You can change your Georgia driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office
Georgia lets you update your address without renewing your license or paying a fee. The fastest way is online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website if you have a valid email address on file. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail in a form or visit a DDS office in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change and whether you have access to the online portal.
You do not need a new license card to reflect your new address — Georgia will mail you a corrected card at no charge. The card itself is not required to prove your address; what matters is that your record in the DDS system matches where you actually live. This is important for voting registration, vehicle registration, and any official document that pulls from your driver's license file.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
- If you do not have online access, you can mail Form DL 43 (Address Change) to the DDS along with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Visiting a DDS office in person lets you change your address when ready and receive a corrected license card on the spot if you pay the $32 replacement fee.
- Georgia will mail a corrected license card to your new address at no charge within 7 to 10 business days if you change your address online or by mail.
- You must update your address before it becomes invalid — if you move and do not update, your license remains tied to your old address in the state system.
Changing your address online through the Georgia DDS portal
The online method is the simplest if you have a computer or smartphone and a valid email address. Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the email address associated with your DDS account. If you have never set up an online account, you can create one during this process.
Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency document — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. The system will confirm your change when ready. Georgia will then mail a corrected license card to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not pay anything for this service, and your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.
Mailing in an address change form
If you prefer to use the mail, read Form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Georgia DDS website or request it by phone. Fill in your current license information, your new address, and sign the form. You must also include proof that you live at the new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to the Georgia Department of Driver Services at the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DDS receives your envelope. There is no fee for this service. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up, and consider using certified mail if you want proof of delivery.
Updating your address in person at a DDS office
You can walk into any DDS office and change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update your record in the system when ready.
If you want a corrected license card right away, you can pay a $32 replacement fee and receive the card before you leave. If you decline the replacement fee, Georgia will mail the corrected card to your new address within 7 to 10 business days at no charge. Either way, your address is updated in the DDS system the moment you complete the transaction, so you do not have to wait for a new card to be official.
What counts as proof of your new address
Georgia accepts several documents as proof that you live where you say you do. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common. A lease agreement or rental agreement you have signed also works. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement with your name and new address will work too.
The document must show your full name and the complete address you are claiming. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some DDS offices will accept this if it is dated recently and signed by an official of the company.
Timeline and what to expect after you change your address
If you change your address online or by mail, expect the corrected card to arrive 7 to 10 business days after DDS processes your request. If you change it in person and pay for a replacement card, you walk out with it the same day. If you change it in person but decline the replacement fee, the card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Your address is updated in the DDS system when ready, regardless of which method you use. This means your record is correct for voting, vehicle registration, and any background check that pulls from your driver's license file. You do not have to wait for the new card to arrive for the address change to be official. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification.
Changing your address if you have a commercial driver's license
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is the same — you can change your address online, by mail, or in person. Use the same methods and bring the same proof of residency. The only difference is that some employers require you to notify them of an address change within a certain number of days, so check your company's policy as well.
A CDL address change does not affect your medical certification or any endorsements you hold. It is purely an update to your contact information in the state system. If you are changing your address because you moved out of state, you will need to transfer your CDL to the new state rather than straightforward updating the address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my driver's license if I move?
Georgia does not legally require you to update your address, but it is strongly recommended. An outdated address can cause problems with voting registration, vehicle registration, and background checks. If you are pulled over, an officer may question why your license does not match where you live, though an outdated address alone is not a violation.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You can change your address on an expired license, but you will need to renew it at the same time. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, you may need to take a written test or vision test again. Contact your local DDS office to find out what is required for your situation.
What if I move and do not have proof of my new address yet?
Wait until you have a document in your name at the new address. This usually takes a few weeks for a utility bill or lease to arrive. If you need to change your address when ready, ask your landlord or utility company for a signed letter on company letterhead confirming your move-in date and address — some DDS offices will accept this temporarily.
Will I get a new license card if I change my address online?
Yes, Georgia will mail you a corrected card at no charge within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives. If you want the new card when ready, you must visit a DDS office in person and pay the $32 replacement fee.
Do I need to change my address if I move within the same city?
Yes, you should update your address even if you stay in the same city. Your driver's license record should always reflect where you currently live. The process is the same whether you move across town or across the state.