current license number handy, you can still update your address by mail or in person. For mail, the form will ask for your license number but may allow you to leave it blank if you provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number instead. For in-person visits, bring your license or another form of ID (passport, state ID card, or tribal ID) along with proof of your new address.

If you've lost your license entirely and need to report it missing, that's a separate process from an address change. You can report a lost license online, by phone at 360-902-3900, or in person at any licensing office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address before renewing my license?

No, but it's a good idea. When you renew, you'll be asked for your current address, and you can update it then. If you update it beforehand, the renewal process will be slightly faster because the system already has your new address on file.

Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?

Not until you renew your license. Your current card will keep the old address printed on it, but the state's records will show your new address when ready after you make the change.

What if the online system won't accept my information?

Double-check that you've entered your driver's license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your license and in state records. If the system still rejects you, use the mail or in-person method instead — both are equally straightforward.

Can I update my address if I'm not a Washington resident anymore?

If you've moved out of state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your Washington address. However, if you're temporarily out of state and still hold a valid Washington license, you can update the address to your current location using any of the three methods described here.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes are free whether you do them online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee when you renew your license or get a replacement card.