The fastest way to change your Georgia address

You can change your address on a Georgia driver's license online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You do not need to renew your license or take a new photo unless your license is expiring within 30 days.

Georgia does not mail you a new physical license when you change your address online. Instead, your record updates in the system, and your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you need the address printed on the card itself, you must renew your license in person, which costs $32 for a five-year license.

The address change takes effect when ready in the DDS database, which is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they scan your license. The printed address on the card itself does not matter for legal purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the DDS website are free and take effect when ready, though your physical card will still show the old address.
  • You need your Georgia driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
  • If you want the new address printed on your physical license card, you must renew your license in person at a DDS office and pay the renewal fee.
  • Mail-in address changes require a completed form and a copy of a document proving your new address, and take 7 to 10 business days to process.
  • In-person address changes at a DDS office are processed the same day and cost nothing unless you also renew your license.

Changing your address online through the DDS website

Go to www.dds.ga.gov and select "Change Address Online" from the main menu. You will need your Georgia driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using these details.

Enter your new address exactly as you want it recorded. Georgia DDS will not accept a P.O. box as a mailing address for a driver's license, so use your physical street address. After you submit, you will see a confirmation message on screen. Your address change is complete at that moment.

Save or print the confirmation page for your records. You do not need to do anything else. Your new address is now in the system and will appear when law enforcement or other agencies look up your license.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate License) from the DDS website or call the DDS Customer Service line at 678-413-8400. You do not need to submit a new photo or take a new test — you are only updating your address.

Include a copy of a document that proves your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The name on the document must match the name on your license.

Mail the completed form and your address proof to:

Georgia Department of Driver Services P.O. Box 80447 Conyers, GA 30013

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your mail. You will not receive a new physical license card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. Your address in the system will update, and that is what matters for legal and law enforcement purposes.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

Visit any Georgia DDS office with your current driver's license and a document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo or photocopy alone is not accepted.

Tell the DDS staff member that you are changing your address only. They will update your record on the spot, and your address change takes effect when ready. There is no fee for an address change. You will not receive a new physical card unless you also renew your license.

To find the DDS office nearest you, visit www.dds.ga.gov and use the office locator tool. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check the office hours online before you go.

What documents prove your new address

Georgia DDS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
  • 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)

The document must show your full name and the complete street address where you now live. A P.O. box does not count as proof of residence. If the document is in someone else's name (for example, a spouse's utility bill), you may need to bring additional proof that you live at that address, such as a lease in your name or a notarized statement. Call your local DDS office before you visit if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes take 7 to 10 business days. In-person changes at a DDS office take effect the same day. In all cases, your address updates in the DDS database right away, and that is the record that law enforcement and government agencies see.

Your physical driver's license card will still show your old address unless you renew your license. If you need the new address printed on the card, you must renew your license in person at a DDS office. A five-year license renewal costs $32. You will receive a new card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you move again before your license expires, you can change your address again using any of these same methods. There is no limit to how many times you can update your address.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not use a P.O. box as your address on your driver's license. Georgia DDS will reject it. Use your physical street address, even if you prefer to receive mail at a P.O. box. If you live in a rural area without a street address, call DDS Customer Service at 678-413-8400 to discuss your options.

If you are changing your address by mail, do not send your original license or any original documents. Send copies only. Original documents may be lost in the mail, and DDS does not return them.

If you are changing your address in person, bring the original document proving your new address, not a photocopy. DDS staff will examine it but will not keep it. If you bring only a copy, you may be turned away and asked to return with the original.

Do not assume your physical card needs to be updated. It does not. Your address in the system is what matters legally. If you want the new address on the card itself, you must renew your license and pay the renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move to another state?

No. If you move out of Georgia, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. You do not need to formally cancel your Georgia license — it will straightforward expire on its expiration date. If you move back to Georgia later, you can renew your Georgia license or get a new one.

What if I do not have a document proving my new address?

Call your local DDS office at 678-413-8400 and explain your situation. Some offices may accept alternative documents or allow you to bring a notarized statement from a landlord or family member confirming your address. Requirements can vary by office, so ask what they will accept before you visit.

Can I change my address online if my license is expiring soon?

Yes. If your license expires within 30 days, you can still change your address online, but your new address will not print on your physical card. You will need to renew your license in person to get a card with the new address printed on it. If your license is expiring more than 30 days away, an online address change is fine.

How long does it take to receive a new license card if I renew in person?

DDS mails your new license card within 7 to 10 business days of your in-person renewal. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new card arrives, your old license is still valid.

What if I changed my address online but made a mistake?

You can change your address again using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. There is no waiting period between address changes. Go back to the DDS website, call 678-413-8400, or visit an office to correct the mistake.