You can change your Arizona address online, by mail, or in person at an MVD office
Arizona lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new license, as long as you are not changing your name or correcting your date of birth. The fastest way is online through the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website if your address change is the only update you need. If you prefer to handle it in person or by mail, both options are available and take longer but require no special documents.
You do not need to notify your insurance company before you change your address with the MVD, but you should tell them afterward so your policy stays current. Some insurance companies use your license address to calculate rates, especially if you are moving to a different city or county.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Arizona MVD website is the fastest option and costs $0 if you only change your address.
- You can mail a completed form to the MVD or visit an office in person if you do not want to use the online system.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you change your address online or by mail.
- Tell your auto insurance company about your address change after you update it with the MVD, since some rates depend on where you live.
- If you are also changing your name or correcting your birth date, you cannot use the address-only update and must explore for a replacement license instead.
Changing your address online through the Arizona MVD website
Go to the Arizona MVD website and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. Select the option to update your address. You will enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. The system will confirm your information and show you a summary before you submit.
There is no fee for an online address change. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to move before your new license shows up, you can update your address again online or contact the MVD to have the mail forwarded.
The online system works only if your license is valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you will need to visit an MVD office or mail in a form instead.
Mailing a form to the Arizona MVD
read the process for Duplicate License form (Form 44-1) from the Arizona MVD website or pick one up at any MVD office. Fill in your new address on the form. Sign and date it. Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form, which is typically the Phoenix MVD office.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The MVD will use this to verify your move. Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail after that.
There is no fee for a mailed address change. Keep a copy of the form and the address verification document for your records in case the MVD needs to contact you.
Visiting an Arizona MVD office in person
Find your nearest MVD office on the Arizona MVD website. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Walk in during office hours or schedule an appointment online if your location offers it.
Tell the MVD staff that you want to change your address only. They will update your record on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for an in-person address change.
In-person visits are useful if you want to confirm your change was processed correctly before you leave the office, or if you have questions about your license. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling ahead can help you plan.
What happens to your old license after you change your address
Your old license remains valid until it expires, even though the address on it is no longer correct. You do not need to destroy it or turn it in. Police and other officials understand that people move and will accept an out-of-date address on a valid license.
Once your new license arrives, you can throw away the old one or keep it for your records. Some people keep old licenses as proof of previous residence for rental applications or other purposes.
Updating your insurance after changing your address
Contact your auto insurance company within a few days of your address change with the MVD. Give them your new address and the date you moved. Your insurance company will update your policy and may recalculate your rate based on your new location.
Some insurance companies charge more or less depending on where you live. Urban areas often have higher rates than rural areas because of higher accident and theft rates. If you are moving to a different county, your rate may change even if you stay with the same company. Ask your agent whether your move will affect your premium.
Failing to tell your insurance company about a move can cause problems if you have an accident. Some policies require you to notify the company of address changes within a certain time frame, and not doing so could give them a reason to deny a claim. It takes five minutes to call and update them, so do it as soon as your new license is on the way.
If you are also changing your name or correcting your birth date
The address-only update does not work if you need to change your name or fix an error in your date of birth. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license. This requires more documents and takes longer than an address change.
For a name change, you will need a certified copy of a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows your new name. For a birth date correction, you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate or other vital record. You can explore in person at an MVD office, by mail, or online depending on which documents you have and your situation.
If you are moving and changing your name at the same time, handle both at once by explore for a replacement license with your new name and new address. This is faster than changing your address first and then your name later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my driver's license when I move?
Arizona does not legally require you to update your address on your driver's license. However, your insurance company may require it, and having a current address on your license is useful for police stops and identification purposes. Most people update it within a few weeks of moving.
How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your address change online. This does not include weekends or holidays. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Arizona MVD to check the status.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, you cannot use the online address-change system if your license is expired. You will need to visit an MVD office or mail in a form instead. If your license is also expired, you may need to renew it at the same time, which requires additional documents and fees.
Will changing my address affect my auto insurance rates?
It may. Insurance companies use your address to calculate rates based on accident and theft statistics in your area. If you move to a different city or county, your rate could go up or down. Call your insurance company to find out how your move will affect your premium.
What document do I need to prove my new address?
The MVD accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and new address. If you do not have one of these, ask the MVD staff what other documents they will accept.