What You Need to Do in Georgia

To change your address on a 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 proof of your identity. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you will receive an updated license on the spot with no additional photo required.

Georgia treats an address change as a transaction separate from a license renewal. If your license is not expiring soon, you can change the address without renewing the entire license. However, if your license expires within the next 30 days, the DDS may ask you to renew it at the same time, which costs more and requires a new photo.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DDS office in person; there is no online, mail, or phone option for address changes in Georgia.
  • Bring your current license, a document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and a document proving your identity.
  • The address change is printed on a replacement license that you receive when ready; no photo is taken unless you renew at the same time.
  • If your license expires within 30 days, you may be required to renew it during the same visit, which costs extra and takes longer.
  • There is no fee for an address-only change in Georgia.

Documents You Must Bring

Georgia requires three categories of documents: your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of your identity. Your current license serves as both your ID and proof that you hold a valid Georgia license. Do not assume one document covers two categories—the DDS requires separate documents for each.

For proof of address, bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document such as a voter registration card or tax return. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of address.

For proof of identity, bring a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A valid passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license works. If you do not have a photo ID, you may bring two non-photo documents such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate. The DDS staff will tell you on the spot if your documents are acceptable; if they are not, you will need to return with different ones.

Where to Go and What to Expect

Find your nearest DDS office using the office locator on the Georgia DDS website. Enter your city or zip code to see all offices in your area, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.

When you arrive, take a number at the entrance and wait to be called. Bring all your documents in one place so you do not have to search your bag when it is your turn. Tell the staff member that you are changing your address only, not renewing your license. They will verify your documents, update your address in the system, and print your replacement license at the counter. You will sign the back of the new license before leaving.

The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will leave with your new license in hand. Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the replacement, even though it still has time left on it.

Fees and Timeline

There is no fee to change your address on a Georgia driver's license. You pay nothing at the counter. However, if your license expires within 30 days of your visit, the DDS may require you to renew it at the same time. A renewal costs $32 for an eight-year license (the standard term in Georgia) and requires a new photo, which adds 10 to 15 minutes to your visit.

Your new address-only license is valid when ready. You can use it to drive, as your ID, and for any other purpose the same day you receive it. There is no waiting period. If you were required to renew at the same time, your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renewed.

What Happens If You Move Again Before Renewing

If you move a second time before your license expires, you must return to a DDS office and change your address again. Georgia does not allow you to update your address by mail or online, even if you have already changed it once. Each address change requires an in-person visit with the same documents (current license, proof of new address, and proof of identity).

There is no limit to how many times you can change your address, and each change is free. However, each change results in a new license card with a new number printed on it. Keep your old cards until you are sure you no longer need them for any records or identification purposes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing a post office change-of-address form as proof of address. The DDS does not accept it because it does not show your actual new address on the document itself. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement instead.

Another mistake is waiting until your license is about to expire. If your license expires within 30 days, you will be required to renew it at the same time you change your address, which costs money and requires a new photo. If you know you are moving, change your address as soon as you have proof of the new address, even if your license is not expiring for years.

Do not assume you can change your address online or by mail. Georgia requires an in-person visit. Some people call the DDS expecting to handle it over the phone and waste time waiting for an answer. Go to an office with your documents ready.

Finally, do not bring expired documents as proof of address. Your proof-of-address document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date, or bring a lease with your name and the address on it.

If You Cannot Go to an Office in Person

Georgia does not offer a substitute for an in-person visit. You cannot have someone else change your address for you, and you cannot do it by mail or online. If you are unable to visit an office due to illness, disability, or other hardship, contact the DDS directly to ask whether they can make an exception. Call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 during business hours. They may be able to direct you to a solution, though address changes almost always require a visit.

If you are moving out of state and will not be in Georgia to visit an office, change your address before you leave. Once you have moved, you will need to obtain a license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within Georgia?

Yes. Georgia law requires you to change your address within 30 days of moving, whether you move across town or across the state. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it can cause problems if you are pulled over or involved in an accident. The DDS recommends changing it as soon as you have proof of your new address.

What if my proof-of-address document is older than 60 days?

You will need a different document. The DDS requires proof of address dated within the last 60 days. If your utility bill is older, bring a recent bank statement, credit card statement, or lease instead. If you do not have any document dated within 60 days, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.

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

Yes. Each time you change your address in Georgia, you receive a new license card with a new number printed on it. Your old license number is no longer valid. If you need to provide your license number to anyone (employer, bank, insurance company), update them with your new number once you receive your replacement license.

Can I change my address at the same time as renewing my license?

Yes. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it and change your address in the same visit. However, this costs $32 and requires a new photo. If your license is not expiring for several years, change your address only, which is free and takes less time.

What if I do not have a photo ID for proof of identity?

You can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate. The DDS staff will tell you whether your combination of documents is acceptable. Call ahead if you are unsure, or bring extra documents to be safe.