Where to Change Your Address in Washington

Washington lets you change your address through three channels: the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days after DOL receives your form. In-person visits at a licensing office are same-day, but you will need to bring documents and may wait in line.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address change is a separate transaction, and your current license remains valid. If your license is expiring within the next few months, you can change the address and renew at the same time, but they are two different processes.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the DOL website take effect when ready and require only your license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and a new address.
  • Mail-in changes require form DL 43 (Address Change), a copy of your license, and proof of your new address; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person changes at any DOL office are same-day and require your current license plus one document proving your new address.
  • You cannot change your address online if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked — use mail or visit an office instead.
  • Proof of address documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or government mail dated within 60 days of your request.

Online Address Change Through the DOL Website

The Washington DOL website has a dedicated address-change tool at dol.wa.gov. Go to the "Driver Licenses and Permits" section, select "Change Address," and follow the prompts. You will need your Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DOL records.

Once you submit the form, your address updates when ready in the DOL database. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it. However, your record in the system shows the new address, and law enforcement can see the updated address when they run your license. If you want a card with the new address printed on it, you will need to renew your license separately.

The online tool is not available if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If any of those explore, skip to the mail or in-person sections below.

Mailing in an Address Change Form

To change your address by mail, read or request form DL 43 (Address Change) from the DOL website or any licensing office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back) and one document proving your new address.

Acceptable proof-of-address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card). The document must show your name and new address and be dated within 60 days of when you mail the form. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, a signed letter from your landlord or a family member stating your new address may work — call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to confirm before mailing.

Mail your completed form, license copy, and proof of address to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DOL receives your envelope. You will not receive a confirmation letter; your address is updated in the system, and your physical license card remains unchanged.

Changing Your Address In Person at a DOL Office

Walk into any Washington Department of Licensing office with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. The staff member will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DOL website for office hours and locations near you.

Bring the same proof-of-address documents listed above: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days. If you do not have a document yet, ask the staff member whether a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company account number will work — policies can vary slightly by office.

As with online and mail changes, your physical license card keeps the old address. If you want the new address printed on the card itself, ask the staff member about renewing your license at the same time. Renewal costs the standard fee (currently $72 for an eight-year license for drivers 21 and older), but you will receive a new card with the updated address within 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired or Suspended

If your Washington license is expired, you cannot use the online address-change tool. Use the mail-in form (DL 43) or visit a DOL office in person instead. The staff can update your address even if your license is expired, as long as you bring acceptable proof of your new address.

If your license is suspended or revoked, address changes are still possible through mail or in-person visits, but you should contact the DOL first to understand the status of your license. Call 360-902-3900 to ask whether you can change your address or whether you need to resolve the suspension or revocation first. In most cases, a straightforward address change can proceed independently.

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 from the date DOL receives your envelope. In-person changes take effect the same day. In all cases, your physical license card keeps the old address printed on it — the address in the DOL system is what updates.

Law enforcement and other agencies that check your license electronically will see your new address. If you are pulled over or need to show your license for any official purpose, the officer or staff member can see the current address in their system. Your old address on the card itself does not cause problems, but if you want a card that matches your actual address, you will need to renew your license separately.

If you do not receive confirmation of your address change within two weeks (for mail) or notice any errors in the system, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 with your license number and the date you submitted the change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your physical license card will update automatically. It will not. Your card remains valid with the old address, and the address in the system is what matters for official purposes. If you need a card with the new address printed on it, you must renew your license separately and pay the renewal fee.

Do not mail your original license. Send a photocopy only. If you mail the original and it gets lost, you will need to request a replacement card, which costs money and takes time.

Do not use a proof-of-address document older than 60 days. If your document is dated before that window, it will be rejected, and your form will be returned. Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements are easiest to obtain and most commonly accepted.

Do not try to change your address online if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. The system will reject your request. Use mail or visit an office instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes, but not online. Use the mail-in form DL 43 or visit a DOL office in person. Bring your expired license and proof of your new address. The address will update in the system even though your license card itself is expired.

Do I get a new license card when I change my address?

No. Your current card remains valid and keeps the old address printed on it. The address in the DOL system updates, and that is what law enforcement sees. If you want a card with the new address, you must renew your license separately and pay the renewal fee.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online change takes effect when ready after you submit the form. You do not need to wait for mail delivery or a processing period. Your address is updated in the DOL database right away.

What counts as proof of my new address?

Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and government mail (tax returns, voter registration cards) all work. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within 60 days of your request. If you do not have a document yet, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to ask whether a landlord letter or utility account number will work.

What if I move again soon after changing my address?

You can change your address as many times as you need. Use the same method (online, mail, or in person) each time. There is no limit to how often you can update your address in the DOL system.