Where to change your address depends on which ID you hold
The place you go to change your address is different for each type of ID. A driver's license goes through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A passport goes through the U.S. State Department. A state ID card goes through your DMV. A Real ID—the federal security standard—requires a trip to your DMV as well, not a separate office. The process, cost, and timeline vary by state and by ID type, so you need to know which one you're updating before you start.
Most states let you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. A few states require you to appear in person. Some charge a small fee; others do not. The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it, because you can complete it from home and receive your updated ID by mail within two to four weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV handles driver's licenses and state ID cards; the U.S. State Department handles passports; each has its own process and timeline.
- Most states let you change your address online for free or a small fee, and mail your updated ID to your new address within two to four weeks.
- You will need proof of your new address—typically a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days—to complete any change.
- Some states require you to appear in person; check your state DMV website before you plan your trip.
Changing your driver's license address online
Most states allow you to change your driver's license address through their DMV website without visiting an office. You will log in with your license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and pay any fee (usually $0 to $15). The state then mails your updated license to your new address. This process takes two to four weeks in most states.
Before you start, gather proof of your new address. Acceptable documents typically include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some states also accept a government letter with your name and address, such as a tax return or voter registration confirmation. Check your state DMV website to see which documents they accept, because the list varies.
If your state does not offer online changes, you can mail in a form or visit a DMV office in person. The mailed form route usually takes four to six weeks. In-person visits are faster—you walk out with a temporary license and receive your permanent one by mail within two weeks—but require you to take time off work or school.
Changing your state ID card address
A state ID card (not a driver's license) is issued by your DMV and follows the same process as a driver's license address change. You can usually change it online, by mail, or in person. The timeline and fee structure are the same: online changes take two to four weeks and cost $0 to $15; in-person visits give you a temporary card when ready and a permanent one by mail.
You will need the same proof of address as you would for a driver's license. If you have moved since you received your current ID, you must update the address before it expires. Some states require you to renew your ID when you move; others do not. Check your state DMV website to see whether an address change alone is enough or whether you need to renew.
Updating your passport address
A U.S. passport does not require you to update your address with the State Department. Your passport remains valid at your old address. However, if you want your passport to reflect your current address for personal records or to match other identification, you can request a replacement passport with your new address.
To get a replacement passport, you submit Form DS-11 (for a new passport book) or Form DS-82 (if you are renewing and your passport is still valid) in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. You will need your current passport, proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your new address. The standard processing time is four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs extra.
Many people do not bother updating their passport address because mail sent to your old address can be forwarded by the post office, and the passport itself does not need to match your current address to be valid for travel. Update it only if you want your records to be current.
What happens if you move before your ID arrives
If you change your address and then move again before your updated ID arrives, contact your DMV or the State Department when ready. Provide your new address and ask them to remail the ID. Some states will do this for free; others charge a small fee. Do not ignore mail from your DMV—if your ID arrives at your old address and you do not pick it up, it may be returned to the state.
If your ID is returned, you will need to request a replacement. This adds another two to four weeks to the process. To avoid this, update your address as soon as you know you are moving, not after you have already moved.
Real ID and address changes
If you have a Real ID (the federal security standard marked with a gold star), changing your address follows the same process as a regular driver's license. You do not need to do anything extra or go to a separate office. Your state DMV handles both the address change and the Real ID status at the same time.
If you do not yet have a Real ID and you are changing your address, you can request one during the same visit or process. You will need to bring additional documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your new address. Real ID processing takes the same amount of time as a regular license update.
Fees and documents you will need
Most states charge $0 to $15 to change your address on a driver's license or state ID. A few states charge nothing. Passport replacement costs $130 for a book and $35 for a card (as of 2024, though these fees can change). Expedited passport processing adds $60.
For any address change, you will need proof of your new address. The most common acceptable documents are:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) dated within the last 60 days
- Lease agreement or rental contract
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days
- Government mail (tax return, voter registration, Social Security letter)
Some states also accept a notarized letter from a landlord or a letter from a shelter or transitional housing program if you do not have a utility bill or lease. Check your state DMV website for the complete list before you gather documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address at the DMV without an appointment?
Some DMV offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments. Check your state DMV website or call ahead before you visit. Online and mail-in changes do not require an appointment and are often faster.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease as proof of address?
Most states accept bank statements, credit card statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some accept notarized letters from a landlord or letters from shelters. Call your DMV to ask which documents they will accept in your situation.
Do I need to change my address on my passport?
No. Your passport remains valid at your old address and does not need to match your current address for travel. Update it only if you want your records to be current, which requires ordering a replacement passport.
How long does it take to get my updated ID by mail?
Most states mail updated driver's licenses and state ID cards within two to four weeks of processing your change. Passport replacements take four to six weeks standard or two to three weeks expedited. Times vary by state and by current processing volume.
What if my ID arrives at my old address and I cannot pick it up?
Contact your DMV or the State Department right away with your new address and ask them to remail it. Some states do this for free; others charge a fee. If the ID is returned to the state, you will need to request a replacement, which adds another two to four weeks.