Where to Change Your Address
You change your address at the same place you would renew your license: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State office, or equivalent agency. Most states now let you change your address online, by mail, or in person. A few states require you to do it in person, so check your state's website first to see which methods are available where you live.
The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and the change takes effect when ready or within a few days. No appointment needed, no fee in most states, and you keep your current license.
If your state does not offer online changes, you can mail in a form or visit a DMV office in person. By mail typically takes one to two weeks. In person is faster — usually the same day — but requires you to take time off and wait in line.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you change your address online for free through the DMV website, and the change takes effect within days.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and your new address to complete any method.
- Changing your address does not require a new photo or a new physical license card in most states — your current license remains valid.
- If you move to a different state, you will need to get a new license from that state's DMV within the timeframe they require (usually 30 to 60 days).
- Some states charge a small fee for address changes by mail or in person, but online changes are free in nearly all states.
Changing Your Address Online
Go to your state's DMV website and look for a link that says "change address," "update address," or "manage my license." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and your new address. Some states also ask for your Social Security number or the last four digits of it.
Log in to the portal using the credentials the DMV asks for — usually your license number and date of birth, or an account you created earlier. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on mail you receive at that address. If you live in an apartment, include the apartment number. If your state asks for a mailing address separate from your residence address, fill both in.
Review the information on screen before you submit. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation message. Write down the confirmation number or take a screenshot. Your address change is now in the system. You do not need to do anything else. Your current license card remains valid and does not need to be replaced.
Changing Your Address by Mail
read or request the address change form from your state's DMV website. The form is usually called "Address Change Form" or "License Update Form." Print it, fill in your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address, and sign it. Do not use a pencil — use pen.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents usually include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states accept a government letter with your name and address. Check your state's list of acceptable documents before you mail anything.
Mail the form and your supporting document to the address listed on the DMV website. Keep a copy for your records. Processing takes one to three weeks depending on your state. You will not receive a new license card — your current one stays valid. If your state sends a confirmation letter, keep it until you receive it, in case the DMV needs proof you made the change.
Changing Your Address in Person at the DMV
Visit a DMV office in your state and tell the staff member you want to change your address. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement works. Some states also ask for proof of residency in the form of a government-issued ID, so check ahead.
The staff member will update your address in the system while you wait. In most states, this takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will not receive a new license card on the spot. Your current card remains valid with your old address printed on it, but the DMV's records now show your new address. If you need a new card with your new address printed on it, you can request one, though this usually costs a small fee and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
Some DMV offices require an appointment. Check your state's website to see if you need to book one ahead of time, or whether walk-ins are accepted at your local office.
What Happens If You Move to a Different State
If you move to a new state, you cannot straightforward change the address on your current license. You must get a new driver's license from your new state's DMV. Each state issues its own license, and your old state's license becomes invalid once you establish residency in the new state.
Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's DMV website for the exact important date. You will need to bring proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), and your Social Security number or card. You may also need to pass a written test and an eye exam, depending on your new state's rules.
Your old license is no longer valid once you get your new state's license, so do not carry both. If you need to keep your old license for any reason — such as proof of age — ask the new state's DMV whether you can keep it after you receive your new one.
Fees and Processing Times by Method
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | New Card Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Free in most states | Same day to 3 days | No |
| By mail | Free to $10, varies by state | 1 to 3 weeks | No |
| In person at DMV | Free to $15, varies by state | Same day | No, unless requested |
Most states do not charge a fee for a straightforward address change, regardless of method. A few states charge $5 to $15 for in-person or mail changes. If you request a new license card with your new address printed on it, expect to pay a renewal or replacement fee, usually $20 to $50 depending on your state.
What You Need Before You Start
Have your current driver's license number and date of birth ready. You will need these for any method — online, mail, or in person. Write down your new address exactly as it appears on mail you receive there, including apartment or unit numbers.
If you are changing your address by mail or in person, gather one document that shows your new address and your name. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement all work. The document should be dated within the last 60 days in most states. If you are changing your address in person, bring your current driver's license as well.
If you are moving to a different state, you will also need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), your Social Security number or card, and proof of residency in your new state. Some states also require a completed process form, which you can read from their DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new license card when I change my address?
No. Your current license card remains valid even though your address has changed. The DMV's records are updated, but the card itself does not need to be replaced. If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you can request one, but this usually costs a fee and takes one to two weeks to arrive.
How long does it take for the address change to show up in the DMV system?
Online changes take effect the same day or within a few days. By mail, it takes one to three weeks. In person, it is when ready — the staff member updates it while you wait. However, it may take a few more days for the change to appear in all government databases, so if you need proof of your new address right away, ask for a receipt or confirmation letter from the DMV.
What if I move before my license expires?
Change your address with the DMV using any of the methods above. Your license remains valid until its expiration date, even with the old address printed on it. When it is time to renew, you can renew online, by mail, or in person, and your new address will be printed on the renewed card.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. A suspended or revoked license does not prevent you from updating your address in the DMV system. However, you cannot legally drive, and you will need to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can use your license again. Change your address anyway so the DMV has your current contact information.
What if I do not have a document showing my new address?
Most states require at least one document with your name and new address on it. If you do not have one yet, wait until you receive a utility bill, lease, or bank statement at your new address. In the meantime, you can use your old address. Some states accept alternative documents like a government letter or a notarized statement of residency, so check your state's DMV website for other options.