Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person at the DMV

Georgia lets you change your address on your driver's license through three routes: online via the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home — but it works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If either of those applies, you must visit a DDS office or mail in a form.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address in Georgia. The change takes effect when ready if you do it online, or within 7 to 10 business days if you mail the form. In-person changes are processed the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia offers free address changes online through the DDS website if your license is current and your name has not changed.
  • The online method is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address.
  • If your license is expired or you have changed your name, you must visit a DDS office in person or mail a completed form with proof of residency.
  • Proof of residency typically means a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days showing your new address.
  • You can find your nearest DDS office and check hours on the Georgia DDS website before you go.

Changing Your Address Online

The Georgia DDS website has a dedicated address-change tool that works if your license is valid (not expired) and you have not changed your name. Go to the DDS website, select "Change Address," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the new address you want on file. The system will verify your identity and confirm the change when ready.

You will receive a confirmation email once the change is complete. Your new address is active right away for DDS records, though your physical license card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it. If you need a new card with the updated address before your renewal date, you can request one in person at a DDS office, but that requires a fee.

Changing Your Address by Mail

If your license is expired or you have changed your name, use the mail-in method. read the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL 43) from the Georgia DDS website. Fill in your current license number, new address, and any other information the form requests. You do not need to sign it — Georgia does not require a signature on this form.

Include proof that you live at the new address. Georgia accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the address listed on the form (typically the DDS headquarters in Atlanta). Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for an address change, but if you want a new card with the updated address, you will be charged the duplicate license fee, which varies.

Changing Your Address In Person at a DDS Office

You can walk into any Georgia DDS office and change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your new address. The staff will update your record when ready, and you will leave with your address changed in the system.

If you want a new physical license card with the updated address, you will pay the duplicate license fee at that time. If you only want the address changed in the system (and do not need a new card), there is no charge. Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website; most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

What Counts as Proof of Residency

Georgia requires one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. 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 property tax bill, or a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo or printout is not accepted in person, though the mail-in process may be more flexible.

If you do not have any of these documents, contact your DDS office before you go. Some offices may accept alternative proof in specific situations, but policies vary by location. Having the right document ready saves time and prevents a wasted trip.

Timeline and When Your New Address Takes Effect

Online changes are active when ready. Your address is updated in the Georgia DDS system as soon as you submit the form, and you will see a confirmation on screen and in your email. Mail-in changes take 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. In-person changes are processed the same day you visit the office.

Keep in mind that your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew your license or request a duplicate card. The address in the DDS system is what matters for official records, vehicle registration, and law enforcement checks. If you need the card itself updated before your renewal date, you must request a duplicate in person and pay the associated fee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume the online method will work if your license is expired — it will not. If your license expired more than a few months ago, you will need to renew it, not just change the address. Renewing and changing your address are separate transactions, and you cannot do both online at the same time.

Do not mail in a form without proof of residency. DDS will reject the envelope and send it back, delaying your change by weeks. Make sure your proof document is dated within the last 60 days and shows both your name and the new address. If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your move-in date, or wait until you have a dated document in your name.

Do not expect your physical license card to update on its own. If you need the card to show your new address before your renewal date, you must request a duplicate card in person. This is a separate transaction from the address change and carries a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. The online address-change tool works only for valid, unexpired licenses. If your license is expired, you must visit a DDS office in person or mail a completed form with proof of residency. If your license expired more than a certain period ago, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address.

Do I have to pay to change my address?

No. Changing your address in the DDS system is free. You only pay if you request a new physical license card with the updated address printed on it. That duplicate card fee varies, so ask the DDS office or check the website for the current amount.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

Mail-in address changes take 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. Online changes are when ready. In-person changes are processed the same day. If you are moving soon and need the change done quickly, visiting an office in person is the fastest option.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

Georgia accepts utility bills, leases, mortgages, bank statements, property tax bills, and insurance policies dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, contact your nearest DDS office before you visit — some may accept alternative documents or letters from your landlord or employer in specific situations.

Will my old license card still work if I change my address online?

Yes. Your license card remains valid even though the address in the DDS system has changed. Law enforcement and businesses can see your updated address when they scan or look up your license. If you want the card itself to show the new address, you must request a duplicate card in person and pay the fee.