The fastest way to change your Georgia address

You can change your address with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the change done when ready (for example, if you're moving out of state soon), you can visit a DDS office in person and walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.

Georgia does not require you to get a new physical license when you change your address — the DDS straightforward updates your record in their system. However, if you want a new card printed with your current address, you can request one during the change process. There is no fee to update your address alone, but printing a new card costs $32.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online at the Georgia DDS website in minutes, and your updated record is active when ready even though the new card takes 7 to 10 days to arrive.
  • In-person address changes at a DDS office take about 30 minutes and let you get a temporary paper license on the spot if you need proof of your new address right away.
  • You do not have to get a new physical license card when you move — updating your address in the system is free, and printing a new card costs $32 if you want one.
  • Mail-in address changes require a signed form and take 2 to 3 weeks, so use this method only if you cannot go online or visit an office.

Changing your address online

Go to the Georgia DDS website and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. Select "Update Address" from the menu. Enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and submit. The system will confirm the change when ready, and your record updates right away — you can use this new address for official purposes even before the new card arrives.

A new physical license card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to request it separately; it is sent automatically. If you do not want a new card printed, you can skip that step during the online process, and only your address record will change. Keep your old license until the new one arrives — it remains valid during the transition.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

Bring your current Georgia driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment at most DDS offices, but you can schedule one online to skip the wait.

Tell the staff member you want to update your address. They will process the change in about 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot that shows your new address and is valid for 45 days. Your permanent card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to prove your new address when ready — for a lease signing, utility setup, or bank account — the temporary paper license works for that purpose.

Changing your address by mail

read the process for Renewal or Replacement of Driver's License or ID Card (form DL 44) from the Georgia DDS website. Fill in your new address in the address section. Sign and date the form, then mail it along with a copy of your current license and proof of your new address to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DDS receives your envelope. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provided. Use mail-in changes only if you cannot access the online system or visit an office — it is the slowest option and leaves room for mail delays or lost documents.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia DDS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail all work. If you are moving to a new address but have not yet received mail there, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord or property manager stating your move-in date is usually accepted.

If you are moving in with family or friends and do not have a lease, ask the homeowner to write a letter on their behalf stating that you live at that address, sign it, and bring it with you. Call your local DDS office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your specific document will be accepted — different offices sometimes interpret the rules slightly differently, and a quick call can save you a wasted trip.

When you need a new license card printed

You do not have to get a new card when you change your address — your old license remains valid, and the DDS record is updated. However, if you want a new card with your current address printed on it, you can request one during any address change. Printing a new card costs $32 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Some people request a new card for convenience (so their ID matches their current address), while others keep their old card and straightforward update the record. Both are legal. If you are moving out of state or changing your name at the same time, you will need a new card — address-only changes do not require one.

Updating your address if you moved out of state

If you have moved to another state, you should get a driver's license in your new state rather than keep a Georgia license. However, if you still have business in Georgia or have not yet obtained a new state's license, you can update your Georgia address online or by mail using the methods above. Your Georgia license will remain valid until its expiration date, even if you now live elsewhere.

Be aware that some states require you to surrender your out-of-state license when you explore for a new one, so check your new state's rules before updating your Georgia address. If you are keeping your Georgia license temporarily while you transition, updating the address ensures mail reaches you and your record is current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address before I move, or can I do it after?

You can update your address before or after you move. However, it is easier to do it after you have moved and have proof of your new address (like a utility bill or lease). If you update before moving, you will need to provide proof that you will be living at that address, such as a signed lease with a future move-in date.

What if my new address is not yet showing up in the system after I changed it online?

Online changes are active when ready in the DDS system, even though your new physical card takes 7 to 10 days to arrive. If you need to verify the change was recorded, you can log back into your online account and check. If the old address still appears after 24 hours, contact the DDS customer service line or visit an office to confirm the update went through.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can update your address on an expired license online, by mail, or in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (Georgia's rules vary), you may need to renew it at the same time rather than just update the address. Call your local DDS office to confirm what you need to bring if your license is expired.

How long is the temporary paper license good for?

The temporary paper license issued in person at a DDS office is valid for 45 days. It serves as proof of your address and identity during that time. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary usually covers the wait. If your permanent card does not arrive within that window, contact DDS to request a replacement.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Updating your address in the Georgia DDS system is free. You only pay if you request a new physical license card to be printed with your new address — that costs $32. If you do not want a new card, the address change itself has no cost.