Where and how to change your address
You change your address at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not online or by mail in most states. The fastest way is to visit a DMV office in person with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Some states now let you update your address through their DMV website or mobile app without visiting an office — check your state's DMV site to see if that option exists where you live.
If you must visit in person, bring your driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents usually include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The DMV staff will verify the document, update your record, and issue a new license with your new address printed on it. The whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes at the counter.
Some states charge a small fee to reissue your license with a new address — typically $5 to $20. A few states do not charge at all. Check your state DMV's fee schedule before you go, so you know what to bring.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your state DMV office in person or use your state's online DMV portal, depending on what your state offers.
- Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- The DMV will issue you a new license with your updated address printed on it, usually within 15 to 30 minutes.
- Most states charge $5 to $20 to reissue your license; a few charge nothing.
- You should update your address as soon as you move, because driving with an outdated address on your license can cause problems with insurance and law enforcement.
Why you should update your address quickly
An outdated address on your driver's license creates real problems. If you are stopped by police, an address mismatch can raise questions and slow down the interaction. More importantly, your auto insurance company uses your driver's license address to verify where you live and calculate your premium. If your address does not match your insurance records, your insurer may deny a claim or cancel your policy.
Some states also use your DMV address to send you vehicle registration renewal notices and other official mail. If you do not update it, you might miss a important date and face late fees or a suspended registration. Updating your address at the DMV is one of the first things you should do after you move.
What to bring to the DMV
Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. The proof document must show your full name and your new street address. Most DMVs accept utility bills (electric, gas, water), lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance bills, or government mail such as tax forms or benefit notices.
Some states have a specific list of acceptable documents on their DMV website. If you are unsure whether your document will work, call your local DMV office before you go. A few states require two documents if one of them is not a utility bill or lease. Check your state's requirements so you do not make a wasted trip.
Online address changes in states that offer them
A growing number of states let you change your address through the DMV website or a mobile app without visiting an office. States offering this include California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Virginia, though the list changes. You typically log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and pay any fee online. Your updated license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Online changes are faster and more convenient, but they do not work if your license is expired or if you need to update other information at the same time. If your license expired more than a year ago, you will need to visit the DMV in person to renew it. Check your state DMV's website to see whether online address changes are available and what the exact steps are.
Timing and how long it takes
If you visit the DMV in person, you will get your new license the same day, though you may wait in line. If you change your address online, your new license arrives by mail in one to two weeks. Some states mail your new license within 5 to 7 business days; others take longer.
You can legally drive with your old address on your license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as you have proof that you have moved — such as a lease or utility bill in your car. However, it is better to update your address as soon as you move, so your insurance company and law enforcement have current information about where you live.
Address changes after a move out of state
If you move to a different state, you will need to get a new driver's license from your new state's DMV, not just update your address. Each state issues its own license, and you cannot straightforward change the address on an out-of-state license. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving, though the important date varies.
To get a new license in your new state, visit the DMV with your old out-of-state license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number and date of birth. You may also need to pass a vision test or written test, depending on your new state's rules. Check your new state's DMV website for the full list of documents and requirements before you go.
What happens if you do not update your address
Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it creates practical problems. Your auto insurance company may deny a claim if your address does not match their records, or they may cancel your policy for misrepresentation. Police may question why your address does not match where you were stopped. Vehicle registration renewal notices and other official mail will go to your old address, and you might miss important date.
Some states also use your DMV address to send jury duty notices and voter registration information. If you do not update it, you might miss important mail. The safest approach is to update your address at the DMV within a week or two of moving, and to notify your insurance company and vehicle registration office at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online in my state?
Some states offer online address changes through their DMV website or app, but not all. Visit your state's DMV website and look for "change address" or "update address" to see if the option is available. If it is not, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.
Do I need to renew my license to change my address?
No. Changing your address and renewing your license are separate transactions. You can change your address without renewing your license, unless your license is expired. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at the same time you change your address.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?
Most DMVs accept other documents such as bank statements, insurance bills, mortgage statements, or government mail with your name and address. Some states accept two documents if neither is a utility bill. Call your local DMV office to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
If you change your address online, your new license usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you visit the DMV in person, you get your new license the same day. Timing varies by state, so check your state DMV's website for the exact timeframe.
Do I need to tell my insurance company when I change my address?
Yes. Contact your auto insurance company as soon as you move and give them your new address. Your insurance premium may change based on your new location, and your insurer needs your current address to send you bills and policy documents. Updating your DMV address and your insurance address at the same time prevents problems.