How to change your address with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

You can change your address with the Ohio BMV in person at any deputy registrar office, by mail, or online through the BMV website if you have a valid Ohio driver's license or ID card. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to your local office.

You do not need to renew your license or ID card to change your address. The BMV will issue you an updated card with your new address at no charge, though it may take several business days to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Ohio BMV website is free and the fastest option if you have a valid driver's license or ID card.
  • By mail, you send a completed form and proof of your new address to the BMV; processing takes one to two weeks.
  • In-person changes at a deputy registrar office are processed when ready, but you must bring your current license or ID and proof of your new address.
  • An updated card with your new address is issued at no charge and arrives by mail within several business days.

Changing your address online

Go to the Ohio BMV website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your card.

After you submit the form, the BMV will mail you an updated card to your new address. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification during that time.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the Address Change Form (BMV 3849) from the Ohio BMV website. Fill in your current license or ID number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 16520, Columbus, OH 43216-6520. The BMV will process your request and mail your updated card to your new address. This method typically takes one to two weeks from the date the BMV receives your form.

Changing your address in person

Visit any deputy registrar office in Ohio with your current driver's license or ID card and a document showing your new address. Bring the same types of proof as you would by mail — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement.

The deputy registrar will update your address on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper receipt showing your new address, and your updated card will be mailed to you within several business days. If you need to use your ID when ready, the temporary receipt is valid for identification purposes.

What counts as proof of your new address

The BMV accepts documents dated within the last 30 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photograph or photocopy is not accepted.

If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet, you can use a notarized letter from your landlord or a property manager stating your new address and move-in date. Some deputy registrar offices may also accept other documents, so call ahead if you are unsure whether what you have will work.

Timing and what to expect

Online changes are processed when ready, and your card ships within one to two business days. By mail, the entire process takes one to two weeks from the date the BMV receives your form. In-person changes are processed the same day, but your updated card still arrives by mail within several business days.

During the waiting period, your old card with your old address remains valid. You can use it for identification, and there is no penalty for having an outdated address on your card while the new one is in transit. Once your new card arrives, you should destroy your old card by cutting it in half.

Finding your nearest deputy registrar office

The Ohio BMV website has a search tool where you can enter your county or city to find the nearest deputy registrar office, hours, and whether appointments are required. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins. Calling ahead is always a good idea, especially if you are traveling during peak hours.

Deputy registrar offices are run by county auditors' offices and private vendors, so hours and services vary by location. The BMV website will tell you which services each office offers and whether you need an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Ohio law does not require you to change your address when ready, but you should do so within a reasonable time. An outdated address can cause problems with mail delivery, vehicle registration renewal notices, and law enforcement records. It is best to update it within 30 days of moving.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord or property manager for a notarized letter stating your new address and move-in date. Some deputy registrar offices also accept other documents — call your local office to ask what they will accept.

Can I change my address without renewing my license?

Yes. Changing your address does not require you to renew your license or ID card. The BMV will issue you an updated card with your new address at no charge, and your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.

How long does it take to receive my new card?

If you change your address online or in person, your updated card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. By mail, the entire process takes one to two weeks from the date the BMV receives your form. During this time, your old card is still valid.

What if I move again before my new card arrives?

You can change your address again through any of the same methods. If your first updated card arrives at an old address, you can contact the BMV to request it be reissued to your current address, though this may delay delivery. It is usually faster to change your address again through the online method or in person.