How to change your address in Washington

You can change your address on your Washington driver's license or ID card through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. The fastest route is online at dol.wa.gov if you have a current license and a valid email address. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form or visit an office — both take longer but work just as well.

Washington does not charge a fee to update your address. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests. The address change itself takes a few minutes online, but the updated card can take two to three weeks to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through dol.wa.gov are the fastest option and require only your license number, date of birth, and email address.
  • If you mail the change, use form DL 43 and send it to the Department of Licensing with your current license; processing takes three to four weeks.
  • You can also walk into any DOL office with your current license and proof of your new address to update it in person.
  • Your new card will be mailed to your new address once the change is processed, so you do not need to pick it up at an office.
  • Washington accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements as proof of your new address.

Changing your address online

Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Change Address" option under the driver's license section. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will send a confirmation link to that email — click it to complete the change.

This method works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If either of those applies to you, use the mail or in-person method instead. The online change takes effect when ready, and your new card will be printed and mailed within two to three weeks.

Changing your address by mail

read or request form DL 43 from the Department of Licensing website. Fill in your new address, sign the form, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address shown on the form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.

Processing by mail takes three to four weeks. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provided. If you need your license before the new card arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DOL office, though this is rarely necessary for an address change alone.

Changing your address in person

Visit any Department of Licensing office with your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. Bring the same types of proof accepted for mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The staff will update your address on the spot.

Your new card will still be mailed to you — you do not receive it at the office. Processing takes the same two to three weeks as the online method. This option is useful if you prefer to hand over your documents in person or if you are already at a DOL office for another reason.

What counts as proof of your new address

Washington accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement all work. Some offices also accept mail from government agencies, insurance companies, or employers if it shows your name and address.

You do not need multiple documents — one is enough. If your name does not yet appear on a utility bill or lease because you just moved, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. This counts as proof in most cases.

Timeline and what to expect

Online changes are processed when ready, but your physical card takes two to three weeks to arrive. Mail and in-person changes follow the same timeline for the card itself — the difference is how long it takes DOL to receive and process your request. Mail adds three to four days each way.

Your address is updated in the system as soon as your request is processed, even if the card has not arrived yet. If you need to verify your new address before the card comes, you can print a confirmation from your online DOL account or ask a DOL office to print one for you.

If your license is expired or your name has changed

You cannot change your address online if your license is expired. You will need to renew it at the same time, which requires an in-person visit or a mail-in renewal process. If your name has changed since your license was issued, you must also go in person or use the mail method and include a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Contact a DOL office or check dol.wa.gov for the specific forms and documents needed for your situation. These changes take longer than a straightforward address update because they require additional verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new card after I change my address?

Two to three weeks by mail is standard. Online and in-person changes both result in the same mailing time. If you need your address updated before the card arrives, you can print a confirmation from your online account or request one at a DOL office.

Do I have to be home when my new card arrives?

No. Your card will be mailed to your new address like regular mail. If you are not home, it will be left in your mailbox or with a neighbor, depending on your mail carrier's practice. If it does not arrive after four weeks, contact DOL to check the status.

Can I change my address if I just moved and do not have a utility bill yet?

Yes. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from your landlord or utility company on their letterhead works just as well. The document needs to show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.

What if I change my address online but then realize I made a mistake?

Contact the Department of Licensing right away at the phone number on dol.wa.gov. They can correct the address before your card is printed. If the card has already been printed with the wrong address, you can request a replacement card with the correct address.

Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I move to another state?

No. Once you move out of Washington, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state. You do not need to formally cancel your Washington license, but you should not use it once you have a valid license from your new state.