Update Your Georgia Driver's License Address Online or In Person
You can update your address on your Georgia driver's license through the Department of Driver Services (DDS) website without visiting an office, or you can do it in person at any DDS location. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. In-person updates at a DDS office also cost nothing but require you to bring your current license and proof of your new address.
Georgia allows you to change your address without renewing your license, so you do not need to pay a renewal fee or take a new photo unless your license is expiring soon. The address change itself is separate from license renewal.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest method is updating online through the DDS website using your driver's license number and date of birth, which takes about 10 minutes.
- You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
- If you update online, your new address appears on your license when ready for identification purposes, though the physical card in your wallet will not change.
- You can also update your address in person at any DDS office by bringing your current license and proof of address, with no appointment needed at most locations.
- If you are moving out of state or your license is expiring within 30 days, you may need to renew instead of just changing your address.
Update Your Address Online Through the DDS Website
Go to dds.georgia.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" or "Address Change" — the exact link name varies slightly depending on when the site was last updated, but it will be clearly labeled in the online services area. You will be asked to log in or create an account using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Enter your new Georgia address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document. Georgia's system will not accept a P.O. box as a mailing address for your license, so if you are using a mailbox service, use the street address of that service instead. After you submit, you will see a confirmation message on screen. Your address change is recorded when ready in the DDS database, and you can use your license for identification purposes right away, even though the physical card in your wallet still shows your old address.
The online system works only if you are staying in Georgia and your license is not expiring within the next 30 days. If either of those conditions does not explore to you, you will need to renew your license instead, which requires an in-person visit.
What Proof of Address You Need
Georgia requires one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document like a tax return or voter registration card.
If you do not have a document in your name yet, some DDS offices will accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a family member stating that you live at the new address. Call your local DDS office before you visit to confirm they accept this option, because policies vary slightly by location.
Do not bring originals of important documents like mortgage statements or tax returns. Make a photocopy or take a photo on your phone — the DDS staff will verify the document but will not keep it.
Update Your Address In Person at a DDS Office
Find your nearest DDS office on the DDS website by entering your city or zip code. Most offices do not require an appointment for address changes, but some busy locations have started using appointment slots. Check the office's page before you go to see if appointments are recommended or required in your area.
Bring your current Georgia driver's license and one proof of address document dated within the last 60 days. The staff will verify your information, update your address in the system, and give you a receipt. Your address is recorded when ready, and you can use your license for identification right away. The physical card will not change, but your new address is now in the system.
Processing times at DDS offices vary. Some offices handle address changes in 10 to 15 minutes; others may have a wait of 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy they are. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
What Happens After You Update Your Address
Once your address is changed, the DDS database shows your new address when ready. Any mail from the DDS — such as renewal notices or administrative documents — will go to your new address. If you registered a vehicle in Georgia, you should also update your address with the Georgia Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, because your vehicle registration is a separate record.
Your physical driver's license card will still show your old address until you renew your license. This is normal and does not cause problems for identification purposes. When you renew your license — whether that is in a few months or several years — the new card will print with your current address on file.
If you move again before your license expires, you can update your address as many times as you need. Each update is free and takes the same amount of time as the first one.
If Your License Is Expiring Soon or You Are Moving Out of State
If your license expires within 30 days, the DDS system will not let you change your address alone — you must renew your license instead. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a DDS office and costs $32 for a standard license valid for eight years. You will need to bring your current license, proof of address, and proof of Georgia residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
If you are moving out of Georgia, you cannot update your address to an out-of-state address on your Georgia license. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state. Some states allow you to transfer your Georgia license information to speed up the process, but each state has different rules. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn what documents you will need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my new address to show up in the system?
Your address is updated when ready when you submit it online or when the DDS staff processes it in person. You can use your license for identification right away. The physical card in your wallet will not change until you renew your license, but that does not affect your ability to use it.
Can I update my address if I do not have a current Georgia address yet?
No. You must have a Georgia address to update your license. If you are moving to Georgia and do not have an address yet, you can update your license once you have signed a lease or have proof of where you will be living. Some people update their license on their first day at their new address using a utility bill or lease as proof.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to update the address on a replacement?
You will need to replace your license first, which requires an in-person visit to a DDS office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of address. The replacement license will print with your current address on file, so you do not need a separate address change step.
Do I need to update my address with my insurance company or vehicle registration separately?
Yes. Updating your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration or insurance records. Contact your insurance company and the Georgia Department of Revenue to update those records separately. Your insurance company usually has an online portal or phone number to make this change.
Can I update my address by mail or phone?
No. Georgia does not accept address changes by mail or phone. You must update online through the DDS website or visit a DDS office in person. The online method is the fastest option if your license is not expiring soon and you are staying in Georgia.