Georgia requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving
Georgia law states that you must report an address change to the Department of Driver Services (DDS) within 30 days of moving. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing; the in-person and mail routes both work but take longer.
You do not need to renew your license to change the address — the new address prints on your existing card, and your license number stays the same. If you miss the 30-day window, you can still update it, but driving with an outdated address on file can result in a citation.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia gives you 30 days from your move date to report your new address to the Department of Driver Services.
- The online method through the DDS website is free and the fastest route, requiring only your license number and date of birth.
- In-person updates at any DDS office take about 15 minutes and cost nothing, but you must bring your license and proof of your new address.
- Mail-in updates require a completed form and proof of address, and processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- Your license number does not change when you update your address; the new address straightforward replaces the old one on your card.
Change your address online through the DDS website
The online method is the simplest and fastest. Go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services website and select the address change option. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to enter your new address.
Once you submit the change online, it takes effect when ready in the DDS system. Your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew it or request a replacement card. If you need the new address to appear on your card right away, you must visit a DDS office or request a duplicate license (which costs $20).
The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no fee for this service.
Update your address in person at a DDS office
Visit any Department of Driver Services office in Georgia with your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable address proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your license and address proof to the office. Tell the clerk you need to update your address. The process takes about 15 minutes. There is no fee. Your license will be updated in the system when ready, but your physical card will still show the old address until you renew or request a replacement.
DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment for an address change. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
Mail in your address change with the proper form
read or request the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card (form DDS 14) from the Georgia DDS website. You can also pick up this form at any DDS office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form.
Include one document showing your new address (same requirements as in-person: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). Mail the completed form and address proof to the address listed on the DDS website. Do not send your physical license.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your mail. There is no fee for an address change by mail. Your address will be updated in the system, but your physical card will continue to show the old address until renewal or replacement.
What counts as proof of your new address
Georgia accepts the following documents as proof of address: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement or property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, insurance documents, or government mail (such as tax forms or voter registration). The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.
If you do not have any of these documents yet, you can use a notarized letter from someone who lives with you at the new address, along with their proof of address. Some DDS offices may accept other documents on a case-by-case basis; call ahead if you are unsure whether your document will work.
Your address updates in the system but your card stays the same
When you change your address through any method, the DDS system updates when ready or within a few days. Law enforcement and other agencies can see your new address when they run your license. However, your physical driver's license card continues to display your old address until you renew your license or request a replacement card.
If you need your card to show the new address right away, you can request a duplicate license at any DDS office for $20. The duplicate card will print with your new address and arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This is optional; the address change in the system is what matters legally.
Timeline and what to expect after you report your change
| Method | System Update | Card Shows New Address | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | when ready | Not until renewal or replacement | Free |
| In person | when ready | Not until renewal or replacement | Free |
| 2 to 3 weeks | Not until renewal or replacement | Free | |
| Duplicate card request | when ready | 7 to 10 business days | $20 |
After you report your address change, you do not need to do anything else unless you want your physical card to show the new address. Your license remains valid, and you can continue to drive. The DDS will use your new address for any future correspondence, such as renewal notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't change my address within 30 days?
You can still change your address after 30 days; there is no important date after which you cannot update it. However, driving with an address on file that you know is incorrect can result in a citation. It is best to update as soon as you move.
Do I have to change my address if I move out of state?
If you move out of Georgia, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. You can keep your Georgia license, but it will show an out-of-state address, which may cause confusion during traffic stops or when presenting ID. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving.
Can I change my address without going to a DDS office?
Yes. The online method requires no office visit and takes minutes. Mail-in updates also avoid the office. Only the in-person method requires you to visit a DDS location.
Will my license number change when I update my address?
No. Your license number stays the same. Only your address changes in the system and on your card when you renew or request a replacement.
How do I know if my address change went through?
If you changed your address online or in person, it takes effect when ready. If you mailed your change, call the DDS or check the website after 2 to 3 weeks. You can also visit a DDS office and ask them to confirm your address is updated in the system.