How to Change Your Address on Your Driver's License

Where to change your address and what you'll need

You can change your address at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), either in person at a local office or online through your state's DMV website. Most states now offer online address changes, which takes about five minutes and costs nothing. A few states still require you to visit in person or mail in a form, so check your state's DMV site first to see which method is available to you.

Before you start, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and a form of payment if your state charges a fee (most don't for address-only changes). Proof of address typically means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. Some states accept a government letter with your new address, like a voter registration confirmation.

Key Takeaways

Most states let you change your address online through the DMV website for free, taking only a few minutes.
You will need your current driver's license and a document showing your new address, such as a recent utility bill or lease.
If your state requires an in-person visit, you can usually schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting.
An address change does not require a new photo or a new license number — your current license remains valid.
Mail-in address changes typically take two to four weeks; online changes are usually processed within days.

Changing your address online

Go to your state's DMV website and look for a link labeled "Change Address," "Update Address," or "Address Change." You will log in using your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, or sometimes just your license number and date of birth. The exact login method varies by state.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof-of-address document. If you have an apartment number, include it. Double-check the spelling and zip code before you submit, because the DMV will mail your updated license to this address. Most states process online changes within one to three business days, though some take up to a week. You do not need to do anything else — your updated license will arrive by mail.

Changing your address in person at the DMV

If your state does not offer online changes, or if you prefer to handle it in person, visit your local DMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and any form of ID if your license has expired. You do not need an appointment in most states, but checking your DMV's website first can tell you whether appointments are required or recommended to reduce wait time.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need an address change. Hand them your license and your proof of address. They will enter the new address into the system, verify it matches your document, and print a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent updated license will arrive by mail within two to four weeks. The temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready.

Changing your address by mail

A few states still require mailed address changes. Your state's DMV website will have a form, usually called "Change of Address" or "Address Change Request." Print it, fill in your new address, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your proof of address to the address listed on the form.

Mail-in changes take longer — typically three to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. There is no tracking, so you will not know when it arrives at the office. If you do not receive your updated license within six weeks, contact your state's DMV to confirm they received it. Keep a copy of what you mailed for your records.

What happens after you submit your change

Your driver's license number does not change. Your photo does not change. You are only updating the address printed on the back or front of your card. The DMV will mail your updated license to your new address, so make sure you entered it correctly. If you move again before the new license arrives, you can update it again online or in person.

Once your updated license arrives, destroy the old one or turn it in at your local DMV office if they request it. Some states ask you to keep the old one as a backup until the new one arrives, so check your state's guidance. Your updated license is valid for driving, voting, and any other purpose your old license was valid for.

If you moved but haven't received your updated license

If more than six weeks have passed since you submitted your change and your updated license has not arrived, contact your state's DMV. Have your driver's license number and new address ready. The DMV can check whether they processed your request and remail the license if needed. If there was an error in how you entered your address, they can correct it and send a new one.

If you need to drive before your updated license arrives and you submitted the change online or by mail, you can visit a DMV office in person and request a temporary paper license. This is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent card. Some states issue this automatically when you change your address; others only issue it if you ask.

Address changes and vehicle registration

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You will need to update your registration separately through your state's DMV or online portal. Most states require you to update your vehicle registration within 10 to 30 days of moving. Check your state's DMV website for the registration address-change process, as it is usually faster online than the driver's license change.

Some states combine the two updates into one form or one online transaction. Others handle them separately. Your registration and your license do not have to match, but keeping them aligned makes it easier if you are pulled over or need to renew either one.

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. Your current license photo remains on your updated card. You only need a new photo if you renew your license, which is a separate process that happens every four to eight years depending on your state.

How much does it cost to change my address?

Most states charge nothing for an address-only change. A few states charge a small fee, usually between $5 and $15, but this is rare. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether there is a fee before you start the process.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes, you can change your address on an expired license. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If your license is expired, consider renewing it at the same time you change your address, since both can often be done in one transaction online or in person.

What if I moved to a different state?

If you moved to a different state, you will need to get a new driver's license from your new state's DMV rather than just changing your address. Your old state's license becomes invalid once you establish residency in the new state. Visit your new state's DMV website to learn what documents you need to explore for a license there.

Can I change my address online if I don't have a computer?

If you do not have internet access, visit your local DMV office in person or mail in the address-change form. Both methods work just as well as the online option and do not require a computer. Some DMV offices have computers available for public use if you need help accessing the online form.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.