Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person

Washington State allows you to change your address on your driver's license through three routes: online via the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your updated license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person changes are processed when ready if you need the updated license the same day.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address change is a separate transaction that does not extend your license expiration date or cost a renewal fee. If your license expires within the next 90 days, however, you may want to renew at the same time to avoid a second trip or mailing.

Washington requires you to notify the DOL of an address change within 10 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, not optional, though enforcement is typically tied to traffic stops or license checks rather than proactive searches.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes take 10 minutes and cost nothing; your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You must have your current Washington driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
  • Mail-in changes require a signed form and a copy of proof of residency, and take 2 to 3 weeks to process.
  • In-person changes at a DOL office are processed the same day, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on office traffic.
  • Washington law requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving, regardless of which method you use.

Online Address Change Through the DOL Website

The fastest and most convenient method is to change your address on the Washington DOL website. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Driver and ID Services," then choose "Change Address Online." You will be asked to log in or create a DOL online account if you do not already have one. The account requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Once logged in, enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The system will verify your information and confirm the change when ready. You will receive a confirmation email. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for an address change.

If you do not have an online account or prefer not to create one, you can still change your address by mail or in person using the methods below.

Mail-In Address Change Using Form DL 43

To change your address by mail, read or request Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the DOL website or call 360-902-3900. Complete the form with your current license number, name, date of birth, and new address. Sign and date the form — an unsigned form will be returned unprocessed.

Include a copy of one document that shows your new address and is dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents are a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card). Do not send the original; send a copy only.

Mail the completed form and copy of proof of residency to:

Washington State Department of Licensing PO Box 9030 Olympia, WA 98507-9030

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DOL receives your envelope. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. There is no fee. If you need to track your process, call 360-902-3900 and have your license number and date of birth ready.

In-Person Address Change at a DOL Office

You can change your address at any Washington DOL office. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail). No form is required — staff will process the change at the counter.

The transaction takes about 5 to 10 minutes, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities (Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma) often have longer queues, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons. If you want to avoid a wait, visit early morning or mid-afternoon on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the DOL website.

Your updated license will be printed and issued to you the same day. You will leave the office with your new license in hand. There is no fee for an address change.

What Happens If You Miss the 10-Day important date

Washington law requires you to notify the DOL of an address change within 10 days of moving. If you do not report the change within that window, you are technically in violation of state law, though the DOL does not actively pursue drivers for late reporting. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement or your license is checked during a transaction, the mismatch between your license address and your actual residence can create complications.

If you are more than 10 days past your move, change your address as soon as possible using any of the three methods above. There is no penalty fee or additional requirement for a late change — the process is identical. straightforward report the new address and provide current proof of residency.

Proof of Residency Documents Accepted in Washington

Washington accepts a broad range of documents as proof of residency for an address change. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. The following are accepted:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone).
  • Lease agreement or rental contract.
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill.
  • Bank or credit card statement.
  • Insurance policy (auto, home, or renters).
  • Government mail (tax notice, voter registration card, jury summons, or benefit statement).
  • Paycheck stub showing your current address.

Documents that do not work include mail from businesses (such as promotional offers), printed statements without a date, or documents showing only a partial address. If your name on the document does not exactly match your license, bring a second document (such as a marriage certificate or court order) that shows the name change.

Combining an Address Change With License Renewal

If your license expires within 90 days of your move, you may want to renew your license at the same time you change your address. This saves you a second trip or mailing later. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods described above, but you will need to complete a renewal process (Form DL 44) in addition to the address change.

A renewal costs $72 for a standard eight-year license (or $60 for a six-year license if you are age 62 or older). The combined transaction takes the same amount of time as an address change alone — about 10 minutes online or 5 to 10 minutes in person. If you renew by mail, include both the renewal form and proof of residency, and processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

If your license does not expire for more than 90 days, change your address now and renew your license when the expiration date approaches. There is no advantage to doing both at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my old license to change my address online?

No. The online method requires only your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You do not need to have the physical license in front of you, though having it nearby makes it easier to enter the information correctly.

What if my new address is not yet showing up in utility bills or other documents?

If you have just moved and do not yet have a document dated at your new address, you can use a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or other signed housing document that shows your new address, even if it is not dated within the last 60 days. Call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to ask about alternative documents before you mail or visit in person.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. An address change is separate from your license status. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person even if your license is suspended or revoked. However, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?

Online address changes typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in changes take 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DOL receives your envelope. If more than three weeks have passed and you have not received your license, call 360-902-3900 with your license number and date of birth to check the status.

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 may ask you to report an address change separately, as they maintain their own records. Contact your insurance agent or company directly to update your policy address.