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

You can change your address on your Washington driver's 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 updated license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need the change reflected when ready, you must go to a licensing office, where staff can issue a temporary document on the spot.

Washington does not charge a fee to update your address alone. You only pay if you also request a replacement card with a new photo or if your license is expiring soon and you want to renew it at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dol.wa.gov takes 10 minutes and costs nothing, with your updated license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to update online.
  • If you need proof of your new address when ready, visit a licensing office in person and ask for a temporary document.
  • Mail-in updates require a completed form and proof of your new address, and take 2 to 3 weeks longer than online updates.
  • Your license remains valid at your old address until the new one arrives — there is no gap in your driving privileges.

Update your address online through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Change Your Address" option under the Driver License section. You will need to log in or create an account using your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Have your current license in front of you when you start.

Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Washington will mail your updated license to that address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of residency for an address-only change. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number — save this in case you need to check the status later.

Go to a licensing office if you need an when ready update

If you need proof of your new address right away — for example, to open a bank account or register to vote — visit a DOL licensing office in person. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Staff will update your address in the system and issue you a temporary paper document on the spot that you can use for identification purposes. Your permanent updated license will still arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. There is no additional charge for this service.

Update by mail if you prefer not to go online or visit an office

read the "Change of Address" form from dol.wa.gov or call 360-902-3900 to request one by mail. Fill out the form with your current license number, name, and new address. Attach one document proving your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

Mail the completed form and proof document to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than online updates, so use this method only if you cannot go online or visit an office. You will not receive a confirmation until your new license arrives.

What happens to your old license and driving privileges

Your current license remains valid for driving even after you submit an address change. You do not need to stop driving or carry any temporary document while you wait for your updated license to arrive. Police will not cite you for having an outdated address on your license during the processing period.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a licensing office if you prefer. Washington does not require you to turn in the old card, but destroying it prevents confusion if both cards are found.

Update your address when renewing or replacing your license

If your license is expiring within the next 6 months, you can renew it and update your address at the same time through dol.wa.gov. The renewal process includes an address field, so you can make both changes in one transaction. This costs the standard renewal fee (currently $72 for an 8-year license) rather than the free address-change fee.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can also update your address during that process. A replacement card costs $20, and adding an address change does not increase that fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show proof of my new address to change it online?

No. Online address changes do not require proof of residency. Washington trusts the information you enter. If you later need to prove you live at that address, you will need your own documents like a utility bill or lease.

What if I move again before my new license arrives?

Submit another address change request. Your license will be mailed to whichever address you have on file most recently. If you have already submitted one change and realize you need a different address, contact DOL at 360-902-3900 to update it before your card ships.

Can I update my address at a licensing office without an appointment?

Most offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check dol.wa.gov for your nearest office and current wait times before you go. Some offices are busier on certain days, so calling ahead can help you pick the best time.

Will updating my address affect my driving record or insurance?

No. Changing your address on your license does not alter your driving record or any violations. Your insurance company may want to know about your move for rating purposes, but that is a separate conversation with them — the license update itself has no effect.

What if my new address is outside Washington state?

If you are moving out of Washington, you cannot straightforward update your address. You will need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's licensing agency to begin the process. Your Washington license will remain valid for driving until it expires, even if you no longer live in the state.