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

Georgia allows you to update your address on your driver's license through three separate routes, and the fastest is online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website. You do not need to renew your license early or pay a fee to change your address alone. The online method takes minutes and requires only your license number, date of birth, and a valid email address. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to DDS or visit a local office in person.

Address changes do not extend your license expiration date or create a new card with a new number. Your current license remains valid; only the address on file changes. This matters if you are moving out of state or changing your name at the same time — those require different steps.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Georgia DDS website is free and takes a few minutes, and you receive confirmation by email.
  • You need your current Georgia driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • If you cannot change your address online, you can mail Form DL-43 to the DDS address or visit a local DDS office with your license and proof of your new address.
  • Changing your address does not renew your license or cost money, but you must update your address before your license expires if you want the new address on your next renewal card.
  • If you are moving out of state or changing your name, you will need to follow separate procedures beyond a straightforward address change.

Changing your address online through the Georgia DDS website

The online method is the fastest and requires no documents to be mailed or scanned. Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your Georgia driver's license number, your date of birth, and access to an email address where you can receive a confirmation. The system will ask you to enter your new address and verify it matches your input.

After you submit your information, you will receive a confirmation email from DDS. Your address change takes effect when ready in the DDS system, though the physical card in your wallet will still show your old address until you renew your license. When you renew — either at the scheduled expiration or early — your new address will print on the replacement card.

If the online system does not accept your information or you receive an error message, note the error code and contact the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Do not attempt the process multiple times in quick succession, as repeated failed attempts can temporarily lock your account.

Mailing a form to change your address

If you prefer to mail your address change, you will need to submit Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card) to the Georgia DDS. You can read this form from the DDS website or request it by phone. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Do not include payment — address changes are free.

Mail the completed form to: Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Include a copy of proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must match the name on your license; if it does not match your proof document, include a legal name-change document as well.

Processing by mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days after DDS receives your form. You will not receive a new card, and there is no tracking number for mailed requests. If you do not hear back within two weeks, call DDS to confirm receipt.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

You can walk into any Georgia DDS office and request an address change on the spot. Bring your current Georgia driver's license and one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Tell the staff member you want to update your address only, not renew your license.

The office will update your address in the system when ready, and you will receive a receipt showing the change. As with the online method, your physical card will still show your old address until you renew. There is no fee for this service. Wait times at DDS offices vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking the DDS website for current wait times can help you plan your visit.

If you are renewing your license at the same time you change your address, you will need to bring additional documents: your Social Security number, proof of Georgia residency, and proof of identity. The staff can tell you exactly what documents they need when you arrive or when you call ahead.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia DDS accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address. The document must show your name, your new address, and a date within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowners or renters insurance policy.

Documents that do not work include a cell phone bill, a mail piece with your address written on it by hand, a letter from an employer, or a government check. If your name on the proof document does not match your name on your license exactly, bring a legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) as well. If you are changing your address online, you do not need to submit proof — the system trusts your input.

Timing and what happens to your physical card

Your address change in the DDS system is effective when ready, whether you change it online, by mail, or in person. However, the plastic card in your wallet will continue to show your old address until you renew your license. When your license expires and you renew it, the new card will print with your updated address.

If you want your new address on a physical card before your scheduled renewal date, you can request an early renewal or a duplicate card. This costs money and requires a separate process. Most people straightforward wait until their regular renewal date, since the address in the DDS system is what matters for law enforcement, vehicle registration, and other official purposes.

If your license expires soon and you have not yet changed your address, do the address change first, then renew your license. This ensures your new card prints with the correct address. If you renew first and then change your address, you will have a card with the old address and will need to renew again to get the new one printed.

Address changes when you are moving out of state or changing your name

A straightforward address change only works if you are staying in Georgia and your name is not changing. If you are moving to another state, you will need to obtain a driver's license from that state; Georgia will not issue a license to someone who does not live in Georgia. Start the process in your new state as soon as you arrive, since most states require you to obtain a new license within 30 days of establishing residency.

If you are changing your name (through marriage, divorce, or court order), you cannot use the online address-change system. Instead, you must visit a DDS office in person or mail Form DL-43 along with your legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The staff will update both your name and address at the same time. This process takes longer than a straightforward address change and may result in a new license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 enforcement is rare. More importantly, if law enforcement stops you and your license shows an old address, it can create confusion or delay. It is simpler to update your address when you move.

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. The online system only works for valid, unexpired licenses. If your license has expired, you must renew it first. You can renew online through the Georgia DDS website if you meet the requirements, or visit an office in person. Once your license is renewed, you can change the address online or request the address change during the renewal process itself.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after DDS receives your form. Mailing time adds several days on each end, so allow 2 to 3 weeks total from the time you drop the form in the mail. If you need the change faster, use the online method or visit an office in person.

Will I get a new license number if I change my address?

No. Your license number stays the same when you change your address. The number only changes if you renew your license, change your name, or request a duplicate card. A straightforward address change does not trigger a new number.

What if my proof of address is in my spouse's name?

DDS requires the proof document to show your name and your new address. A utility bill or lease in your spouse's name alone will not work. If you recently moved and the utilities are in your spouse's name, ask for a letter from the utility company or landlord on company letterhead confirming your residency, or use a bank statement or credit card statement in your name instead.