You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office

Georgia lets you change your address without getting a new license photo or paying a replacement fee — you just notify the Department of Driver Services (DDS) of your move. The fastest way is online through the DDS website if you have a valid email address and your current license number. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or visit a DDS office in person. All three methods take your old address off the system and print your new one on your license at no cost.

You do not need to wait for a new physical card in the mail if you change your address online or by mail — your address is updated in the DDS database right away, and law enforcement can see the change when they scan your license. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can request one, but it is not required.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DDS website is the fastest and requires only your license number and email address.
  • You can also mail Form DL-43 (Address Change) to the DDS address listed on the form, with no fee required.
  • Visiting a DDS office in person with your license and proof of your new address completes the change when ready.
  • Your address change takes effect in the DDS system right away, even if you do not receive a new physical card.
  • If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you can request one for a small fee at any DDS office.

Changing your address online through the DDS website

Go to the Georgia DDS website and look for the address change option in the online services section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provide — open that email and follow the link to complete the change.

Once you finish, your address is updated in the state system when ready. You do not have to pay anything, and you do not have to visit an office. Your old license card still works, and when a police officer or anyone else scans it, they will see your new address on file.

Mailing in an address change form

read or request Form DL-43 (Address Change) from the DDS website or any DDS office. Fill in your name, license number, old address, and new address. You do not need to include any documents or fees — just sign the form and mail it to the address printed on the form itself.

Processing by mail usually takes one to two weeks from the time DDS receives it. Your address will be updated in the system, and you will receive a confirmation in the mail. Like the online method, you do not get a new physical card unless you request one.

Updating your address in person at a DDS office

Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Walk up to the counter, tell the employee you need an address change, and hand over your license and proof of address. They will process it on the spot, and your address will be updated in the system when ready.

You will walk out with your old license card, which now has your new address in the DDS database. If you want a replacement card with the new address printed on it, you can ask the employee about that at the same time — there is a small fee for a replacement card, but the address change itself costs nothing.

What counts as proof of your new address

DDS accepts documents that show your name and current 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 government document with your address all work. The document should be recent — generally within the last 60 days, though DDS may accept older documents if they are the only proof you have.

If you are changing your address online or by mail, you do not need to send proof — DDS trusts the information you provide. If you are going in person, bring one of these documents with you.

Getting a replacement card with your new address printed on it

If you want a new physical card that shows your updated address, you can request a replacement at any DDS office or through the online system. There is a fee for a replacement card — the cost varies, so check the current DDS fee schedule on their website or call ahead to confirm the amount.

A replacement card takes about one to two weeks to arrive by mail. You do not have to get one just to update your address — your old card works fine once your address is changed in the system — but some people prefer to have the new address printed on the card itself.

Updating your address if your license is expired or suspended

You can still change your address even if your license is expired or suspended. Use the same method you would normally use — online, by mail, or in person. The address change does not affect the status of your license, and updating your address does not renew an expired license or lift a suspension.

If your license is expired and you want to renew it at the same time you change your address, you can do both in one visit to a DDS office or through the online system. Bring the documents required for renewal (proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency) along with your current license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?

If you change your address online or in person, it updates when ready. If you mail in the form, it usually takes one to two weeks from the time DDS receives it. Your address is active in the system even before you receive any confirmation in the mail.

Do I have to get a new license card when I move?

No. Changing your address does not require a new card. Your old card remains valid, and your new address will appear in the DDS database when law enforcement or anyone else scans your license. You can request a replacement card if you want the new address printed on it, but it is not necessary.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

If you are changing your address online or by mail, you do not need to provide proof. If you are going in person and do not have a recent document with your name and address, call the DDS office ahead of time to ask what they can accept — they may work with you on a case-by-case basis.

Can I change my address if I just moved and do not have mail at my new place yet?

Yes, through the online or mail methods. If you want to change your address in person, you will need some proof of your new address — a lease, a utility bill in your name, or a mortgage statement. If you have just moved and do not have these yet, the online or mail method is your best option.

What happens to my old address on my license after I update it?

The old address is removed from the DDS system and replaced with your new one. When your license is scanned, only the new address appears. Your old physical card still shows the old address printed on it, but the system knows your current address.