How to change your address in Georgia
You can change your address on your Georgia driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office. The online method is fastest — you can update it in minutes without leaving home. If you prefer to go in person or need to renew your license at the same time, you can do that too, though it takes longer and requires a trip to a DDS location.
Georgia does not charge a fee to change your address alone. If you change your address online or by mail, your current license stays valid; you do not get a new card in the mail. Your address updates in the state's system, and law enforcement can see the new address when they scan your license. If you want a physical card with your new address printed on it, you will need to renew your license, which costs money and takes several weeks.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at Georgia's DDS website takes about five minutes and costs nothing, and your updated address appears in the system when ready.
- You can also change your address by mail using Form DL 43 or in person at any DDS office, though both take longer than the online method.
- Changing your address does not give you a new physical license card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it.
- If you want a new card printed with your new address, you must renew your license, which requires a fee and a visit to a DDS office.
- You will need your current Georgia driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
Changing your address online
The Georgia DDS website lets you update your address without visiting an office or mailing anything. Go to dds.georgia.gov, find the address change option in the online services section, and log in or create an account. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in the state system. Double-check the spelling and zip code — mistakes here can cause mail to go to the wrong place or create problems if you need to renew later. Once you submit, the change takes effect when ready in Georgia's database. You will receive a confirmation email. Your physical license card still shows your old address, but police and government agencies see the new one when they look up your record.
Changing your address by mail
If you do not have internet access or prefer to mail your request, read or request Form DL 43 from the Georgia DDS website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — currently the Georgia DDS headquarters in Atlanta, though you should verify the current mailing address on the official website before sending.
Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter; instead, your address change will be in the system when it is complete. If you need proof that the change went through before then, you can call the DDS customer service line or visit an office in person. Keep a copy of the form and your mailing receipt in case you need to follow up.
Changing your address in person at a DDS office
You can walk into any Georgia DDS office and request an address change on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The staff will update your address in the system when ready, and you will leave with confirmation that the change is complete.
In-person visits mean you do not have to wait for mail processing or deal with online systems. However, DDS offices can have long wait times, especially near the end of the month or on Fridays. Check the Georgia DDS website for office hours and locations near you. Some offices take appointments online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.
When to renew your license instead of just changing your address
If your license expires within the next year or two, consider renewing it at the same time you change your address. A renewal gives you a new physical card with your new address printed on it, which is useful if you need to show ID in person — a landlord, bank, or employer might want to see the current address on the card itself. Renewing costs money (the fee varies based on your license type and how long you renew it for) and requires a visit to a DDS office, but you only make one trip instead of two.
If your license is not expiring soon, a straightforward address change is cheaper and faster. You can always renew later when your expiration date approaches. Just remember that your physical card will show your old address until you renew, even though the state's system has your new one.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Time to Process | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, last 4 digits of SSN | when ready | Free |
| By mail (Form DL 43) | Completed form, current license | 2–4 weeks | Free |
| In person at DDS office | Current license, one proof of new address | Same day | Free |
| Renew license with new address | Current license, proof of new address, proof of identity, proof of residency | Same day (in office) or 2–4 weeks (by mail) | Renewal fee applies |
What counts as proof of your new address
If you change your address in person, bring one document showing your new address. The Georgia DDS accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies, and government mail. The document should show your full name and the complete new address. It does not have to be recent — documents from the past few months are fine — but it should be official enough that someone could verify it if needed.
Do not bring a handwritten note or a text message. If you are moving and do not have a document yet, wait until you have one before going to the DDS office. If you are staying with someone temporarily and do not have a lease or utility bill in your name, ask if you can use a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Policies vary slightly by office, so call ahead if you are unsure whether your document will work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address before I move, or can I do it after?
You can change it either way. Many people do it after they move and have a document showing the new address. Georgia law does not require you to update your address by a specific date, but doing it soon after you move is practical — it ensures mail reaches you and keeps your record current if you are stopped by police.
Will I get a new physical license card in the mail if I change my address online?
No. Changing your address online or by mail updates the state's database but does not produce a new card. Your current license remains valid and will still show your old address printed on it. If you want a card with your new address, you must renew your license, which costs money and requires a DDS office visit or mail-in renewal.
What if I move and do not have a utility bill or lease yet?
Wait until you have one of the accepted documents before going to a DDS office. If you are staying temporarily with family or a friend, ask if you can use a notarized letter from the person whose name is on a utility bill or lease, confirming you live there. Call your local DDS office first to confirm they accept this type of document.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. A suspension or revocation does not prevent you from updating your address in the system. However, if your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. If it is revoked, you will need to go through reinstatement steps before you can drive again. Changing your address does not affect the suspension or revocation status.
How long does it take to see the address change if I do it online?
The change appears in Georgia's system when ready after you submit it online. Law enforcement and government agencies can see your new address right away when they look up your license. However, your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it.