Documents You'll Need to Bring
To change your address at the DMV, bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and government mail — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and new address on it. Some states also accept a recent tax return or a letter from your employer.
You do not need to bring your old address proof. The DMV already has your current information on file; they only need to see that your new address is real. A single recent document is enough.
If you've moved out of state, requirements stay the same — bring your license and proof of your new address. If you've moved within the same state, the process is identical. Some states let you change your address online or by mail if you're moving within that state, but you'll still need to mail in proof of your new address.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current driver's license and one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address.
- Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and recent bank statements all work as proof of address.
- You can change your address in person at the DMV, by mail in most states, or online in some states — check your state's DMV website to see which options are open.
- An address change does not require a new photo or a new license number; the DMV updates your existing license.
- Processing time varies by state and method: in-person changes usually take minutes, mail-in changes take one to three weeks.
Where to Go and How to Start
Visit your state's DMV website and search for "change address" or "address change." The website will tell you whether your state lets you change your address online, by mail, or only in person. Some states offer all three; others offer only one or two.
If you can change your address online, you'll enter your license number, date of birth, and new address, then upload a photo of your proof-of-address document. The fee is usually lower online than in person — sometimes free. If your state doesn't offer online changes, you can mail in your documents or visit a DMV office in person.
To find your nearest DMV office, use your state's office locator on the DMV website. Many offices now require you to book an appointment online before you arrive. Check the website for your specific location; some offices accept walk-ins, but others do not.
What Happens to Your License Number and Photo
Your driver's license number does not change when you update your address. The DMV straightforward reprints your license with the new address and mails it to you. Your photo, signature, and all other information stay the same.
If you change your address by mail or online, you'll receive your updated license in the mail within one to three weeks, depending on your state. If you change it in person at the DMV, some states print your new license on the spot; others mail it to you. Ask the DMV worker before you leave whether you'll get it when ready or by mail.
Until your new license arrives, your old license with the old address is still valid. You can use it for identification and driving. Once the new one arrives, destroy the old one or turn it in to the DMV if your state asks you to.
Fees and Processing Time
Most states charge a small fee to change your address — usually between $5 and $15. Online changes are often free or cheaper than in-person changes. Some states charge nothing at all. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
Processing time depends on how you submit your change. In-person changes at the DMV office take minutes to a few hours if you're waiting in line. Mail-in changes take one to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your documents. Online changes are usually processed within a few days, and you'll receive your new license by mail shortly after.
If you need your new license quickly, changing your address in person is the fastest option. If you're not in a hurry, online or mail-in changes are simpler and often cheaper.
Changing Your Address Without Renewing Your License
You can change your address without renewing your license — they are separate transactions. If your license is not expiring soon, you only need to update the address. You do not have to pay for a full renewal or take a new photo.
However, if your license is expiring within the next few months, some states let you renew and change your address at the same time. This can be more convenient than doing them separately. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can combine these steps.
If you're moving out of state, you'll eventually need to get a license from your new state. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving. That is a separate process from changing your address and involves a new process, a new photo, and a new license number.
What to Do If Your Proof of Address Is Tricky
If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, bring whatever you have: a signed lease, a mortgage statement, a letter from your landlord, or a bank statement. The DMV is flexible about what counts as proof, as long as it shows your name and new address and is dated recently.
If you're living with someone else and the utilities are in their name, ask them for a copy of the bill with both names on it, or bring a letter from them on their letterhead saying you live there. Some states accept a notarized letter from a landlord or family member as proof of address.
If you're in a temporary situation and don't have a permanent address yet, contact your state's DMV directly. Some states have workarounds for people in transition, such as using a PO box or a relative's address temporarily. The DMV website has a phone number; call and explain your situation before you visit.
Changing Your Address in a Different State
If you've moved to a new state, you do not have to change your address on your old license. Your old state's license remains valid for identification and driving in your new state for as long as it hasn't expired. However, most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of becoming a resident.
Getting a new license in your new state is different from changing your address. You'll need to visit the new state's DMV, bring proof of residency and identity, take a new photo, and pass a vision test. You may also have to pass a written test or a road test, depending on the new state's rules and whether you're transferring a license from another state.
Until you get your new license, your old license is still valid. You can drive and use it for identification. Once you have your new license, you can keep your old one or turn it in to your old state's DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I'm only moving temporarily?
No. If you're moving for a few months, you can keep your current address on your license. Your license is valid as long as it hasn't expired, regardless of where you actually live. If you're moving permanently or for more than a year, most states expect you to update your address.
What if I moved but haven't received mail at my new address yet?
Bring whatever proof you have: a signed lease, a mortgage statement, or a utility bill in your name even if it's from your old address. Some states accept a letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead. Call your state's DMV if you're unsure whether your documents will work.
Can I change my address online if I don't have a scanner?
Most states that offer online address changes let you take a photo of your proof-of-address document with your phone and upload it. You don't need a scanner. If your state's online system doesn't work that way, mail in your documents or visit the DMV in person instead.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address at the DMV does not affect your driving record or insurance rates. Your insurance company has your address on file separately; you'll need to tell them about your move directly. Your driving record stays with your license number and doesn't change when your address does.
How long is my old license valid after I move?
Your old license is valid for identification and driving until it expires, even if the address is outdated. However, most states require you to update your address within 30 to 60 days of moving. Using an outdated address for official purposes can cause problems, so update it as soon as you can.