What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Washington

You can change your address on a Washington driver's license or ID card through the Department of Licensing (DOL) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to start an online change. If you choose mail or in-person, you will need to bring or send your current license along with proof of your new address.

Washington does not set a legal important date for reporting an address change, but your license should reflect where you actually live. If you move and do not update your address, traffic tickets, vehicle registration notices, and court documents may be sent to your old address and you may not receive them. Your insurance company may also deny a claim if your address on file does not match your license.

The address change itself does not cost money through any method. You will not receive a new physical card unless you request one, and that request costs $20. Your current license remains valid after the address change is processed.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington's online address change tool is free and takes about 10 minutes; you need your license number, last four digits of your SSN, and an email address.
  • By-mail changes require you to send your current license and proof of your new address to the DOL; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person changes at any DOL office take effect when ready and require your current license and one document showing your new address.
  • You do not automatically receive a new card after an address change; your old card stays valid unless you request a replacement for $20.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Changing Your Address Online

The online method is the fastest and most direct route. Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and select the address change option under "Manage Your License." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and then ask you to enter your new address.

After you submit the change online, you will receive a confirmation email. The address change is processed within one business day, and your new address will be active in the DOL system when ready. You do not need to do anything else. Your physical license card will still show your old address, but the DOL records will reflect the new one, and that is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they look up your license.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system, the mail and in-person options are available.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, print the address change form from the DOL website (form DL 43) or request one by calling the DOL at 360-902-3900. Fill out the form with your current license number, your new address, and sign it. Enclose your current driver's license or ID card and one document that shows your new address dated within the last 60 days.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, or government mail from a federal, state, or local agency. The document must show your name and your new address. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count as proof of address for this purpose.

Mail the form, your license, and proof of address to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. Your license will be returned to you with the address change recorded in the system. During this time, your old address remains on file, so if you need your license for identification before the change is processed, bring proof of your new address with you.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DOL Office

Walk-in address changes are available at any DOL office. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. The same documents that work for mail changes work in person: utility bills, leases, mortgages, property tax bills, insurance policies, and government mail.

The office staff will verify your identity, record your new address, and the change takes effect when ready. You will receive a receipt confirming the change. Your physical license card will still show your old address, but your record in the DOL system will be updated right away. If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you can request one at the same time for $20.

DOL office hours and locations vary. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Washington Department of Licensing website. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you plan your visit.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

Washington accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) are the most common. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowner's or renter's insurance policies, and mail from federal, state, or local government agencies all work.

Documents that do not work include bank statements, credit card statements, paychecks, school records, and mail from private companies like insurance agents or credit bureaus. If your name does not appear on the document exactly as it appears on your license, bring a second document that shows both names or a court order showing the name change.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, a notarized affidavit of residence signed by your landlord or a property owner can sometimes work. Call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to confirm before you attempt this route.

If You Have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Commercial driver's license holders must change their address in person at a DOL office. The online and mail methods do not work for CDL holders. Bring your current CDL and proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. The change takes effect when ready, and you will receive a receipt.

If you have both a regular driver's license and a CDL, changing your address on one does not automatically change it on the other. You will need to update both separately, though you can do both in the same office visit.

What Happens to Your Physical License Card

Your physical driver's license card will continue to show your old address after you change it in the DOL system. This is normal and does not affect the validity of your license. When law enforcement or any agency looks up your license, they see your current address in the DOL database, not the address printed on the card.

If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can request one for $20. You can do this at the same time as your address change in person, or you can request it later through the DOL website or by mail. A replacement card takes 2 to 3 weeks to arrive by mail.

You do not need a new card to drive legally or to use your license for identification. The address on the card is outdated information, but it does not invalidate the license itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online changes take effect within one business day. In-person changes take effect when ready. Mail changes take 2 to 3 weeks. If you need proof that you have reported the change before the mail processing is complete, the in-person or online method gives you a receipt or confirmation email on the same day.

Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?

Washington does not legally require you to update your address, but you should. If your address is not current, tickets, registration notices, and court documents will be sent to your old address and you may not receive them. Your insurance company may also deny a claim if your address on file does not match your license.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used for address changes. However, if your license has been expired for more than a few years, you may need to renew it at the same time. Call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to confirm what you need to bring.

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

Government mail, property tax bills, insurance policies, and mortgage statements all work. If you have none of these, a notarized affidavit of residence signed by your landlord or property owner may work, but call the DOL first at 360-902-3900 to confirm they will accept it before you have it notarized.

Do I need to update my vehicle registration when I change my address on my license?

Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. You should update your registration address with the Department of Licensing as well, but that is a different transaction. You can do both at the same time if you visit a DOL office in person.