You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office
Washington State allows you to update your driver's license address through three routes: the online system (fastest), mail (takes 7–10 business days), or in person at any Department of Licensing office. You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address. The address change itself takes effect when ready in the state's system, though your physical card will still show the old address until your next renewal.
Which method works best depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you have the documents the state requires. Online is the quickest if your information matches what the Department of Licensing already has on file. Mail works if you prefer not to visit an office. In-person is the only option if you cannot verify your identity online or if you need to update other information at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Department of Licensing website take effect the same day and require only your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Mail-in changes require a signed form (DL 43) and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease, and take 7–10 business days to process.
- In-person changes at a Department of Licensing office take a few minutes and require your current driver's license and proof of your new address.
- Your physical card will continue to show your old address until your license renews; the address change is recorded in the state system when ready.
- There is no fee for an address change, and you do not need to renew your license to update your address.
Changing your address online
The online method is the fastest and requires no documents to be mailed or scanned. Go to the Department of Licensing website and select the option to change your address. You will need your Washington driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify this information against what the state has on file.
If the verification succeeds, you enter your new address and confirm the change. The update takes effect when ready in the state's records. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your physical license card will not change — it will still show your old address until you renew your license at its regular expiration date or request a replacement card.
Online changes work only if your identity information matches the state's records exactly. If the system cannot verify you, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Changing your address by mail
To change your address by mail, read or request form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the Department of Licensing website or by calling 360-902-3900. Fill out the form with your current license number, your new address, and sign it. You must also include proof that you live at the new address.
Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new address. The document must show your name and the new address clearly. Mail the signed form and proof to the address listed on the form — typically the Department of Licensing office in Olympia.
Processing takes 7–10 business days from the date the Department of Licensing receives your mail. There is no fee. Once processed, your address is updated in the state system, though your physical card will still show the old address.
Changing your address in person
Visit any Department of Licensing office with your current Washington driver's license and proof of your new address. Bring the same types of proof accepted for mail-in changes: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and new address.
The office staff will update your address on the spot. The change takes effect when ready in the state system. Your physical license card will not be replaced unless you request one, and replacement cards carry a fee (currently $20). If you do not request a replacement, your card will continue to show your old address until your license expires and you renew it.
In-person changes are useful if you need to update other information at the same time, such as your name or emergency contact, or if you cannot verify your identity online.
What counts as proof of your new address
The Department of Licensing accepts several types of documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must show your name and the new address, and it must be current (usually dated within the last 60 days, though this can vary). A utility bill in your name is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, and property tax bills also work. Some offices accept government mail, such as tax documents or voter registration cards.
Documents that do not work include credit card statements (unless they show your name and address clearly), insurance policies without an address, or mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant." If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 before you go in person or mail your form.
Timeline and what happens next
Online changes are recorded the same day. Mail-in changes take 7–10 business days from receipt. In-person changes take a few minutes and are recorded when ready. In all cases, your address is updated in the state's system right away, which means it will appear correctly on records used by law enforcement, courts, and voter registration.
Your physical driver's license card will continue to show your old address. If you need a card with your new address printed on it, you can request a replacement at any Department of Licensing office (fee applies) or wait until your license expires and renew it. Many people do not replace the card and straightforward keep the address change on file in the state system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my license to change my address?
No. An address change is separate from license renewal. You can change your address at any time without renewing your license. Your license remains valid at its current expiration date.
Will my new address show up on my physical card right away?
No. Your physical card will show your old address until you renew your license or request a replacement card. The address change is recorded in the state system when ready, so it will appear on official records and documents the state issues, but not on the card itself.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
You will need some form of proof before you can change your address through any method. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, or use a bank statement or government mail if available.
Can I change my address online if I just moved to Washington?
Online changes work only if your identity information matches what the Department of Licensing already has on file. If you recently moved to Washington and updated your license in person, the online system should work. If you have not yet updated your license with the state, you will need to do that first before you can change your address online.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No. Changing your address is free through all three methods. You only pay a fee if you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it.