You can change your address on a Georgia driver's license in person at a DDS office, by mail, or online through the Georgia DDS website — the method depends on whether you need a new card printed

Georgia offers three routes to update your address on file. If you change your address online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, the change takes effect when ready but your physical card keeps the old address until it expires or you renew it. If you go to a DDS office in person, you can request a replacement card with the new address printed on it, which costs $20 and arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you prefer mail, you can send a completed form with proof of your new address to the DDS, though this route is slower and does not produce a new card unless you pay the replacement fee.

The fastest option for most people is the online change if you do not need the address on your physical card to match when ready. The in-person route at a DDS office is best if you need a replacement card with the correct address printed on it right away, or if you are uncomfortable doing the change online.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the Georgia DDS website take effect when ready but do not print a new card; your physical license keeps the old address until renewal or replacement.
  • Changing your address in person at a DDS office costs $20 for a replacement card and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
  • Mail-in address changes require form DL 43 (Address Change), a completed form, and proof of your new address, but do not produce a new card unless you pay the $20 replacement fee.
  • You will need a valid form of ID and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail) for any method.
  • Your address change is recorded in the DDS system regardless of which method you use, so law enforcement and other agencies see the updated information even if your card does not.

Changing your address online through the Georgia DDS website

The online method is the simplest if you do not need a new physical card. Visit the Georgia DDS website, log into your account, and select the address change option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Enter your new address and confirm the change. The update appears in the DDS system when ready, which means your record is current for law enforcement, vehicle registration, and other state agencies.

The trade-off is that your physical driver's license card still shows your old address until you renew it or pay for a replacement. If you need the card itself to reflect your new address — for example, if you are moving to a new state and need to show proof of residency — you will need to use the in-person or mail method and pay the replacement fee.

Getting a replacement card with your new address at a DDS office

Walk into any DDS office with your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and $20 in cash or card. Bring one document that shows your new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The DDS office staff will verify your identity, take a new photo if required, and print a replacement card on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office location and current procedures.

Most DDS offices mail replacement cards within two weeks. Some locations may offer to print it when ready; call ahead to your local office to confirm. You can find the nearest DDS office and its hours on the Georgia DDS website. Bring your current license even if it is expired, because it speeds up the verification process.

Mailing in an address change form

If you cannot visit an office or prefer to handle this by mail, read form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Georgia DDS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and include a copy of one proof-of-address document. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form — typically the DDS headquarters in Atlanta, though the form will specify the correct mailing address.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person or online changes, usually three to four weeks. Your address will be updated in the DDS system, but you will not receive a new physical card unless you include the $20 replacement fee with your form. If you do not pay the fee, your old card remains valid but shows the outdated address.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia DDS accepts the following documents as proof of address: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, government mail from a federal or state agency, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and the new address clearly, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof by itself.

If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Some DDS offices accept this as temporary proof while you wait for official documents to arrive in your name.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

Online changes take effect when ready in the DDS system. In-person replacements are printed or mailed within two weeks. Mail-in changes take three to four weeks. Once your address is updated in the system, it is visible to law enforcement, vehicle registration, and other state agencies within one business day, even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

If you ordered a replacement card, watch for it in the mail. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DDS to confirm it was mailed. Your old card remains valid during this time, so you can continue to use it for identification purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?

Georgia law requires you to notify the DDS of an address change within 30 days of moving. While there is no penalty for a minor delay, updating your address keeps your record current and ensures you receive important mail from the state, such as renewal notices or vehicle registration documents.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to update your address online, in person, or by mail. If you change it in person, the DDS may issue you a renewal at the same time, though this may involve additional fees depending on how long your license has been expired.

What if I move out of state?

Update your Georgia address one last time before you leave, or let it lapse when you obtain a license in your new state. If you plan to keep your Georgia license active, update your address to your new out-of-state address through the online method or by mail. Some states do not recognize out-of-state licenses for certain purposes, so check your new state's requirements.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address does not affect your driving record or insurance rates. However, you should notify your insurance company separately of your move, as rates and coverage can vary by location. Your insurance company does not automatically receive updates from the DDS.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. Only the license holder can request an address change online or by mail. If you go in person, you must bring your own ID. A parent or guardian cannot change an adult's address without their consent and presence.