Yes, but you will need an alternative address that the DMV accepts

You can get a driver's license without a permanent home address, but every state requires you to provide some address on the process. The DMV will not issue a license to someone with no address listed at all. The address you provide does not have to be where you sleep — it can be a shelter, a relative's house, a PO box (in some states), a workplace, or a mailing address you control.

The catch is that different states accept different types of addresses, and some require proof that the address is actually yours or that you have permission to use it. A few states have created specific pathways for people experiencing homelessness. Most have not, which means you may need to be creative about what address you claim and what documents you bring to prove it.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires an address on your driver's license process, but that address does not have to be your home — it can be a shelter, a relative's address, or a workplace.
  • You will need to prove the address is real and that you have a connection to it, usually through mail, a lease, a utility bill, or a letter from the organization that runs the facility.
  • Some states explicitly allow homeless shelters or transitional housing addresses; others do not mention them and may reject them without clear documentation.
  • A few states accept PO boxes as mailing addresses on a license, but most do not, so check your state's rules before you explore.
  • Bring a second form of ID and proof of the address together — the DMV will not accept one without the other.

What addresses the DMV will accept without a home

The most straightforward option is a relative's or friend's address. You can use someone else's home address on your license as long as you can prove you have permission to use it and you can show a connection to that address. Some states ask for a notarized letter from the person who lives there saying you can use their address. Others accept a utility bill or lease in that person's name plus a signed statement from them. A few states do not require written permission at all — they just want to see that the address is real.

A shelter or transitional housing address works in some states but not others. California, New York, and a handful of others have explicit policies allowing homeless shelters to be listed on a license. Most states do not mention shelters in their rules, which creates a gray area. If you are staying at a shelter, bring a letter from the shelter on its letterhead stating your name, the shelter's address, and the dates you have been there. Some DMV offices will accept this; others will turn you away and tell you to come back with a different address. Call your local DMV before you go to find out whether they accept shelter addresses.

A workplace address is sometimes accepted, though it is less common. You would need a letter from your employer or supervisor on company letterhead confirming that you work there and that mail can be sent to you at that location. The DMV is more likely to accept this if the workplace is a large organization with a clear mailing address — a small business or a job site may not work.

PO boxes are rejected by most states on driver's licenses because the DMV wants a physical street address. A few states (including some that serve rural areas) allow PO boxes, but you should assume yours does not unless you confirm otherwise with your DMV.

Documents you need to prove the address is yours

The DMV will ask for proof that the address you are claiming is real and that you have a right to use it. What counts as proof depends on your state and the type of address. Here are the documents that work most often:

  • A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name at that address (the most common proof).
  • A letter from the shelter, transitional housing program, or organization on official letterhead with your name, the address, and dates of residence.
  • A notarized letter from the person who lives at the address giving you permission to use it (required in some states, optional in others).
  • A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming you work there and can receive mail there.
  • A government mail addressed to you at that address — tax documents, court papers, or benefit notices.
  • A bank statement or credit card statement showing the address (less common, but some DMVs accept it).

The document does not have to be recent in every state, but most want something dated within the last 60 days. If you are using someone else's address, bring both your name and theirs on the proof — a utility bill in their name plus a letter from them saying you live there works better than either one alone.

How to handle the process without a permanent address

When you fill out the process form, write the address you have chosen in the space for your residential address. Do not leave it blank, and do not write "homeless" or "no fixed address" — the form will not process. Use the actual street address of the shelter, relative's house, workplace, or other location you have chosen.

Bring all your proof documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to hand over. Organize them in this order: your proof of the address first, then your second form of ID, then any other documents the DMV asked for (birth certificate, Social Security card, etc.). If you are using someone else's address, bring both the proof document and a signed letter from that person if your state requires it.

When you get to the DMV counter, tell the staff member upfront that you do not have a permanent home address and that you are using [the shelter / your relative's address / your workplace]. Hand over your proof documents. If the staff member hesitates or says they are not sure whether they can accept the address, ask to speak to a supervisor. Some DMV offices have different policies, and a supervisor may be able to override a front-line staff member's uncertainty.

State-by-state differences in address rules

A few states have written explicit rules for people without permanent addresses. California allows homeless shelters and transitional housing addresses and does not require proof of residency — just the shelter's letter. New York accepts shelter addresses with a letter from the shelter. Colorado allows you to use a shelter address if you provide a letter from the shelter dated within 30 days. Oregon accepts PO boxes on driver's licenses, which gives you an option if you do not have access to a street address.

Most other states do not have a specific homeless policy in their written rules. That does not mean they will reject you — it means the decision falls to the individual DMV office or the staff member you encounter. Your best move is to call your state DMV's customer service line and ask directly: "Can I use a homeless shelter address on my license?" or "Can I use my relative's address if I bring a letter from them?" Write down the name of the person who answers and what they tell you, so you have a record if there is a problem at the office.

What to do if the DMV rejects your address

If you show up with your proof documents and the DMV staff member says they cannot accept the address, ask why. The answer should be specific — "we do not accept shelter addresses" or "you need a utility bill in your name, not your relative's." If the reason is a policy you did not know about, ask whether there is a supervisor you can speak to or whether you can come back with different documents.

If the DMV says no and will not budge, you have a few options. First, call the state DMV's main office or check their website to see if there is a formal appeals process or a way to request an exception. Second, reach out to a local legal aid organization or homeless services agency — many have staff who know the DMV's actual practices and can sometimes advocate for you or help you gather the right documents. Third, if you have access to a relative's or friend's address and can get their permission, use that instead of a shelter address — it is more likely to be accepted without question.

Second forms of ID you can bring without an address

The DMV will ask for a second form of ID to verify who you are. This ID does not need to have your current address on it — it just needs to prove your identity. Here are the documents that work:

  • A passport or passport card (does not have an address).
  • A state ID card (if you have one from a different state or an old one).
  • A birth certificate (does not have an address).
  • A Social Security card (does not have an address).
  • A military ID or veteran's ID.
  • A tribal ID or tribal enrollment card.
  • A school or work ID with your photo.

If you do not have any of these, you can use documents that together prove your identity — a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a passport plus a school ID. The DMV's rules on what counts as a "second form of ID" vary by state, so check your state's website or call ahead to confirm what you should bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PO box as my address on a driver's license?

Most states do not allow PO boxes on driver's licenses because they require a physical street address. Oregon is one exception. Call your state DMV to confirm whether PO boxes are accepted in your state before you explore.

What if I do not have any documents in my name?

You can use documents in someone else's name (like a relative's utility bill) as long as you bring a signed letter from that person saying you live there or can use their address. Some states also accept letters from shelters or social service agencies instead of utility bills.

Do I have to tell the DMV I am homeless?

No. You only need to provide an address — you do not have to explain your housing situation. Use the address you have chosen and bring proof that it is real. The DMV does not ask follow-up questions about why you chose that address.

Can I change my address on my license later if I get a permanent home?

Yes. You can update your address at any DMV office or, in many states, online or by mail. You will usually need to bring your current license and proof of the new address, but the process is simpler than getting a new license from scratch.

What if the shelter or relative's address changes before my license arrives?

The address on your license is the one you provided when you applied — it does not change automatically if the shelter closes or your relative moves. If you move before your license arrives, you can update the address at the DMV once you have it, or you can contact the DMV before it is issued and ask them to update it if possible.