What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Georgia
To change the address on your Georgia driver's license, you must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person. Georgia does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of your identity. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and there is no fee for an address change alone.
The address change itself does not require a new photo or a new license number. Your existing license remains valid; only the address on file is updated. However, if you want a physical card with your new address printed on it, you must request a replacement license, which costs $32 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a DDS office in person; there is no online, mail, or phone option for address changes in Georgia.
- Bring your current license, one form of ID, and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- The address change itself is free and takes about 15 minutes, but your license card will still show your old address unless you pay $32 for a replacement card.
- If you move out of state or your license expires within 90 days, you may need to renew instead of just changing your address.
Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office
Georgia requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of your new address. Your current driver's license counts as your proof of identity. If your license is expired or suspended, bring a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead.
For proof of your new address, bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and the address where you now live. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Post office change-of-address forms do not count as proof of residence.
If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you do not have one of these documents, you will need to explore for a corrected license instead of a straightforward address change.
How to Find and Visit a DDS Office
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Some offices are busier than others; rural offices often have shorter wait times than those in Atlanta or other large cities. You do not need an appointment, but you can call ahead to ask about current wait times.
Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours on certain days. Check the specific office's hours before you go, because some close for lunch or have limited afternoon hours.
Bring all your documents in original form. Photocopies of your proof of address are not accepted. If you do not have the required documents with you, the office will not process your change, and you will need to return another day.
What Happens If You Want a New Card With Your New Address
When you arrive at the DDS office, tell the staff member whether you want just the address changed in the system or whether you want a replacement license card printed with your new address. If you choose only the system change, your current card remains valid but will show your old address. This is legal in Georgia, and you can use it as identification.
If you request a replacement card, you will pay $32 at the counter. The new card will be mailed to your new address within 10 to 14 business days. You can continue using your old card until the new one arrives. A replacement card has the same license number and expiration date as your current license; it is not a renewal.
Some people change their address in the system only and wait until their license is due for renewal to get a new card. This saves the $32 replacement fee if your license will expire within a year or two. However, if you plan to move again soon or want your ID to match your current address right away, paying for the replacement card makes sense.
Special Situations: Military, Out-of-State Moves, and Expiring Licenses
If you are moving out of Georgia, you do not need to change your Georgia address before you leave. However, you will eventually need to get a license from your new state. Georgia licenses remain valid in other states for identification purposes, but you cannot legally drive with an out-of-state address on a Georgia license for more than a short visit.
If you are in the military and have a military address, you can use your military mailing address as your address on file. Bring a military ID and a military leave and earnings statement or other military document showing your name and military address.
If your Georgia license will expire within 90 days of your move, you should renew it rather than just change the address. A renewal costs $32 and gives you a new card with your new address and a new expiration date. Visit a DDS office and tell the staff member you want to renew, not just change your address.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Address Change
The most common mistake is bringing a document that is too old. Your proof of address must be dated within 60 days. A utility bill from three months ago will not work. If you just moved and have not received a bill yet, bring a lease, rental agreement, or a bank statement instead.
Another mistake is bringing a photocopy instead of the original document. DDS staff will not accept copies of your proof of address. Bring the actual bill, lease, or statement.
Some people arrive without their current license. Even if your license is expired, you must bring it to change your address. If you have lost it, you will need to report it lost and get a replacement before you can change the address on that replacement.
Finally, do not assume your address has been changed just because you updated it with the post office or your bank. The post office change does not automatically update your driver's license. You must visit a DDS office to make the change official.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online or by mail in Georgia?
No. Georgia requires you to change your address in person at a DDS office. There is no online portal, mail-in form, or phone line for address changes. You must visit an office with your current license and proof of your new address.
Do I have to get a new license card if I change my address?
No. You can change your address in the system without ordering a new card. Your old card remains valid for identification. However, it will still show your old address. If you want a card with your new address printed on it, you must pay $32 for a replacement card.
What if my proof of address document is older than 60 days?
DDS will not accept it. You need a document dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and have not received a recent bill, bring a lease, rental agreement, or bank statement instead. A letter from your landlord or a utility company confirming your new address may also work; ask the DDS office before you visit.
How long does it take to receive a replacement license card with my new address?
The replacement card is mailed to your new address within 10 to 14 business days after you order it at the DDS office. You can use your old card until the new one arrives. If you need the card faster, you cannot expedite it; Georgia does not offer rush processing for replacement cards.
What if I move out of Georgia? Do I need to change my address first?
No. You do not need to change your Georgia address before you leave the state. However, you will need to get a license from your new state once you move. Your Georgia license remains valid for identification in other states, but you cannot legally drive with an out-of-state address on a Georgia license for an extended period.