Write the apartment number on the same line as the street address, after the street number and name

Most states want your apartment number on the address line itself, not on a separate line. The standard format is: 123 Main Street Apt 4B or 123 Main Street #4B. Some states accept both formats; a few prefer one over the other. Check your state's DMV website or the form instructions before you fill it out, because an incorrectly formatted address can delay processing or cause mail to be returned.

The address line on a driver's license process typically has a character limit—usually 30 to 40 characters depending on the state. If your full address with apartment number exceeds that limit, abbreviate the street name (St, Ave, Blvd) or the apartment designation (Apt becomes A, Apartment becomes Apt). Never split the apartment number onto a second line unless the form explicitly provides a separate "Apt/Suite" field.

If the form does have a dedicated apartment field, use it. Some states print separate boxes for street address, city, state, and apartment number. In that case, write only the street address in the main address line and the apartment number in its own box. This is clearer for the DMV's scanning system and reduces the chance of data entry errors.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your apartment number on the same line as your street address, using either "Apt" or "#" before the number, unless your form has a separate apartment field.
  • Keep the total address under your state's character limit by abbreviating street types (St, Ave) and apartment designations (Apt, Ste) if needed.
  • Check your state DMV's website or the process form itself for the preferred format before you submit, because formatting rules vary by state.
  • If your mail is returned or your license arrives at the wrong address, contact the DMV to correct the address on file before renewal.

State-by-State Format Differences

Not all states format apartment addresses the same way on their applications. California, Texas, and New York accept both "Apt" and "#" notations and do not require a specific order. Florida's form has a dedicated apartment field separate from the street address line. Illinois and Pennsylvania prefer the apartment number at the end of the street address line with "Apt" spelled out. Ohio and Georgia accept either format but recommend abbreviating to fit the character limit.

The safest approach is to read your state's actual process form from the DMV website and follow the example shown in the instructions. If no example is given, call the DMV or visit a local office before your appointment. A five-minute phone call prevents a rejected form or a license mailed to the wrong unit.

What Happens If You Write the Address Wrong

If you write your apartment number incorrectly or in the wrong place, the DMV's mail system may send your license to the building's main address instead of your unit. This is the most common outcome. The mail carrier will attempt delivery to the street address, and if no apartment number is on the envelope, it goes to the building's front desk or mailroom. You may retrieve it there, or it may be returned to the DMV as undeliverable.

If your license is returned to the DMV, you will have to contact them to reissue it to the correct address. This adds two to four weeks to the process. Some states charge a reissue fee (typically $5 to $15) even though the error was on the form. To avoid this, verify the address on your form before you submit it, and keep a copy of what you wrote.

How to Format a PO Box or Mailbox Address

If you do not have a physical street address and use a PO Box or private mailbox (such as UPS Store or Mailboxes Etc.), write it as: PO Box 123 or 123 Main Street, PMB 456. Do not write "Apt" before a PO Box number. The DMV recognizes PO Boxes as valid mailing addresses for driver's licenses, though some states require you to also provide a physical residence address for identification purposes.

A few states do not allow PO Boxes as the primary address on a driver's license because the license is meant to verify your identity and residence. If your state requires a physical address, you must provide the street address of where you actually live, even if mail goes to a PO Box. Ask the DMV which applies in your state when you gather documents.

Correcting Your Address After You Receive Your License

If your license arrives with the wrong apartment number or no apartment number at all, you can request a correction. Most states allow address corrections by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Some states charge a small fee for a corrected license (usually $5 to $10); others do not charge if the error was the DMV's fault. Contact your state DMV to find out which method is fastest and whether a fee applies.

Bring your current license and proof of your correct address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and apartment number) to the DMV office. If you are correcting the address by mail, include a copy of your current license and a signed letter explaining the error. Processing time for a corrected license is usually two to four weeks.

Common Mistakes When Writing Apartment Addresses

The most frequent error is writing the apartment number on a second line or in the wrong field. Another common mistake is using inconsistent abbreviations—writing "Apartment" on one form and "Apt" on another, which can confuse the DMV's database if you are renewing or updating your address later. Some people write only the building number and forget the apartment number entirely, assuming the DMV will figure it out. The DMV will not.

A third mistake is writing the apartment number before the street address (for example, "Apt 4B 123 Main Street"). This reverses the standard format and may cause the address to be entered incorrectly into the system. Always write the street address first, then the apartment number. If you are unsure, look at the form's example or call the DMV before you submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I write "Apartment" or "Apt" on my driver's license process?

Either is usually acceptable, but check your state's form instructions. If the form shows an example, match that format. If you are unsure, use the abbreviation "Apt" because it takes up fewer characters and fits more easily on the address line.

What if my apartment number has letters, like 4B or 2C?

Write it exactly as it appears on your lease or mailbox. Do not change it or simplify it. The DMV needs the exact apartment designation to match your address on file with other documents.

Can I use a "#" symbol instead of "Apt" for my apartment number?

Most states accept both "#" and "Apt" notations. Check your state's form to see if an example is provided. If no preference is shown, either format is usually fine, but "Apt" is more widely recognized.

What if my building does not have apartment numbers, only unit letters?

Write the unit letter exactly as it appears on your lease or mailbox. For example, "123 Main Street Unit A" or "123 Main Street A" are both acceptable. The key is consistency with your official address documents.

Do I need to include my apartment number if I am renewing my license by mail?

Yes. Even if you are renewing by mail, write your current address exactly as it appears on your existing license, including the apartment number. If you have moved, write your new address with the apartment number in the correct format.