The fastest way to change your Georgia address

You can change your address on your Georgia driver's license online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is quickest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to DDS or visit a local office in person. The in-person route takes the longest but lets you handle other license matters at the same time if needed. Mail takes roughly two to three weeks for processing.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's online address change tool is the fastest option and updates your record the same day you submit it.
  • You need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • If you mail your change, use Form DL 43 and allow two to three weeks for processing.
  • Visiting a DDS office in person works if you need to handle other license business at the same time, but you'll need to bring proof of your new address.

Changing your address online through the DDS website

Go to the Georgia DDS website and look for the "Address Change" option in the online services section. You'll enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity. Then you'll type in your new address and confirm it's correct before submitting.

After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your address updates in the system right away, though your physical license card will still show the old address until it expires or you renew it. Georgia does not mail you a new card just for an address change — you'll get the updated address on your next renewal.

Keep the confirmation email for your records. If you ever need proof that you notified DDS of your move, that email is your documentation.

Mailing your address change to DDS

read or request Form DL 43 (Address Change form) from the Georgia DDS website or by calling 678-413-8400. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the DDS headquarters in Atlanta, though the form will specify the correct mailing address.

Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. DDS needs this to confirm you actually live where you say you do.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DDS receives your mail. You won't get a new card in the mail — your address updates in the system, and you'll see the change reflected on your next renewal.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

Visit any DDS office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your new location. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Tell the staff member you're there for an address change. They'll update your record on the spot, and your address change takes effect when ready. You won't receive a new card — your current card remains valid with the old address until you renew your license.

Find your nearest DDS office on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Office hours vary, so check before you go. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning often means shorter wait times.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements also work.

Government mail counts too — a letter from a state or federal agency, your voter registration card, or a tax document all work as long as they show your current name and address. If you've recently moved and haven't received mail at your new place yet, ask your landlord or mortgage company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency.

Documents that don't work include personal checks, utility bills that list only a phone number, or mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant." The document must have your actual name on it.

When you need a new physical license card

Your current license card stays valid even after you change your address — the old address on the card doesn't make it invalid. You'll get a new card with your updated address when you renew your license at the end of its validity period.

If you want a new card with your new address before your renewal date, you can request one by visiting a DDS office in person or by mail. There is a fee for an early replacement card, which varies. Call 678-413-8400 or check the DDS website for the current cost.

Most people don't bother with an early replacement — the address change in the system is what matters for legal purposes. Police, insurance companies, and government agencies can see your current address in the DDS database even if your physical card shows an old one.

What happens if you move and don't update your address

Georgia law requires you to notify DDS of an address change within a certain timeframe. Failing to do so can result in fines or other penalties, though enforcement varies. More practically, if you're pulled over and your license shows an address you no longer live at, it can create confusion with law enforcement.

An outdated address also causes problems if you need to renew your license by mail — DDS will send your renewal notice and new card to the old address, and you might miss the important date. If you move, update your address as soon as you can to avoid these headaches.

Insurance companies also use your license address to verify your information. If your address doesn't match what they have on file, it can delay claims or cause other issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new license card when I change my address?

No. Your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it. Your address updates in the DDS system, but you won't receive a new physical card unless you request an early replacement (which costs a fee) or wait until your license renewal date.

How long does an online address change take?

An online address change takes effect when ready. You'll receive a confirmation email within minutes of submitting your request. The change is active in the DDS system right away, even though your physical card still shows the old address.

What if I don't have proof of my new address yet?

If you've just moved and haven't received mail at your new place, ask your landlord, property manager, or mortgage company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency. That letter counts as proof. You can also use a recent utility bill if the service has been transferred to your name.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. However, if you visit a DDS office in person, they may ask you to renew your license at the same time. Call ahead to ask what you'll need to bring.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address online, by mail, or in person is free. You only pay a fee if you request a new physical card before your renewal date.