Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person at the DOL

Washington State lets you change your driver's license address through the Department of Licensing (DOL) in three ways: online through your account, by mail with a form, or in person at a DOL office. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes if you have your license number and date of birth. By mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits at any DOL office take about 30 minutes and are useful if you need to update other information at the same time or prefer to hand over documents directly.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address change is a separate transaction that does not cost money and does not affect your license expiration date. However, if your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, the DOL may ask you to renew instead of just changing the address — in that case, you will pay the renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington State offers three address-change methods: online (fastest), by mail (one to two weeks), or in person at a DOL office (30 minutes).
  • Address changes are free and do not require you to renew your license unless your license is expired or expiring within 30 days.
  • Online changes require your current license number, date of birth, and a Washington State ID.gov account; you must verify your identity through the state's identity verification system.
  • By-mail changes require the DL 43 form, proof of your new address, and your current license; mail to the DOL address on the form.
  • In-person visits require your current license and proof of your new address; bring a second ID if your name has changed since your license was issued.

Changing Your Address Online Through Your ID.gov Account

The online method is the fastest route. Go to the Washington State Department of Licensing website and sign in to your ID.gov account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your identity by asking questions about your financial history or by sending a verification code to your phone or email.

Once you are signed in, select "Change Address" or "Update Address" from the menu. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document — the system will not accept abbreviations or formats that do not match. Review the address twice before submitting. The change takes effect when ready in the DOL system, though your physical license card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it. You will receive a confirmation email.

If the identity verification step fails, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. Do not attempt to verify multiple times in a short period — the system may lock your account temporarily.

Changing Your Address by Mail Using Form DL 43

Request or read the DL 43 form (process for Replacement Driver's License or Identicard) from the DOL website. You do not need to fill out the entire form — only the sections for your name, current license number, and new address. Sign and date the form.

Gather your proof of new address. Washington State accepts: a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice or court document) dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted unless they are certified by a notary.

Mail the form, proof of address, and your current driver's license to the address listed on the DL 43 form. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number. Mail delivery to the DOL takes one to two weeks. The DOL will process your request and mail you a replacement license with your new address within 10 business days of receiving your packet. You will not receive a confirmation email for mail-in requests, so keep a copy of what you sent.

Changing Your Address In Person at a DOL Office

Visit any Washington State Department of Licensing office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Bring the same documents accepted for mail-in requests: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days. The office staff will verify your address, take a new photo if required, and issue a replacement license on the spot or mail it to you within 10 business days, depending on the office location.

If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a second form of ID showing your current name, such as a passport, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will ask to see both your old license and your new ID to confirm the name change is legitimate.

DOL office hours vary by location. Check the DOL website for the office nearest you, its hours, and whether you need to book an appointment. Some offices operate by appointment only; others accept walk-ins. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope to keep them organized, and plan to spend 20 to 30 minutes in the office.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

Washington State requires that your proof of address document be dated within the last 60 days, show your full name, and show your new street address. A PO box is not accepted as a residential address. The following documents are accepted:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) in your name.
  • Lease or rental agreement signed by you and the landlord or property manager.
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill in your name.
  • Bank or credit card statement showing your name and address.
  • Government mail such as a tax notice, voter registration card, court document, or benefits letter from a state or federal agency.

If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet (for example, you just moved and utilities have not been transferred), ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, dated within 60 days, with the property address. Some DOL offices will accept this as a temporary substitute, though it is not may provide — call ahead to confirm.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit

Online changes show in the DOL system when ready, but your physical license card will not change until you renew it. Your new address will appear on any documents the DOL issues to you going forward, such as a replacement license or ID card.

Mail-in requests take one to two weeks to reach the DOL, then 10 business days to process. You will receive a replacement license by mail. In-person requests are processed on the spot or mailed within 10 business days depending on the office. If the office issues your replacement card when ready, you will leave with it that day. If they mail it, you will receive it within 10 business days.

If you do not receive your replacement license within three weeks of submitting by mail, or within two weeks of an in-person visit, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to check the status. Have your license number and date of birth ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not abbreviate your address. Write out "Street" instead of "St.", "Avenue" instead of "Ave.", and spell out direction words like "North" and "South." The system will reject abbreviations that do not match your proof of address document exactly.

Do not submit a photocopy of your proof of address unless it is certified by a notary. The DOL will reject uncertified photocopies for mail-in requests. For in-person visits, bring the original document.

Do not use a PO box as your residential address. If you live in a rural area without a street address, contact the DOL before submitting to learn what address format they will accept.

Do not assume your online change is complete if you do not receive a confirmation email. Check your spam folder, or log back into your ID.gov account to verify the address was updated. If it was not, try again or use the mail or in-person method.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can change your address after you move. Washington State law does not require you to update your address before moving day. However, it is a good idea to update it within 30 days so that mail from the DOL and other agencies reaches you at the correct address.

What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?

Ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and the property address, dated within 60 days. Some DOL offices will accept this. Call the office nearest you before you visit to confirm they will take a landlord letter, because policies vary by location.

Will changing my address renew my license?

No. An address change is separate from a renewal. Your license expiration date will not change. However, if your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, the DOL may require you to renew instead of just changing the address, and you will pay the renewal fee.

How long does my physical license card show the old address after I change it online?

Your physical card will show the old address until your license expires and you renew it. The DOL system will have your new address when ready, but the card itself does not change. If you need a card with your new address sooner, request a replacement license in person or by mail.

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

You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is suspended or revoked. However, if you visit a DOL office in person, staff may ask you to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call 360-902-3900 to confirm your license status before visiting an office.