What You Need to Do Right Now
To change your address on a Georgia driver license, you must visit a Department of Driver Services (DDS) office in person with proof of your new address and your current license. Georgia does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. You can change your address at any DDS location statewide, not just the one that issued your license. The process takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing — there is no fee for an address change.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license until the new one arrives. If you move before your license renewal date, you must update your address; driving with an outdated address on file can result in a citation.
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 driver license and one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
- The address change is free and takes about 15 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can visit any DDS office in Georgia, regardless of which office issued your original license.
- Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, but you should carry both documents until the replacement comes.
Documents You Must Bring to the DDS Office
Bring your current Georgia driver license and one document that proves your new address. The DDS calls this a proof of residency document. It must show your full name and your new street address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days.
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, an insurance policy, 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 residency.
If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring your current license plus the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and your proof of residency. You will receive a new license with your updated name and address at no additional cost.
Finding a DDS Office Near You and What to Expect
Georgia has DDS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Georgia DDS website by entering your county or city. Walk-in service is available at all locations, but wait times vary. Some offices are busier during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning often means a shorter wait.
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. Tell the agent you need an address change. Hand over your current license and your proof of residency. The agent will scan both documents, verify the information on your license, and ask you to confirm your new address. You will not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test for an address change alone.
Once the transaction is complete, you will receive a receipt. Keep this receipt until your new license arrives. Your old license will be returned to you, and you can use it until the replacement comes in the mail.
Timeline and What Happens After You Leave the Office
Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. This timeline begins the day after you complete the transaction at the DDS office. Mail delivery times vary by location, so allow up to two weeks to be safe.
You do not need to do anything while you wait. The DDS will not contact you unless there is a problem with your process — for example, if the address you provided is incomplete or if the proof of residency document was not accepted. If you do not receive your license within 14 days, contact the DDS to check the status of your replacement.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it in a safe place. You are not required to return it to the DDS. If your new license is lost or damaged before it arrives, contact the DDS when ready; you may be able to request a replacement at no cost if the damage occurred during mailing.
What to Do If You Cannot Visit a DDS Office in Person
Georgia requires an in-person visit for address changes. There is no exception for people who are homebound, out of state, or unable to travel. If you are temporarily out of state, you must wait until you return to Georgia to update your address. If you are homebound, you may ask a family member or trusted person to visit the DDS on your behalf, but you will still need to provide your current license and proof of residency.
If you are a member of the military stationed outside Georgia, you can use a military address as your mailing address on your license. Bring your military ID and a document showing your military address (such as a military housing lease or orders) to the DDS office. When you are reassigned, you can update your address the same way.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is bringing a document that does not meet the 60-day requirement. A utility bill from three months ago or a bank statement from last quarter will not be accepted. Check the date on your proof of residency before you go to the DDS office. If your document is too old, print or request a new one from your utility company, bank, or landlord.
Another frequent error is providing an incomplete or incorrect address. Double-check the spelling of your street name, the number of your house or apartment, and your ZIP code before you hand over your documents. If the agent enters your address wrong, ask them to correct it before they submit the transaction. Once the new license is printed and mailed, you cannot change the address again until you renew your license or move again.
Do not assume you can change your address online or by phone. Georgia does not offer these options. If you see a website claiming to offer online address changes for Georgia licenses, it is not affiliated with the DDS and may be a scam. Always use the official Georgia DDS website or visit an office in person.
Renewing Your License at the Same Time as an Address Change
If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it and change your address in the same visit. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a passport, birth certificate, or visa). You will need to pass a vision test and may need to take a new photo. The renewal fee is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, and the address change adds no extra cost.
If you are renewing and changing your address at the same time, the entire process takes about 30 minutes instead of 15. Your new license will still arrive within 7 to 10 business days and will show both your updated address and your new expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot change your address on a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DDS. Once your license is reinstated, you can then change your address at any DDS office.
What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
Contact your utility company, landlord, or mortgage lender and request a document showing your new address. A letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your new address and move-in date, dated within the last 60 days, is acceptable. A bank statement or credit card statement mailed to your new address also works if it arrived within the last 60 days.
Do I need to change my address if I move within Georgia?
Yes. You must update your address on your license within a reasonable time after moving. Driving with an outdated address can result in a citation. There is no specific important date, but updating your address within 30 days of moving is a safe practice.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address on your license does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company will not be notified automatically; you must contact your insurance agent separately to update your address with them. Failing to update your insurance address can cause problems if you need to file a claim.
What if my new address is a PO box or mailbox?
Georgia does not allow a PO box or mailbox as your primary address on a driver license. You must provide a physical street address where you actually live. If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, contact the DDS office directly to discuss your options; some offices can work with you on a case-by-case basis.