Georgia lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office

Georgia offers three routes to update your address on your driver's license: online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail, or in person at any DDS location. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. Mail and in-person changes also carry no fee. You do not need to renew your license early or pay for a replacement card unless you want a new photo or your license is expiring within 30 days.

Your current Georgia driver's license number stays the same regardless of which method you choose. The address change takes effect when ready online, within 7 to 10 business days by mail, and on the spot in person. You will not receive a new physical card in the mail after an online or mail change — your existing license remains valid with the old address printed on it until your next renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the DDS website are free and take effect when ready, with no new card mailed to you.
  • By-mail changes require a signed form and proof of your new address, and take 7 to 10 business days to process.
  • In-person changes at a DDS office are when ready and require your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
  • You do not need to pay a fee or get a new photo unless your license expires within 30 days or you request a replacement card.
  • If you move out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state; Georgia will not update an address outside Georgia.

Changing your address online through the DDS website

The online method is the fastest and requires no documents to be mailed or scanned. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select "Change Address" under the driver's license section, and log in with your Georgia Online Services account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The system will verify your information against state records. Once approved, your address change is complete and active when ready. You will receive a confirmation email. Your physical license card will still show your old address, but the DDS database reflects the new one for all official purposes.

This method works only if your address is within Georgia. If you are moving out of state, you cannot use the online system and must instead obtain a license from your new state.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the Form DL-43 (Address Change) from the DDS website or any DDS office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with proof of your new address to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013.

Proof of address must be an original or certified document dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail showing your name and new address. A photocopy is acceptable as long as it is legible.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. Mail delivery itself can add 3 to 5 days on each end. No new card is mailed to you; your existing license remains valid. Keep a copy of your signed form for your records.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

Visit any DDS location with your current Georgia driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. The address change is processed when ready, and you walk out with your license updated in the system. You do not receive a new physical card unless you request one and pay the replacement fee (currently $32 for a standard license).

Proof of address is the same as for mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Proof of identity can be your current license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. Bring the original document or a certified copy.

DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. You do not need an appointment for an address change, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DDS website for your nearest office and current wait times before you go.

What happens if your license expires soon after you move

If your Georgia driver's license expires within 30 days of your address change, you have two options. You can change the address only (using any of the three methods above) and renew your license at the same time, or you can change the address and request a replacement card with your new address printed on it.

A replacement card costs $32 and is mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. This is useful if you want your physical card to match your current address before it expires. Otherwise, straightforward changing the address is free and sufficient for all legal purposes.

Changing your address if you moved out of state

Georgia will not update your address to a location outside Georgia. If you have moved to another state, you must obtain a driver's license from that state. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn their requirements and timeline.

Your Georgia license remains valid for identification purposes in most situations, but it will not be your legal driving credential in your new state. Some states allow you to keep an out-of-state license for a grace period (usually 30 to 90 days) while you obtain a new one; others require you to switch when ready. Check your new state's rules before driving.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

Do not assume your address change is complete until you receive confirmation. Online changes show a confirmation page and email; mail changes should be tracked if possible; in-person changes are when ready. If you do not receive confirmation within two weeks of mailing a form, contact DDS to verify receipt.

Do not use a P.O. box as your address on a Georgia driver's license. DDS requires a street address. If you live in an apartment, include the unit number. If your mail goes to a different address than where you live, use your residential address, not your mail address.

Do not expect a new physical card in the mail after an online or mail address change. Your existing card remains valid and legal to use. A new card is mailed only if you request a replacement and pay the fee, or if you renew your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to change my address on my Georgia license?

No. Changing your address is free through all three methods: online, by mail, or in person. You pay only if you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, which costs $32.

How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail changes take 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your form. In-person changes are when ready. If you need proof of your new address for a bank or landlord, ask for a receipt at the DDS office or keep your confirmation email from an online change.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. A suspended or revoked license can still have its address updated. The address change does not affect the suspension or revocation status. You must resolve the suspension or revocation separately through DDS.

What if I moved and did not update my address before getting pulled over?

Driving with an outdated address on your license is not a violation. However, it is wise to update it as soon as possible to avoid confusion with law enforcement and to may support DDS can contact you about license renewals or other matters.

Can I change my address online if I do not have a Georgia Online Services account?

You will need to create one first. Go to dds.georgia.gov, select the account creation option, and provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number. Account creation is free and takes a few minutes.