The fastest way to change your address in Washington
You can change your address on a Washington driver's license online through the Department of Licensing website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. The online method is quickest — you can update it in minutes without leaving home, and the new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a test; Washington treats an address change as a routine update, not a license renewal.
If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to the Department of Licensing or walk into any licensing office with proof of your new address. All three routes cost the same: nothing. Washington does not charge a fee for address changes on a valid license.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Department of Licensing website is the fastest option and takes about two weeks from submission to delivery.
- You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
- If you change your address online or by mail, your current license stays valid — you do not get a new card until it expires or you renew it.
- In-person changes at a licensing office take effect when ready and you can request a temporary paper license to use right away.
Changing your address online
Go to the Department of Licensing website and select the option to change your address on your driver's license. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.
After you submit the change online, the Department of Licensing mails you a new license with the updated address. Your old license remains valid until it expires. If you need proof of your new address before the new license arrives — for example, to open a bank account or sign a lease — ask the licensing office for a temporary address verification letter, which they can email or mail to you.
Changing your address by mail
read the address change form from the Department of Licensing website or call them to request one by mail. Fill out the form with your current license number and new address. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to the Department of Licensing at the address listed on the form. Processing takes about four to six weeks. Your old license stays valid during this time. If you need to prove your address sooner, call the Department of Licensing and ask if they can email you a temporary verification letter while your change is being processed.
Changing your address in person at a licensing office
Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address to any Department of Licensing office. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The staff will update your address on the spot. If your license is expiring soon, they may ask whether you want to renew it at the same time.
When you change your address in person, you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready while your new plastic card is being made. The new card arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you do not request the temporary license, your current license remains valid with the old address until the new one arrives.
What counts as proof of your new address
Washington accepts several types of documents as proof of address. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax records, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.
Bank statements and credit card statements sometimes work, but call your local licensing office first to confirm — policies can vary slightly by office. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask the office what alternatives they accept, such as a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company letter showing your name and address.
Timing and what to expect
Online and mail changes take about two weeks to four weeks from submission to delivery. In-person changes take effect when ready, though your new plastic license still arrives by mail in about two weeks. During the waiting period, your old license with the old address remains valid for identification purposes.
If you are moving out of state or your license is expiring within the next few months, consider whether you want to renew your license at the same time you change your address. Renewing and changing address together takes the same amount of time and costs the same as changing address alone, but you will not need to update your address again when your license expires.
If you have lost your license or it is damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot change the address on it — you must replace it first. A replacement license costs $20 and you can order it online, by mail, or in person. Once you have the replacement, you can then change the address using any of the three methods described above.
If your license is only slightly worn but still readable, you can change the address without replacing it. The staff at a licensing office can tell you whether your license is in good enough condition to keep using while you update the address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address before I can use my license at the new address?
No. Your license remains valid for identification even if the address is outdated. However, some businesses or government offices may ask for a current address, so it is a good idea to update it within a few weeks of moving. If you need proof of your current address for a bank account or lease, you can request a temporary verification letter from the Department of Licensing while your change is being processed.
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
You can change your address again online or by mail as soon as you know your next address. Each change takes the same amount of time. If you move frequently, consider changing your address in person at a licensing office so you get a temporary paper license to use right away.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. You must renew your license before you can change the address on it. You can renew and change your address at the same time through any method — online, by mail, or in person. Renewing costs $72 for an eight-year license and takes about the same amount of time as changing address alone.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address on your license does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company may want to know about your move, but that is a separate conversation with them — updating your license address does not automatically notify your insurer. Contact your insurance company directly to update your address with them.
What if the Department of Licensing sends my new license to the wrong address?
Call the Department of Licensing right away with your license number and the address where it should have been sent. They can check the status of your card and may be able to intercept it or reissue it. If the card arrives at the wrong address, you can report it as undelivered and request a replacement.