Where and how to change your address
You can update your address with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. The online method is fastest — you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes. No fee applies to address changes.
If you prefer to go in person, visit any DOL office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days. The office updates your record on the spot, though your physical card still shows the old address until it expires and you renew.
By mail, send a completed Form DL 43 (process for Washington Driver License or Identification Card) along with proof of your new address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You can read the form from the DOL website or request it by phone at 360-902-3900.
Key Takeaways
- Online updates through the DOL website take effect when ready and require only your driver's license number and date of birth.
- In-person updates at any DOL office happen the same day and need your current license plus proof of address dated within 60 days.
- Mail-in updates using Form DL 43 take 7 to 10 business days and require the same address proof as in-person visits.
- Address changes are free and do not require you to renew your license early or pay any processing fee.
- Your physical card will still show your old address until you renew your license, but your DOL record updates when ready.
What counts as proof of your new address
Washington DOL accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail all work. Some people use a bank or credit card statement, though the DOL prefers the documents listed above.
If you do not have a document in your name yet — for example, you just moved and utilities have not been transferred — bring two documents that together show your new address. A lease signed by you plus an unsigned utility bill addressed to the property, or a signed lease plus a piece of mail from a government agency, can work. Call your local DOL office before you visit to confirm what combination they will accept, since practices vary slightly by location.
Online updates through the DOL website
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Change Your Address Online." You will need your Washington driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system verifies your identity using these details and then lets you enter your new address.
After you submit, your address updates in the DOL system within minutes. You can use your updated address when ready for most purposes — banks, employers, and government agencies can verify it through DOL records. Your physical card still shows the old address, but that does not affect the validity of the address change in the system. You do not need to carry proof of the change; the DOL record is the official source.
In-person visits to a DOL office
Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Walk-in service is available at all DOL offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the DOL website before you go.
The office staff will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update your record when ready. You will receive a receipt showing the change. Like the online method, your physical card will not change until you renew your license, but your address in the DOL system is updated right away. If you need the change documented for a specific purpose — such as proof for a bank or employer — ask the office for a printed confirmation.
Mailing in your address change
read Form DL 43 from dol.wa.gov or call 360-902-3900 to request it by mail. Fill in your current information, mark the box for "Address Change," and write your new address clearly. Attach a copy of your proof of address (utility bill, lease, or similar document) and mail everything to the address shown on the form.
The DOL processes mail-in requests in the order they arrive. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days, though during peak renewal periods it can take longer. You will not receive a confirmation letter; your address straightforward updates in the system. If you need to verify the change was processed, call the DOL or check your address online through their website after 10 business days.
When your physical card will show the new address
Your driver's license card itself will not display your new address until you renew your license. In Washington, standard licenses expire on your birthday four years after issue. If you update your address now but do not renew until your expiration date, your card will still show the old address during that time.
This does not create a legal problem. Your address in the DOL system is what matters for official purposes — banks, employers, government agencies, and law enforcement can all see your current address through DOL records. If you want your physical card to match your address when ready, you can renew your license early, though this costs the standard renewal fee (currently $72 for a four-year license). Most people straightforward wait until their regular renewal date.
Updating your address for vehicle registration
Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate records. Updating one does not automatically update the other. If you also need to change your vehicle registration address, you must do that through the DOL's vehicle registration system or at a vehicle licensing office.
You can update vehicle registration online at dol.wa.gov under "Vehicle Services," by mail using Form REG 14, or in person at any licensing office. Bring your current registration and proof of your new address. The process is similar to updating your driver's license, and there is no fee for address changes on registration either.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my address before I move or can I do it after?
You can update your address before or after you move. Washington law does not require you to update within a specific timeframe. However, updating soon after you move ensures your DOL record matches your actual residence, which matters if you are stopped by law enforcement or need to verify your address for official purposes.
What if I do not have a document with my new address yet?
Bring two documents together: your signed lease plus an unsigned utility bill for the property, or a lease plus government mail addressed to the new address. Call your local DOL office before you visit to confirm what combination they accept, since some offices have slightly different practices.
Can I update my address online if I do not have my Social Security number handy?
The online system requires the last four digits of your Social Security number for identity verification. If you do not have it available, use the in-person or mail-in method instead. You do not need your Social Security number for those options.
How long does it take for an online address change to show up in the system?
Online changes take effect within minutes. You can use your updated address when ready for most purposes. If you need to verify the change, you can check your address on the DOL website or call 360-902-3900 after a few hours.
Will updating my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Updating your address does not change your driving record or affect your insurance rates. However, you should also notify your insurance company of your address change separately, since they maintain their own records. Some insurers may adjust your rate based on your new location, but that is a separate decision from your DOL address update.