Update your Washington driver license address online, by mail, or in person

You can change the address on your Washington driver license through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or by visiting a licensing office in person. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form or walk into any DOL office with proof of your new address.

Washington does not require you to update your address when ready, but doing so keeps your license current for voting, jury duty notices, and other official mail. Your license itself remains valid even if the address is outdated — the address change does not reset your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dol.wa.gov takes 10 minutes and costs nothing, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and proof of your new address to change it online.
  • If you mail the change, use form DL 43 and include a copy of a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your new address.
  • Visiting a DOL office in person is the fastest way to hold your new license the same day, though wait times vary by location.
  • Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address — only the address on the card is updated.

Change your address online through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Change Address" under the driver license section. You will need your current Washington driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your DOL records.

Once you complete the online form, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for this change. If the online system cannot verify your identity, you will be directed to mail the form or visit an office instead.

Mail the address change form to the Department of Licensing

read or request form DL 43 (Address Change) from the DOL website or by calling 360-902-3900. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Mail the completed form and document copy to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DOL receives your mail. There is no fee. Keep a copy of what you send in case questions arise. If you are moving out of state or your license is expiring soon, check the DOL website first — you may want to renew at the same time instead of changing the address alone.

Visit a DOL office to change your address in person

Bring your current driver license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). Walk into any Washington DOL office — you do not need an appointment for an address change. The staff will update your record on the spot and issue a new license before you leave, though some offices may mail it instead depending on their equipment.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Smaller towns often have shorter lines than Seattle or Spokane offices. There is no fee for the address change itself. If you want to renew your license at the same time, that costs the standard renewal fee.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DOL accepts a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document like a tax return or voter registration card. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days (some documents like leases can be older if they are still active).

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, you just moved and the utilities are not in your name — contact the DOL office you plan to visit. They can tell you what alternatives they will accept, such as a signed letter from your landlord or a recent mail piece from a government agency.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

Online changes take 7 to 10 business days from submission to delivery. Mail takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DOL receives your envelope. In-person changes at a DOL office happen the same day, though some offices mail the license instead of printing it on site — ask when you arrive. None of these timelines include mail delivery delays on either end.

Your new license will show your updated address but the same expiration date as your current license. If your license is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time you change the address — this costs extra but saves you a trip later. Check your license to see when it expires.

If you moved out of state or lost your license

If you no longer live in Washington, you cannot update the address on a Washington license — you will need to get a license in your new state instead. If your Washington license is lost or stolen, you cannot change the address; you must replace the license first by visiting a DOL office or requesting a replacement by mail.

If you moved out of state but still have a valid Washington license and want to keep it (some people do for ID purposes), you can update the address to a Washington address you still use, such as a family member's home or a PO box. Contact the DOL to confirm whether a PO box is acceptable in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address right away?

No. Your license remains valid even if the address is outdated. However, changing it keeps official mail like jury duty notices and voter registration information current. If you move and do not update within a reasonable time, some agencies may flag your record as inactive.

Will changing my address cost money?

No. The address change itself is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. If you choose to renew your license at the same time, that renewal fee applies, but the address change alone has no cost.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change the address on an expired license, but you will need to renew it as well. Contact a DOL office or the website to see whether it is cheaper to renew and change the address together or handle them separately.

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

Online submissions take 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit. Mail submissions take 2 to 3 weeks after the DOL receives your envelope. In-person changes at a DOL office are completed the same day, though some offices mail the license instead of printing it on site.

What if I move again before my new license arrives?

If your new license is in the mail and you move again, contact the DOL with your new address. They can reissue the license to your updated address, though this may delay delivery. It is faster to wait for the first license to arrive, then submit a second address change if needed.