You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at an NC DMV office

North Carolina allows you to update your driver's license address without getting a new license, as long as you are not changing your name, date of birth, or other identifying information. The fastest method is the online portal at ncdmv.org, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form to the DMV or walk into a license plate office in person — both routes take longer but work just as well.

The address change itself does not require you to pass a vision test, take a new photo, or pay a fee. Your current license remains valid; the DMV straightforward updates its records and mails you a corrected license with your new address printed on it. The corrected license arrives in about 7 to 10 business days if you go online, or 2 to 3 weeks if you mail the form.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at ncdmv.org is the fastest and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address.
  • You can also mail Form DL-43 to the DMV along with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • In-person address changes at a license plate office take about 15 minutes and require your current license and one document showing your new address.
  • You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address — the corrected license is mailed to you free of charge.
  • Your old license remains valid until it expires; you do not need to surrender it when you receive the corrected one.

Changing your address online through ncdmv.org

Go to ncdmv.org and select "Address Change" from the menu. You will need your current North Carolina driver's license number, your date of birth, and your new street address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV records. Once you complete those steps, you can submit the change when ready.

After you submit online, the DMV mails your corrected license to the address you entered. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license is still valid during that time, so you can use it for identification or driving until the new one arrives. You do not need to do anything else — no forms to print, no documents to mail, no office visit required.

Changing your address by mail

read or request Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate License) from ncdmv.org or pick one up at any license plate office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You will also need to include one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work.

Mail the completed form and your address proof to the address listed on the form. The DMV processes mail requests more slowly than online submissions; expect 2 to 3 weeks for your corrected license to arrive. Include a copy of your current license if you want, though it is not required. Do not mail your original license — you will need it to drive while you wait for the corrected one.

Changing your address in person at a license plate office

Bring your current North Carolina driver's license and one document showing your new address to any license plate office. The office staff will update your address in the system while you wait. The visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations accept them through ncdmv.org — checking ahead can save you a wait.

The DMV will mail your corrected license to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid and in your possession; you walk out with it and use it until the corrected one arrives. There is no fee for this service.

What documents count as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts a wide range of documents showing your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a piece of government mail all may have access to. The document must show your name and your new address, and it should be dated within the last 60 days, though the DMV sometimes accepts older documents if they are the only proof you have.

If you do not have any of those documents yet — for example, if you just moved and have not received a utility bill at the new address — you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating your name and new address. Some offices also accept a notarized statement from you confirming your move. Call your local license plate office if you are unsure whether your document will work.

When you need a new license instead of just an address change

An address change is not the right route if you are also changing your name, date of birth, or other core identifying information. If any of those details have changed, you will need to renew your license instead, which costs money and requires a new photo and vision test. Similarly, if your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, the DMV may ask you to renew rather than just update the address.

If you are unsure whether your situation calls for a renewal or just an address change, call the DMV at 919-715-7000 or check ncdmv.org. The staff can tell you in a few minutes which process applies to you.

How long the corrected license takes to arrive

Online submissions are the fastest: your corrected license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail submissions take longer, usually 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. In-person submissions at a license plate office also result in a 7 to 10 business day mailing time — the office does not print licenses on-site for address changes.

If more than 10 business days have passed since you submitted online or visited an office, or more than 3 weeks since you mailed your form, you can contact the DMV to check the status. Have your driver's license number ready when you call 919-715-7000.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

North Carolina does not legally require you to update your license address, but it is a good idea. Your license is a primary form of identification, and having an outdated address can cause problems with banks, insurance companies, and law enforcement. If you are pulled over and your address does not match where you actually live, an officer may ask questions.

Can I change my address online if I do not have a computer?

Yes. You can mail Form DL-43 with proof of your new address, or visit a license plate office in person. Both methods work without internet access. The office staff will update your address and mail you a corrected license at no cost.

What if I move before my corrected license arrives?

Contact the DMV and provide your new address before the corrected license ships. Call 919-715-7000 or go to ncdmv.org and submit another address change. The DMV will redirect your license to your updated address. If the license has already been mailed, you may need to pick it up at your local post office or have it forwarded.

Do I need to surrender my old license when I get the corrected one?

No. Your old license remains valid until it expires. You can keep it or destroy it — the DMV does not require you to return it. Most people keep it as a backup form of identification.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes are free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You do not pay anything, and the corrected license is mailed to you at no cost.