The fastest way to change your address in Georgia

You can change your address on your 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 takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start.

If you choose to go in person, bring your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works), and a completed Form DL 43 if you want to. You don't have to fill it out ahead of time — DDS staff can help you at the office. There's no fee for an address change, and you'll leave with an updated license the same day.

By mail, send a signed letter with your name, current license number, old address, new address, and a copy of your proof of address to the DDS address listed on their website. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days, and you won't need to pay anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's online address change tool is free and takes about 10 minutes if you have your license number and Social Security number handy.
  • In-person changes at any DDS office are when ready and require only your current license and proof of your new address dated within 60 days.
  • Mailing in a signed letter with your address change takes 7 to 10 business days and costs nothing.
  • Your physical license card does not change when you update your address — only the DDS record updates, which is what law enforcement and other agencies see.
  • If you've moved out of state or lost your license, you'll need to renew or replace it rather than just change the address.

Changing your address online through the DDS website

Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and look for the "Change Address" option under online services. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current record and ask you to enter your new address.

After you submit, you'll get a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your address change is processed when ready in the DDS system, so police officers, insurance companies, and government agencies will see your new address right away. Your physical license card stays the same — the address printed on it doesn't change, but that doesn't matter because officials check the DDS database, not the card itself.

The online tool works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you run into trouble, you can call the DDS customer service line during business hours, but the website usually works without a hitch for straightforward address changes.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia Department of Driver Services website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours. You don't need an appointment for an address change — just walk in.

Bring your current Georgia driver's license and proof that you live at your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have anything dated that recently, ask the DDS staff what else they'll accept — they sometimes make exceptions for people who just moved.

Hand these to the staff member at the counter, tell them you want to change your address, and they'll update your record on the spot. The whole process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll walk out with your license updated in the system when ready, though again, your physical card won't change.

Changing your address by mail

Write a letter on plain paper that includes your full name, your current Georgia driver's license number, your old address, your new address, and today's date. Sign the letter. Make a copy of your proof of address — the same documents that work in person (utility bill, lease, bank statement, government mail) dated within 60 days — and attach it to your letter.

Mail both to the address listed on the Georgia DDS website for address changes. Do not send it to a local office; send it to the central processing address. Include your phone number in case DDS needs to reach you with questions. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the time they receive it, so mail it early if you have a important date.

You won't get a confirmation letter back, but your address will be updated in the system. If you're worried it didn't go through, you can log into the online tool a week or two later and check what address is on file.

What happens if you move out of state or lose your license

If you've moved to another state, you can't just change your address on your Georgia license. You'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Most states require you to surrender your out-of-state license when you get a new one, so contact your new state's DMV to find out what documents they need and whether you can keep your Georgia license as a second ID.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can't change the address on it — you have to replace it. Go to a DDS office with proof of your identity and proof of your new address, and they'll issue you a replacement license with the new address already on it. There's a fee for replacement, which varies but is typically around $32.

Why your physical license card doesn't update

Georgia doesn't reprint your license card when you change your address. The address printed on your card stays the same, but that's not what matters. When a police officer runs your license, when an insurance company checks your record, or when you need to prove your address to a government agency, they look up your information in the DDS database — not at the card itself.

The DDS database updates when ready (online) or within days (by mail), so your new address is official even though your card still shows the old one. You don't need to carry proof of your address change or explain this to anyone. If someone questions the mismatch, they can verify your current address in the system.

If you want a license card with your new address printed on it, you'd have to renew your license, which costs money and requires a new photo and process. Most people don't bother unless their license is expiring soon anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I'm moving temporarily?

No. Your driver's license address should reflect where you legally live. If you're moving for a few months for work or school but still consider your old place home, you can leave it as is. If you're moving permanently or for more than a year, change it to your new address.

What if my proof of address is older than 60 days?

Call the DDS office you plan to visit and ask what they'll accept. Some offices make exceptions for people who just moved and don't have recent bills yet. You might be able to use a lease agreement, a letter from your landlord, or a utility bill in your name even if it's slightly older.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

Yes. A suspended license doesn't prevent you from updating your address in the DDS system. The address change is separate from the suspension status. However, you still can't legally drive while suspended.

How long does it take to see my new address in the system?

Online changes are when ready. In-person changes are when ready. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. You can check the online tool a few days after mailing to see if it's been processed.

Do I need to notify my insurance company about my address change?

Yes, but separately. Changing your address with DDS doesn't automatically update your insurance company's records. Contact your insurance agent or log into your policy online to update your address there as well, since your rates and coverage can depend on where you live.