You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia DDS office
Georgia offers three routes to update your address on your driver's license: online through the DDS website (fastest, for standard licenses only), by mail with a form and proof document, or in person at any Driver Services office. You do not need to renew your license to change your address — it is a separate transaction. The address change itself costs nothing, though some methods require you to mail in documents or travel to an office.
Which route works best depends on your license type and how quickly you need the change recorded. Online is available only for standard Class D licenses; commercial drivers and those with certain restrictions must use mail or in-person service. In-person is the fastest if you have an office nearby and can go during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia allows address changes online for standard Class D licenses through the DDS website, with no fee and no need to visit an office.
- If you hold a commercial license (CDL), motorcycle endorsement, or certain restrictions, you must change your address by mail or in person.
- By mail, you submit form DL 43 (Address Change) with a proof-of-residency document and mail it to the DDS; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person address changes at a Driver Services office take minutes and are recorded when ready, but you must bring proof of your new address.
- Your physical license card does not update automatically; you will receive a new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the change is processed.
Online address change for standard Class D licenses
The online method is open only to holders of a standard Class D driver's license with no CDL, motorcycle endorsement, or hazmat restriction. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select the address change option, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will enter your new address and confirm it. The system processes the change when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email.
A new license card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, your old card remains valid for identification purposes. There is no fee for this transaction. This method works only if your address is within Georgia; if you are moving out of state, you will need to renew your license in your new state.
Address change by mail using form DL 43
To change your address by mail, read or request form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Georgia DDS website or call 678-413-8400. Complete the form with your current license number, name, and new address. You must also include one document that proves your residency at the new address — this can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Mail the completed form and proof document to the address listed on the form (typically the DDS mailroom in Atlanta). Keep a copy for your records. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. Your new license card will be mailed to your new address once the change is processed. There is no fee.
Do not mail your physical license card unless DDS specifically requests it. If your mail gets lost, you can call DDS to confirm whether your change was received and processed.
In-person address change at a Driver Services office
Visit any Georgia Driver Services office with your current license and one proof-of-residency document. Acceptable proofs include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Tell the clerk you need to change your address. They will update your record on the spot, and you will receive a receipt showing the new address.
Your new license card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for the address change itself. If you need a replacement card sooner (for example, if you are moving and need it before the new one arrives), you can request an expedited card at the office for an additional fee, though this is not required.
Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Georgia DDS website.
Proof of residency documents Georgia accepts
Georgia requires one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. The following documents are accepted:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- Lease agreement or rental contract
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Government mail (tax notice, voter registration, court document)
- Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's)
- Pay stub or employment letter showing your address
The document must show your full name and the complete new address. If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a lease signed by you, a utility bill in your name, or a letter from your landlord or property manager on official letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date.
What happens if you move and do not update your address
Your license remains valid for identification and driving purposes even if the address on it no longer matches where you live. However, there are practical consequences. If you are stopped by law enforcement, the mismatch may raise questions. More importantly, if you receive a traffic ticket or citation, the court will mail notices to the address on your license, and you may miss court dates or payment important date.
Insurance companies also use your license address to verify your residence for policy purposes. If your actual address differs from your license, your insurer may deny a claim or cancel your policy. Vehicle registration renewal notices are mailed to the address on your license, so updating your license address helps may support you receive those notices on time.
Timelines and what to expect after you submit your change
Online changes are recorded when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email. By mail and in-person changes are processed within 7 to 10 business days. Your new physical license card is printed and mailed during this window and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after processing is complete — so total time from submission to receipt is typically 2 to 3 weeks by mail, and 1 to 2 weeks if you change your address in person.
You will not receive a separate notification that your address change was processed; the new card arriving in the mail is your confirmation. If you do not receive your new card within 3 weeks, contact DDS at 678-413-8400 to verify the change was received and to request a replacement card if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move?
No, it is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Your license remains valid for driving and ID purposes. However, courts, insurers, and government agencies use the address on your license, so mismatches can cause missed notices, insurance issues, or problems with vehicle registration renewal.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license can still have its address updated. However, if your license is expired, you should also renew it before or at the same time. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if the address is current.
What if I do not have a proof-of-residency document yet?
If you have just moved and nothing is in your name at the new address, use a signed lease, a utility bill in your name, or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead with the move-in date. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and new address.
Will my old license card still work after I change my address?
Yes, your old card remains valid for identification and driving until your new card arrives. Once the new card is issued, the old one is no longer valid, though you do not need to destroy it — straightforward stop using it.
Can I change my address online if I have a commercial license?
No. Online address changes are available only for standard Class D licenses. If you hold a CDL, motorcycle endorsement, or any restriction code, you must change your address by mail using form DL 43 or in person at a Driver Services office.