How to Change Your Address With the Ohio BMV

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

You can change your address with the Ohio BMV in three ways: online through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at a local BMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your record updates within one business day. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to an office during business hours.

You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address. The BMV updates your driver's license, commercial driver's license, ID card, vehicle registration, and title all at once when you submit the change. If you have a commercial driver's license, you must use the online method or go in person — mail is not an option for CDL holders.

Key Takeaways

The online method at bmv.ohio.gov takes 10 minutes and updates your record by the next business day at no cost.
You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and new address to change online.
If you mail the change, send a signed letter with your name, old address, new address, and license number to the BMV office that issued your license.
In-person changes happen when ready at any BMV office, but you must bring your current license and proof of your new address.
Commercial driver's license holders cannot mail a change and must use the online method or visit an office in person.

Changing your address online

Go to bmv.ohio.gov and select "Change Address" from the main menu. You will be taken to a find form where you enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and new address. The system verifies your identity using information from your license record. Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number on screen — save or print this for your records.

Your new address appears on your driver's license record when ready, but the physical card in your wallet still shows the old address until you renew it. The BMV does not mail you a new card just for an address change. When you renew your license in the future, the new card will show the updated address. Your vehicle registration and title records update online within one business day.

Changing your address by mail

Write a letter on plain paper that includes your full name, current address, new address, driver's license number, and date of birth. Sign the letter and mail it to the BMV office that issued your license. You can find the correct office address on bmv.ohio.gov by searching for the county where you got your license.

The BMV processes mail requests in the order received. Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your letter. There is no tracking system for mail requests, so you cannot check status online. If you need to confirm the change went through, call the BMV office you mailed to after two weeks have passed. Do not mail your physical license or any other documents — the letter alone is sufficient.

Changing your address in person at a BMV office

Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Walk in during office hours or schedule an appointment online at bmv.ohio.gov to avoid waiting.

The BMV staff member will verify your identity, update your record on the spot, and print a temporary address change confirmation. Your driver's license record updates when ready. The physical card still shows your old address until renewal, but your registration and title records update within one business day. There is no fee for this service.

What happens to your vehicle registration and title

When you change your address with the BMV, your vehicle registration and title update automatically — you do not need to file separate forms. The BMV mails your new registration card to your new address within one to two weeks. If you have multiple vehicles, all registrations update at the same time.

Your current registration card remains valid at your old address until the new one arrives. You do not need to carry both. If you sell a vehicle before the new registration card arrives, use the old card — the buyer will receive a new registration in their name at their address. If you need a replacement registration card before the new one arrives, you can request one online or in person for a small fee.

Changing your address for a commercial driver's license

CDL holders must change their address online or in person — the mail option is not available. Go to bmv.ohio.gov and use the online change of address form, or visit a BMV office with your current CDL and proof of your new address. The process is the same as for regular driver's licenses, but the system flags CDL records for priority processing because commercial driving requires current address information for safety and compliance reasons.

If you hold both a regular driver's license and a CDL, changing your address updates both at the same time. You do not need to file two separate changes.

What to do if you moved out of state

If you moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from your new state rather than just changing your Ohio address. Most states require you to obtain a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving. However, if you are keeping your Ohio license temporarily — for example, because you work in Ohio but live in another state — you can still change your address with the Ohio BMV to reflect where you actually live.

Contact the BMV office in your new state to learn their requirements. Some states allow you to hold licenses from two states if you work across state lines; others do not. The Ohio BMV will not prevent you from changing your address to an out-of-state location, but you may face issues if you are pulled over in your new state while holding an Ohio license with a different address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online form takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your record updates within one business day. Your vehicle registration and title update within one to two weeks after that. If you need the change reflected when ready, visit a BMV office in person.

Do I get a new driver's license card when I change my address?

No. Your physical license card continues to show your old address until you renew it. The BMV updates your record in their system, and that is what matters for legal purposes. When you renew your license in the future, the new card will show your current address.

What if I do not have proof of my new address for an in-person change?

You will need to provide one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you do not have this yet, use the online method instead — it only requires your license number and Social Security number. Alternatively, wait until you receive a utility bill or other official mail at your new address, then visit the office.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license does not prevent you from changing your address online or in person. However, if you visit in person, bring your expired license plus proof of your new address. The BMV will update your address even though your license is expired.

Does changing my address affect my vehicle insurance?

Your insurance company does not automatically receive your address change from the BMV. You must contact your insurance agent or company separately to update your policy. Failing to notify your insurer of a move can affect your coverage or rates, so do this as soon as you change your address with the BMV.

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.