You can change your address in person at your DMV, by mail, or online—depending on your state

The fastest way to update your address is usually online through your state's DMV website, if your state offers it. Some states let you change your address by mail or phone. A few still require you to visit in person. The method available to you depends entirely on where you hold your license.

You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests. You are straightforward updating the address printed on your card. The process takes anywhere from a few days (online) to a few weeks (by mail), and costs little to nothing in most states.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes are the fastest option where available and usually take 24 to 48 hours to process.
  • You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
  • By-mail changes require you to send in a form and proof of your new address, and typically take two to four weeks.
  • In-person changes at the DMV are the slowest but are your only option in states that do not offer online or mail updates.
  • Your new license card will arrive by mail within one to three weeks after your address is updated.

Changing your address online

Most states now offer online address changes through their DMV website. To start, go to your state's DMV site and look for a link labeled "Change Address," "Update Information," or "Manage My License." You will log in using your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The online form asks for your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. You submit it, and the DMV processes the change within 24 to 48 hours. You do not pay a fee in most states. Your updated license card will be mailed to your new address within one to three weeks. Until it arrives, your old card is still valid for identification.

Not every state offers this option yet. If you cannot find an online form on your state's DMV website, move to the mail or in-person method.

Changing your address by mail

To change your address by mail, you need to request the correct form from your state's DMV. This is usually called a "Change of Address Form" or "Address Update Form." You can read it from your state's DMV website or call the DMV to request it be mailed to you.

Fill out the form with your current license number, name, date of birth, and new address. You will also need to include proof of your new address. Acceptable proof usually includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. Mail the form and proof to the address listed on the DMV form.

Processing takes two to four weeks. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. There is typically no fee for a standard address change, though some states charge a small amount to reissue the card.

Changing your address in person at the DMV

If your state does not offer online or mail updates, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face, visit your local DMV office. Bring your current driver's license and one piece of proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Tell the DMV staff you want to update your address. They will verify your information, update their system, and order a new card. You do not need to retake any tests or have a new photo taken unless your license is expiring soon or your state requires a new photo for other reasons.

The in-person visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new card will be mailed to your new address within one to three weeks. Some DMV offices are very busy, so consider going early in the day or on a weekday to avoid long waits.

What proof of address you need

Most states accept the same documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank or credit card statement also works, as long as it shows your name and new address and is dated recently.

Some states accept a government-issued document like a voter registration card or property tax bill. A few accept a letter from your employer or a school enrollment letter. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact list of documents your state accepts before you submit anything.

Do not send original documents by mail if you can avoid it. Make a copy instead. If you are changing your address in person, bring the original so the DMV staff can see it, but you will get it back.

What happens to your old license while you wait

Your old license card remains valid for identification and driving until your new card arrives. You do not need to do anything with it. Once your new card arrives, you can throw the old one away or keep it as a record—it no longer has any legal standing.

If you move before your new card arrives, you do not need to update your address again. The card will be mailed to the address you provided, and the DMV's system will have the correct information. If you are concerned about mail delivery, you can check your DMV account online (if your state offers it) to see the status of your new card.

Changing your address if you moved out of state

If you moved to a different state, you will need to get a new driver's license from your new state rather than straightforward updating your address. Each state issues its own licenses, and you cannot hold a valid license from two states at once.

Contact your new state's DMV to find out what documents you need to bring (usually your old license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number). You will need to pass a written test and a road test in most states, though some states waive the road test if you have held a valid license for a certain number of years. The process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to change my address?

Most states do not charge a fee to change your address on your driver's license. A few states charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) to reissue the card with the new address. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm whether there is a fee before you submit your request.

How long does it take to get my new card after I change my address?

Online changes are processed within 24 to 48 hours, but your physical card is still mailed to you and arrives within one to three weeks. Mail-in changes take two to four weeks total. In-person changes also result in a card mailed within one to three weeks. The mailing time is the longest part of the process in all cases.

What if I move again before my new card arrives?

You do not need to update your address again. The card will be mailed to the address you provided, and the DMV's records are already updated. If you are worried about the card getting lost in the mail, contact your DMV to ask if they can hold it for pickup or redeliver it to your new address.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes, you can update your address even if your license is expired. However, if your license is expiring very soon, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid having to update your information twice. Some states let you renew and change your address in one transaction, either online or in person.

Do I need to change my address before I move, or can I do it after?

You can change your address before or after you move. It is often easier to do it after you have moved and have proof of your new address (like a utility bill). However, some people prefer to update it before moving to avoid any gaps. Either way works—just make sure you have the proof of address your state requires.