Update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office

Washington lets you change your driver's license address without getting a new card. The fastest way is online through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website if your address change is within Washington state. If you're moving out of state or prefer to handle it in person, you can visit a DOL office or mail in a form. The process takes a few minutes online or up to two weeks by mail.

You don't need to renew your license to update your address — the old card stays valid. Washington only requires you to notify DOL within a reasonable time after you move, though there's no specific important date written into law. The sooner you update, the sooner your records match your actual residence, which matters if you're stopped by police or need to prove your current address.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the DOL website is free and takes about five minutes if you have your driver's license number and a valid email address.
  • You can also update your address in person at any DOL office by bringing your current driver's license and proof of your new address.
  • Mailing in a form (DL 43) works if you prefer not to go online or visit an office, though it takes longer to process.
  • Your current driver's license card remains valid after an address change — you do not receive a new card unless you renew your license.
  • If you are moving out of Washington state, you must update your address in person or by mail because the online system only accepts Washington addresses.

Updating your address online through the DOL website

Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and select the option to change your address. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new Washington address and confirm your email address.

After you submit, DOL sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. Open that email and click the link to verify the change. Once you verify, the update is complete — your record changes when ready, though it may take a day or two for the change to show up in all DOL systems. You do not pay a fee for an address-only change.

The online system only works if you're staying in Washington. If your new address is in another state, you'll need to visit a DOL office or mail in the form instead.

Updating your address in person at a DOL office

Find your nearest DOL office on the Washington Department of Licensing website. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. You don't need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online reservation system, so check ahead.

Tell the staff member you want to update your address only. The process takes a few minutes. You'll pay no fee for an address change. Your old card stays valid; you leave with the same card you brought in, but your record in the system now shows your new address.

This method works whether you're moving within Washington or out of state. It's also the fastest way to update if you need your record changed the same day.

Updating your address by mail

read or request form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the Washington Department of Licensing website. Fill in your driver's license number, your current address, and your new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of a document showing your new address — the same types that work in person (utility bill, lease, mortgage, bank statement). Mail everything together to the DOL address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DOL receives your envelope. You'll receive a confirmation in the mail once the change is complete.

This option works for moves within Washington or out of state. It's slower than online or in-person updates, but it's useful if you don't have time to visit an office or prefer not to use the online system.

What counts as proof of your new address

DOL accepts documents that show your name and your new street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit card statement also work. The document should be recent — ideally from the last 60 days, though DOL is usually flexible if it's slightly older.

If you're moving and don't yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and your move-in date. Some people also use a notarized affidavit of residency, though that's usually unnecessary.

Updating your address if you're moving out of state

The online system only accepts Washington addresses, so you must either visit a DOL office in person or mail in form DL 43. Both methods work the same way as described above — bring or mail your current license, your new out-of-state address, and proof of that address.

After you update your address to another state, your Washington license remains valid for its full expiration date. You don't have to get a new Washington license just because you moved. However, if you plan to stay in your new state long-term, that state's DMV or equivalent agency may require you to get a license there within a certain time frame — check your new state's rules.

Timeline and what to expect after you update

Online updates show in your record within 24 hours. In-person updates are when ready — your record changes while you're at the office. Mail-in updates take two to three weeks from the date DOL receives your envelope.

After your address is updated, your driver's license card itself does not change. You keep the same card with the old address printed on it. The address in the DOL computer system is what matters for official purposes — police, courts, and other agencies see the updated address when they look up your record. Your card remains valid until its expiration date, even though the printed address is outdated.

If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you would need to renew your license. Renewals happen every five years for standard licenses, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address right away, or is there a important date?

Washington law does not set a specific important date, but you should update within a reasonable time after you move. The sooner you update, the sooner your official record matches where you actually live, which matters if you're stopped by police or need to prove your address for other purposes.

Will I get a new driver's license card with my new address on it?

No. An address-only change does not issue a new card. Your current card stays valid with the old address printed on it. The address in DOL's computer system updates, and that's what officials see when they look up your record. If you want a new card with the new address printed on it, you would need to renew your license during your regular renewal cycle.

What if I don't have a document showing my new address yet?

Ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead with your name, the property address, and your move-in date. Some people also use a notarized affidavit of residency. Either of these usually works in place of a utility bill or lease if you don't have one yet.

Can I update my address online if I'm moving to another state?

No. The online system only accepts Washington addresses. If you're moving out of state, visit a DOL office in person or mail in form DL 43 with proof of your new address.

How long does it take to update my address by mail?

Mail-in updates take two to three weeks from the date DOL receives your envelope. Online updates show within 24 hours, and in-person updates are when ready, so those are faster options if you need the change made quickly.