You can update your Washington driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office

Washington State allows you to change your address without renewing your license. The fastest route is the online system at dol.wa.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a form or visit a licensing office in person. The address change itself does not extend your license expiration date — your license remains valid until the date already printed on it.

You will need your current driver's license number, a new address, and proof that you live there. The type of proof accepted varies slightly by method, but utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work. If you are moving out of state or your license is expired, you cannot use the online or mail methods and must visit an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dol.wa.gov is free and takes about 10 minutes, and you receive confirmation when ready.
  • You must provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Mailing a form takes 2 to 3 weeks for processing, while in-person visits at a Department of Licensing office are usually completed the same day.
  • Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address — only the address itself is modified on the record.
  • If your license is expired or you are moving out of state, you must visit an office in person; the online and mail methods are not available.

Updating your address online through the Department of Licensing website

The online method is the fastest and most straightforward. Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Change Your Address" option under the driver's license section. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.

After you submit, the system will ask you to upload or photograph proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. Once you upload the proof, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Your address change is usually processed within one business day.

You do not need to pay a fee for an online address change. Your updated address will appear in the Department of Licensing system, and you can use that confirmation number if you need to reference the change later.

Mailing a form to update your address

If you prefer to mail your request, read the "Change of Address" form from dol.wa.gov or call 360-902-3900 to request one be sent to you. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and sign it. Include a copy of your proof of address — the same documents accepted online work by mail.

Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. There is no fee for a mailed address change. You will not receive a new physical card in the mail; your address change is recorded in the state system, and your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until you renew.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you do not hear back within 4 weeks, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to confirm receipt.

Visiting a Department of Licensing office in person

Washington has Department of Licensing offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at dol.wa.gov. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Processing at an office is usually completed the same day, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

There is no fee to change your address in person. The staff member will update your record in the system, and you will receive a confirmation. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but your official address on file with the state will be updated when ready.

If you are moving out of state or your license is expired, you must use the in-person method. The online and mail options are not available in those situations.

What counts as proof of your new address

Washington accepts several types of documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, and homeowners insurance declarations also work. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (such as tax documents or voter registration confirmation) are accepted as well.

The document must show your name and your new address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you may be able to use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating that you live there, along with a copy of your lease. Call 360-902-3900 to confirm what the office will accept in your specific situation before you visit.

Situations where you must visit an office in person

The online and mail methods are not available if your driver's license is expired. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person to update your address if your license has passed its expiration date. The staff can update your address and renew your license at the same time.

If you are moving out of state and your Washington license will no longer be your primary ID, you also must visit an office in person. The same applies if you are changing your name at the same time as your address — name changes require in-person verification. In all these cases, bring your current license, proof of your new address, and any additional documents the office requests.

How long your address change takes and what happens next

Online address changes are processed within one business day, and you receive a confirmation number when ready. Mailed requests take 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives them. In-person visits are completed the same day in most cases, though you may wait depending on office traffic.

Your address is updated in the Department of Licensing system regardless of which method you use. Your physical driver's license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license at its regular expiration date. The address on file with the state is what matters for official purposes — law enforcement, courts, and government agencies see your updated address in the system.

If you need to verify that your address change was processed, you can log into your account at dol.wa.gov or call 360-902-3900. Have your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new physical license card when I change my address?

No. Your current license card remains valid and continues to show your old address until you renew it at expiration. Your address in the state system is updated, which is what matters for official records. You do not pay a fee or receive a new card for an address-only change.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, not online or by mail. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. The office can update your address and renew your expired license at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and any other documents the office requests.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease at my new address yet?

A signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, along with a copy of your lease, may work. Bank or credit card statements, government mail, or property tax documents also count if they show your name and new address and are dated within 60 days. Call 360-902-3900 before you visit to confirm what the office will accept.

How do I know if my online address change went through?

You receive a confirmation number on screen when ready after you submit. The change is processed within one business day. You can log into your account at dol.wa.gov to verify your updated address, or call 360-902-3900 with your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

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 if you are renewing your license or making other changes at the same time, such as a name change or license class upgrade.