Where to Change Your Address
You change your address at the same place you renew your license: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State office, or equivalent licensing agency. Most states let you do this in person at a local office, by mail, or online through their website. The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it, because you avoid waiting in line and get confirmation when ready.
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and looking for "address change" or "update license information." If your state does not offer online changes, call the DMV to ask whether you can mail in the request or must appear in person. Some states require an in-person visit only if you are changing your address within a certain window before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and online is usually fastest.
- You will need your current license number, your new address, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
- An address change does not require a new photo or a new license number in most states — the DMV mails you an updated card with the same number.
- Processing time ranges from a few days online to two to three weeks by mail, depending on your state.
- If you move before your license arrives, contact the DMV when ready with your new address so they can remail it.
What Documents You Need
The exact documents vary by state, but most require your current driver's license and proof that you actually live at the new address. Proof of residency typically means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 to 60 days and showing your name and new address. A few states accept a government letter addressed to you at the new address, such as a tax notice or voter registration confirmation.
Check your state's DMV website before you go or submit anything by mail. Some states ask for the original document, others accept a photocopy, and a few let you upload a photo of it online. If you do not have a utility bill in your name yet — because you just moved and the account is still in the previous tenant's name — ask the DMV what they will accept instead. A signed lease with your name and the new address usually works.
Changing Your Address Online
If your state offers online address changes, log in to the DMV website using your license number and date of birth. You will enter your new address, upload a photo of your proof of residency, and pay any fee (usually $0 to $10). The system will confirm your change when ready and tell you when to expect your updated license in the mail.
Online changes typically process within three to seven business days. Your new license card will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. You do not need to do anything else — the DMV will mail it to your new address automatically. If your state's website does not have an online option, move to the mail or in-person route.
Changing Your Address by Mail
To change your address by mail, read the address-change form from your state's DMV website (often called a "Change of Address" or "DL-43" form, though the name varies). Fill it out with your current license number, new address, and signature. Include a photocopy of your proof of residency and mail the packet to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if your state requests it, and keep a copy of everything you send. Mail your packet to the address on the form, not to a general DMV office, because address-change requests often go to a separate processing center. Check the tracking status on your state's DMV website if it offers one.
Changing Your Address in Person
Walk into your local DMV office with your current license and proof of residency. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will take your information, update the system, and usually hand you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new card is printed and mailed. This route is fastest if you need proof of your new address when ready.
Bring your documents in original form unless the office tells you otherwise. Some DMV offices are crowded and require you to take a number and wait; others let you book an appointment online. Check your state's website to see whether appointments are available in your area. If you cannot get an appointment and the office is very busy, try visiting early in the morning on a weekday, when lines are typically shorter.
What Happens After You Submit Your Change
The DMV updates your address in their system and mails you a new license card with your updated address printed on it. Your license number stays the same. The card usually arrives within one to two weeks of approval. If you move again before it arrives, contact the DMV when ready with your new address so they can remail it to the correct location.
You do not need to carry the old card once the new one arrives. Destroy it or keep it as a record — there is no formal surrender process for address changes. If your new license does not arrive within the timeframe your state gave you, call the DMV to check the status. Occasionally cards get lost in the mail, and the DMV can reissue one.
Special Situations
If you are changing your address because you moved out of state, you will need to get a license from your new state instead of just updating your old one. Each state has its own rules about whether you can keep your old license temporarily or must surrender it. Contact your new state's DMV to learn what documents they require and whether they will give you credit for the time remaining on your old license.
If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some states let you use a shelter address, a trusted friend's address, or a PO box. Call your state's DMV and explain your situation — they can tell you what they will accept. If you are in witness protection or fleeing domestic violence, contact your state's DMV about confidential address options, which keep your real address out of public records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new photo when I change my address?
No. An address change does not require a new photo or a new license number. The DMV straightforward prints your updated address on a new card and mails it to you. Your photo, license number, and expiration date all stay the same.
How much does it cost to change my address?
Most states charge nothing for an address change. A few charge $5 to $10. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm the fee before you submit your request.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the DMV when ready with your new address. Provide your license number and explain that your updated card was mailed to your old address. The DMV can remail it to your current location, though this may add one to two weeks to the process.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes, you can change your address on an expired license. However, if your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than making two separate trips or submissions. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can combine both requests.
Do I have to change my address right away after I move?
Most states require you to update your address within 10 to 30 days of moving. Check your state's specific important date on the DMV website. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal in most places, but it can cause problems if you are stopped by police or need to prove your residency.