What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Georgia

To change the address on your Georgia driver's license, you must visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person. Georgia does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your new address, and a valid form of identification if your license has expired.

The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at most DDS locations. There is no fee for an address change alone. However, if your license is expiring within 30 days or you want to renew it at the same time, you will pay the standard renewal fee, which varies by license type and age.

Georgia accepts address changes year-round during regular DDS office hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices now offer optional appointment scheduling through the DDS website to reduce wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Georgia DDS office in person; address changes cannot be done by mail, phone, or online.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and a valid ID if your license is expired.
  • There is no charge for an address change, but you will pay a renewal fee if your license expires within 30 days.
  • The transaction typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, and no appointment is required at most locations.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you can use your old license as proof of identity until it arrives.

Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office

Your current Georgia driver's license is required. If your license has expired, you will also need a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card.

Proof of your new address is mandatory. Georgia accepts documents dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document showing your name and new address. A post office change-of-address form is not accepted as proof of address.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Step-by-Step Process at the DDS Office

When you arrive at a Georgia DDS office, check in at the front desk or kiosk. Tell the staff member you are there for an address change. You will be given a number and directed to wait for your turn.

When called, hand your current license and proof of address to the DDS examiner. They will verify the documents and ask you to confirm your new address. If everything is correct, they will process the change in the system. You will not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license is expiring and you are renewing it at the same time.

After the transaction is complete, you will receive a receipt. Your new license will be printed and mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license as valid identification until the new one arrives.

Finding a Georgia DDS Office Near You

Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the official Georgia DDS website and using their office locator tool. Enter your city or county name to see the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each location.

Some larger cities have multiple offices. If one location has a long wait, you may be able to visit a different office in the same area. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time before you go.

DDS offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days. A few offices offer Saturday hours; check the website or call to confirm before visiting.

What Happens If Your License Is Expiring Soon

If your Georgia driver's license will expire within 30 days of your address change, the DDS will automatically renew it at the same time. You will be charged the renewal fee in addition to the address change (which remains free). The renewal fee depends on your age and license type and ranges from approximately $32 to $68.

If you do not want to renew yet, you can still change your address alone. The DDS will not force you to renew straightforward because your license is expiring soon. However, if your license has already expired, you must renew it to get a valid license; an address change alone will not reactivate an expired license.

When you renew, you will need to take a new photo and pass a vision test. Bring your current license, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form) if you are renewing for the first time or if your Social Security number has changed.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Leave

Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary depending on your location; rural areas may take slightly longer. You should receive it within two weeks in most cases.

If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the Georgia DDS office where you made the change. Have your receipt ready. The DDS can check the status of your license and reissue it if there was a problem.

While you wait for your new license, your old license remains valid for identification purposes. You can use it to drive, board a plane, or prove your identity. Once your new license arrives, destroy the old one or keep it as a record; there is no requirement to return it to the DDS.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring a post office change-of-address form as proof of your new address. The DDS does not accept it. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address.

Do not assume you can change your address by phone or mail. Georgia requires an in-person visit. If you are unable to visit an office yourself, you may be able to authorize someone else to make the change on your behalf, but they will need a notarized power of attorney. Call your local DDS office to confirm their policy on this.

Do not wait until your license expires to change your address. If your license is already expired, you must renew it, which costs more and takes longer than a straightforward address change. Address changes can be done anytime, so update it as soon as you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else change my address for me?

Georgia does not typically allow someone else to change your address without a notarized power of attorney. Call your local DDS office to ask about their specific policy. In most cases, you must appear in person with your current license and proof of address.

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

The document must show your name and your new address. If the utility bill or lease is only in your spouse's name, it will not be accepted. Bring a document that has your name on it, such as a bank statement, insurance policy, or tax bill.

Do I need an appointment to change my address?

Most Georgia DDS offices do not require an appointment for an address change. However, some locations now offer optional appointments through the DDS website. You can walk in without one, but an appointment may reduce your wait time.

Will I get a new license number when I change my address?

No. Your license number stays the same. Only your address will be updated in the system and printed on your new license card.

What if I move again before my new license arrives?

Contact the Georgia DDS office where you made the change and provide your new address. They can reissue your license to the correct address. You may be charged a replacement fee for the second card.