How to Change Your Address on a Georgia Driver's License

Change Your Georgia Address Online, by Mail, or In Person

Georgia lets you change your driver's license address without renewing the license itself. You have three routes: online through the Georgia DDS website (fastest, takes minutes), by mail (takes 7–10 business days), or in person at a DDS office (same-day processing). You do not need a new photo or to retake the written test. The address change is free.

Which route you use depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you have access to a computer and printer. Online is the quickest if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years. Mail works if you prefer not to visit an office. In-person is best if you need proof of the change when ready or if your license has restrictions that prevent online processing.

Key Takeaways

Georgia's online address change takes minutes and costs nothing, but only works if your license is valid and not suspended or revoked.
By mail, you send your current license and a signed form to the DDS; processing takes 7–10 business days and you get a new card with your old expiration date.
In-person address changes at any DDS office are processed the same day, and you walk out with proof of the change on your license.
You must have a valid Georgia address and proof of residency if you change your address in person; online and mail routes do not require residency proof.

Online Address Change Through the Georgia DDS Website

The Georgia Department of Driver Services website allows you to update your address if your license is currently valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. Go to dds.georgia.gov, find the "Change Address" option under the driver's license section, and log in or create an account. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Enter your new Georgia address and confirm it. The system will show you a summary of the change. Once you submit, the address update is recorded when ready in the Georgia DDS database. You do not receive a new physical card in the mail—your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires. If you need the new address to appear on a physical card before your license expires, you must renew your license or visit a DDS office in person.

The online system does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, expired by more than five years, or if you are changing to an out-of-state address. If any of these explore, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Change Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read or request Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate Driver's License) from the Georgia DDS website or pick one up at any DDS office. Fill in your current license number, date of birth, and new Georgia address. Sign and date the form. Include your current driver's license (the physical card) and mail everything to the address listed on the form—typically the DDS mail processing center in Atlanta.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DDS receives your envelope. You will receive a new driver's license card in the mail with your new address printed on it. The expiration date stays the same as your current license. Keep track of when you mail the form; if you do not receive your new card within two weeks, contact the DDS to confirm receipt.

The mail route works for all license types and statuses, including suspended or revoked licenses. However, you will not have proof of your address change until the new card arrives. If you need when ready proof or need to update your address before a specific important date, go in person instead.

Change Your Address In Person at a Georgia DDS Office

Visit any DDS office with your current driver's license and proof of your new Georgia address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original or a certified copy.

Tell the DDS staff you want to change your address. They will update your record in the system and issue you a new driver's license card on the spot with your new address printed on it. The expiration date does not change. There is no fee. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

In-person is the only method that gives you when ready proof of the address change on a physical card. It is also the only method available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years and you need a new card with the updated address. Find your nearest DDS office and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website before you go; some offices have limited hours or require an appointment.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your Georgia license is suspended or revoked, you cannot use the online method to change your address. The mail and in-person methods both work. By mail, send Form DL 43 with your current license and the new address; the DDS will process it and send you a new card. In person, bring your license and proof of residency to any DDS office.

Changing your address does not lift a suspension or revocation. The new card will still show the suspension or revocation status. If you need to reinstate your license, that is a separate process handled by the DDS or the court that issued the suspension, depending on the reason.

Updating Your Address for Out-of-State Moves

If you are moving out of Georgia, you cannot change your Georgia license address to an out-of-state address through any Georgia DDS method. Instead, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. Most states require you to explore for a new license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.

Before you move, check your new state's DMV website for what documents you will need—typically proof of residency, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number. Some states allow you to keep your Georgia license temporarily if you are moving for work or school; contact your new state's DMV to ask. Your Georgia license remains valid for its printed expiration date even after you move, but using an out-of-state address on a Georgia license can cause problems with vehicle registration, insurance, and law enforcement.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Do not mail your license to the wrong address. The DDS mailing address for address changes is on Form DL 43 and on the Georgia DDS website. Sending it to a local DDS office or a wrong address will delay processing or result in your envelope being returned.

Do not assume your online address change created a new physical card. The online method updates your record in the DDS system but does not issue a new card. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you need a card with the new address before your license expires, renew your license or visit a DDS office.

Do not use an address that is not in Georgia for an in-person or mail address change. The DDS will reject it. If you are moving out of state, you must get a license from your new state instead.

Do not forget to bring proof of residency if you go in person. Without it, the DDS cannot process your request, and you will have wasted a trip. A utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works; a bank statement or credit card bill does not.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online change is when ready. Your new address is recorded in the Georgia DDS system as soon as you submit the form. However, your physical license card still shows the old address until you renew your license or get a duplicate card in person.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes are free through all three methods—online, by mail, and in person. You do not pay anything to the DDS.

What if I move and do not update my address right away?

There is no legal important date to update your address on your Georgia license. However, keeping an old address on your license can cause problems with vehicle registration renewal, insurance claims, and law enforcement stops. Update it as soon as you have a new address.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it and change the address at the same time. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license, not just a renewal. In either case, visit a DDS office or renew online if you are may be able to access.

Will changing my address affect my license expiration date?

No. Your license expiration date stays the same no matter which method you use to change your address. The new card you receive by mail or in person will have the same expiration date as your current license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.