You can change your Georgia driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office

Georgia offers three ways to update your address on your driver's license: through the Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail, or by visiting a DDS office in person. The online method is the fastest and requires only your license number, date of birth, and a new address. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to DDS or walk into any DDS location with proof of your new address.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — it is a separate transaction that takes minutes online or a few days by mail. Your license card itself will not change; only the address on file with the state will update. This matters because your address on file affects where traffic tickets, vehicle registration notices, and insurance documents are sent.

Key Takeaways

  • The DDS website lets you change your address in real time without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • By mail, you send a signed form and proof of your new address to DDS; processing takes five to seven business days.
  • In person at any DDS office, you bring proof of your new address and leave with your address updated the same day.
  • You must have moved to your new address or be able to prove you will live there; you cannot change your address to a temporary location.
  • Your physical license card does not change when you update your address — only the state's record of where you live is updated.

Changing your address online through the DDS website

Go to dds.georgia.gov and select the option to update your driver's license information. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record or credit history.

Once you complete the online form and submit it, your address change takes effect when ready in the DDS system. You will receive a confirmation email. Your physical license card will not be reissued — the address printed on it will remain the same, but the state's official record will show your new address. This is the fastest option and costs nothing.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the DDS Form 40 (process for a Driver's License or Identification Card) from the DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400. You do not need to fill out the entire form — only complete the section for address change. Sign the form and mail it to the address listed on the form, along with one piece of proof of your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. DDS will process your request within five to seven business days and send you a confirmation letter. Your address will be updated in the system, but your physical license card will not change.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

Visit any DDS office in Georgia with one piece of proof of your new address. Bring your current driver's license and be prepared to wait — DDS offices can have long lines, especially on weekdays. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online.

The DDS employee will verify your proof of address, update your record in the system, and give you a receipt showing your new address has been recorded. You will leave the office with your address changed the same day. Your physical license card will not be reprinted; only the state's file is updated. This option is useful if you need the change done when ready or if you are uncomfortable using the online system.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia requires one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your new address. Valid documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card. A bank statement or credit card statement with your new address also works.

Documents that do not count include a handwritten note from a landlord, a verbal confirmation, or mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant." If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, you can use a lease agreement signed by you and your landlord, even if it is dated before you moved in. Some DDS offices will accept a notarized letter from your landlord if you cannot produce other proof.

When you must change your address and when you should

Georgia law requires you to notify DDS of a change of address within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine, though it is rarely enforced unless you are stopped by police. More practically, an outdated address means traffic citations, vehicle registration renewal notices, and insurance documents will be sent to your old address, where you may not receive them.

You should also update your address if you are moving out of state, because Georgia will eventually flag your license as invalid if your address cannot be verified. If you are moving to another state, you will eventually need to get a license in that state, but updating your Georgia address first prevents confusion with mail and records.

Address changes and your driver's license expiration date

Changing your address does not extend or shorten the expiration date on your license. Your license expires on the same date regardless of when you update your address. If your license is expiring soon, you can change your address and renew your license at the same time, either online or in person — this is often faster than doing them separately.

When you renew your license, you will receive a new physical card with your current address printed on it. Until then, your old card will show your old address, even though the state's system has your new one. This can be confusing when you show your license to police or at a bank, so some people choose to renew early if they have moved and want the card to match their actual address.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your physical license card does not change when you update your address. Only the state's record is updated. Your card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license, at which point you will receive a new card with your current address printed on it.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The change takes effect when ready when you submit the form online. You will receive a confirmation email within minutes. The state's system will show your new address right away, even though your physical card will not change.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease at my new address yet?

You can use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you have none of these, a signed lease agreement from your landlord counts, even if it is dated before you moved in. Some DDS offices will accept a notarized letter from your landlord confirming your residency.

Can I change my address to a PO box or temporary address?

No. Your address on file must be your actual residential address — where you physically live. A PO box, hotel, or temporary shelter cannot be used as your official address on your driver's license, though you can list a PO box as a mailing address separately in some cases.

What happens if I move and do not update my address?

Georgia law requires you to notify DDS within 30 days. Mail related to your license, vehicle registration, and traffic citations will go to your old address. If you are stopped by police, an outdated address can cause confusion, though it is not typically a criminal offense unless you are evading service of a citation.