The documents you need depend on your state and whether you're changing your address in person or by mail

Every state requires proof of your new address, but what counts as proof varies. Most states accept a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some accept government mail like tax documents or benefit statements. A few states have narrower lists — for example, some won't accept utility bills if they're in a roommate's name, even if you live there.

You'll also need your current driver's license and proof of identity. If you're changing your address by mail, your state may require notarization or a signature witnessed by a notary public. If you're going in person, you typically just need the documents themselves — no notary required.

The fastest way to find your state's exact list is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "address change" or "change of address." The list is usually one page, and it tells you which documents are accepted and whether they need to be originals or copies.

Key Takeaways

  • Proof of your new address is the main document required, and most states accept utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within 60 days.
  • You must bring your current driver's license and a second form of identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
  • If you're changing your address by mail, check whether your state requires a notarized signature or a witness; in-person changes usually do not.
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents are accepted and whether originals or copies are needed.

Proof of your new address: what states accept

A utility bill in your name is the most common proof. This includes electric, gas, water, internet, or phone bills. The bill must show your new address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though some allow up to 90 days. If the bill is in a spouse's or parent's name, some states will accept it if you bring a marriage certificate or birth certificate showing you live at that address; others will not.

A lease or rental agreement works in every state. It must be signed by you and the landlord or property manager, show your new address, and be current (not expired). A copy is usually fine. If you're renting a room in someone else's home and don't have a formal lease, ask your landlord to write a straightforward letter on their own paper stating your name, the address, and the dates you're renting — some states accept this, though it's less reliable than a lease.

A mortgage statement or property tax bill proves you own the home. These must show your new address and be recent (usually within 60 days). If you just closed on a home and don't have a mortgage statement yet, a closing statement or deed recorded with the county works in most states.

A bank or credit card statement with your new address is accepted by most states. It must be dated within 60 days and show your name and address clearly. Online statements printed from your bank's website count.

Some states also accept government mail like tax returns, W-2 forms, Social Security statements, or benefit letters from unemployment or disability programs. These must show your name and new address and be dated within the last year. A few states accept mail from your employer, insurance company, or healthcare provider.

States that do not accept certain documents usually exclude them because they're too straightforward to forge or because the address is not the person's primary residence. For example, some states won't accept PO boxes, mail forwarding confirmations, or bills in someone else's name under any circumstance. Check your state's list before gathering documents.

Your current driver's license and a second form of identity

You must bring your current driver's license. If you've lost it, you'll need to report it lost or stolen before you can change your address — most states won't process an address change without the old license in hand or a police report of loss.

You also need a second form of identity to prove you are who you say you are. Accepted forms usually include a passport, passport card, birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID, or tribal ID. Some states accept a school or work ID if it has your photo. A few states require the second ID to be government-issued; others are more flexible.

If you're changing your name at the same time as your address, bring the document that proves the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Your current license will show your old name, so the DMV needs to see the legal document authorizing the change.

Changing your address by mail: notarization and witness requirements

About half of U.S. states allow address changes by mail. If yours does, you'll typically fill out a form (usually called an Address Change Request or Change of Address form), sign it, and mail it with copies of your proof documents.

Some states require your signature to be notarized — meaning a notary public watches you sign the form and stamps it with their seal. This costs $5 to $15 and takes 10 minutes. You can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, law offices, or online services that send a notary to your home. Other states require only that a witness (any adult who is not related to you) watch you sign and sign the form themselves. A few states require neither.

Your state's DMV website will say whether notarization or a witness is required for mail-in address changes. If it's required and you don't do it, your process will be rejected and returned to you, delaying the process by weeks.

In-person address changes: what to bring to the DMV

If you're changing your address in person at a DMV office, bring your current driver's license, your second form of identity, and your proof of address document. You do not need notarization. Bring originals unless your state's website says copies are acceptable.

Some states let you make an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointment-based offices usually have shorter wait times. If your state doesn't use appointments, arrive early — DMV offices are typically busiest mid-morning and mid-week.

The address change itself takes 5 to 10 minutes once you reach the counter. You'll fill out a form, hand over your documents, and pay a fee (usually $0 to $25, depending on your state). Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 14 days in most states.

Special situations: what to do if you don't have standard proof

If you're homeless or living in temporary housing, most states have a workaround. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address where you're staying, or a mailing address at a mail service like UPS or The UPS Store. Bring a letter from the shelter or your friend confirming you live there, or a receipt from the mail service showing the address is yours. Some states also accept a social worker's letter or a statement from a nonprofit that serves homeless people.

If you've just moved and your new address is not yet on any bills or documents, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, the address, and your move-in date. This works in most states as a temporary substitute while you wait for a utility bill to arrive in your name. Keep the letter and bring it with your process.

If you're moving to a rural area where utility bills might be in a family member's name or hard to obtain, call your DMV before you go. Some states have exceptions for rural addresses or will accept alternative documents like a county property tax bill or a letter from a local government office.

Timeline and fees for address changes

An in-person address change is processed when ready, and your new license is mailed within 7 to 14 days. A mail-in change takes longer — typically 2 to 4 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions. If notarization is required and you forget it, add another 2 to 4 weeks for the rejected process to reach you and for you to resubmit.

Most states charge $0 to $25 for an address change. A few states charge nothing if you're only changing your address, not renewing your license. Some charge a small fee only if you need a replacement card mailed to your new address. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.

If you need your new license urgently — for example, because you're moving for a job and need ID for your first day — go in person. Mail-in changes are slower and more prone to delays if documents are missing or unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online?

Some states allow online address changes through their DMV website, but most do not. Online changes are usually available only if you have a Real ID-compliant license and your state has built the system. Check your state's DMV website to see if online changes are offered. If not, you can change your address by mail or in person.

What if my proof of address is in my spouse's name?

Most states accept a utility bill or lease in a spouse's name if you bring a marriage certificate showing you're married. Some states are stricter and require the document to be in your name only. Call your DMV or check their website before you go — if your state won't accept it, you'll need a different document.

Do I need to bring the original documents or can I bring copies?

Most states accept copies of your proof of address, but require the original of your current driver's license and second form of identity. A few states want originals of everything. Your state's DMV website will specify. When in doubt, bring originals — they're always safer than copies.

What happens if I move and don't change my address on my license?

Your license remains valid, but it shows an old address. This can cause problems if you're pulled over (police may think you're not who you say you are), if you need to prove residency for voting or school enrollment, or if you're in an accident and insurance needs to verify your address. It's best to change it within 30 days of moving, though most states don't have a legal important date.

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

You can change your address on a suspended license in most states. If your license is expired, some states let you change the address without renewing; others require you to renew at the same time. Check your state's DMV website or call before you go, because the rules vary.