Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office

Washington State allows you to update your driver's license address without getting a new license or paying a fee. You have three routes: the online system (fastest, available 24/7), mail (takes 7 to 10 business days), or walking into a Department of Licensing office in person (same-day confirmation). Which one you choose depends on whether you need proof of the change when ready and how soon you can get to an office.

The address change itself is straightforward — the state does not require you to prove residency or show new documents. You straightforward confirm your new address, and the DOL updates their records. Your physical license card stays the same; only the address on file changes. If you move again later, you can update it the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change tool at dol.wa.gov takes about five minutes and works any time of day or night.
  • Mail-in changes require a signed form (DL 43) and take 7 to 10 business days to process.
  • In-person changes at a DOL office are when ready — you walk out with confirmation the same day.
  • You do not need to provide proof of residency, a lease, or utility bills to change your address.
  • Your physical license card does not change; only the address in the state's system updates.

Changing your address online

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Change Address" option under the driver's license section. You will need your Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on file, then submit. The system confirms the change when ready.

Online changes work best if you do not need a physical record right away. Your address updates in the state system within minutes, so if a police officer runs your license, they will see the new address. However, you will not receive a printed confirmation letter in the mail — the confirmation happens on screen only. If your employer, bank, or insurance company needs written proof that you updated your address, use the mail or in-person route instead.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the DL 43 form (Address Change form) from dol.wa.gov. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, new address, and sign and date the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — currently the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9020, Olympia, WA 98507-9020. Do not send cash or checks; the address change is free.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DOL receives your form. Mail delivery itself can add another few days, so plan for up to two weeks total. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address once the change is complete. Keep this letter if you need proof of your address update for banking, insurance, or other purposes.

Changing your address in person at a DOL office

Find your nearest Department of Licensing office on dol.wa.gov using their office locator. Bring your current Washington driver's license and be ready to state your new address. The staff member will update your record on the spot, and you will receive a printed confirmation when ready. No appointment is needed at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

In-person changes are the best option if you need when ready proof or if you are uncomfortable using the online system. You walk out with documentation that your address has been updated. If you are moving out of state and need to close accounts or update records quickly, this route saves you the week-long wait.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address is updated in the state system, your driver's license number stays the same — you do not get a new license or a new card. The physical license in your wallet still shows your old address until it expires and you renew it. When you renew (every 5 or 8 years depending on your age), the new card will print with your current address on file.

Law enforcement, the DMV, and other agencies that look up your license electronically will see your new address in the state database. If you need a physical document showing your updated address before your license expires, the in-person or mail routes give you a confirmation letter you can carry or share with banks and insurance companies.

If you are moving out of state

If you are leaving Washington permanently, you do not need to update your Washington address before you go. You can straightforward get a driver's license in your new state when you arrive. However, if you are moving temporarily or keeping a Washington address for a few months, updating your address on file keeps your records current with the state.

Some people keep a Washington address on file while living elsewhere for insurance or vehicle registration reasons. The DOL does not verify that you actually live at the address you provide, so you can update it to any address you want to use. Just be aware that if you are stopped by police, your license will show that address, and discrepancies could raise questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show proof that I live at my new address?

No. Washington does not require a lease, utility bill, or any other residency proof to change your address on file. You straightforward provide the new address and confirm it. The state trusts that you are giving accurate information.

Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?

No. Your physical card stays the same until you renew your license, which happens every 5 or 8 years depending on your age. Only the address in the state database changes. When you renew, the new card will print with your current address.

How long does the online address change take?

The online change itself takes about five minutes to complete, and the state system updates when ready. You get a confirmation on screen right away. However, if you need a printed confirmation letter, use the mail or in-person route instead.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address online or by mail with an expired license, as long as you have your license number and other identifying information. If you go in person, bring your expired license. However, if your license has been expired for more than a few years, you may need to renew it instead of just updating the address.

What if I made a mistake when I entered my new address?

If you used the online system and made a typo, you can go back and submit another change right away — there is no limit to how many times you can update. If you mailed in a form with an error, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to request a correction.