Where to Change Your Address
You change your driver's license address at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not online and not by mail in most states. The exact name varies—some states call it the Secretary of State's office, the Motor Vehicle Division, or the Registry of Motor Vehicles—but it is the same agency that issued your license. You can visit in person, and some states now offer address changes through their website without a trip to the office.
Start by going to your state's DMV website and searching for "change address" or "update address." The site will tell you whether you can do it online, by mail, or only in person. If your state allows online changes, you will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The process usually takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
If your state requires a visit to the DMV office, you can often schedule an appointment online rather than waiting in line. Check the website for your local office location and hours. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and new address on it, dated within the last 60 days, usually works.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV website tells you whether you can change your address online, by mail, or only in person—this varies by state.
- If you change your address online, you will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.
- For in-person visits, bring your current driver's license and a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your new address.
- Most states do not charge a fee to update your address, but a few charge a small amount—check your state's DMV site for the cost.
- You do not need to renew your entire license to change your address; the address change is a separate transaction.
What Proof of Address You Need
The DMV accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document like a tax return or voter registration card also work in most states.
The document must show your full name and your new address. A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address counts in some states but not others—check your state's DMV website for the exact list. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address, or bring a signed lease with a move-in date.
Do not bring a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate as proof of address—the DMV does not accept them for this purpose. These documents prove identity, not residence. Bring one form of ID (your current driver's license is fine) plus one document showing your new address.
Online Address Changes in States That Offer Them
States that allow online address changes usually complete the update within minutes. You log into your state's DMV portal, enter your new address, and confirm the change. Your updated license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks, or you may receive a temporary printable confirmation to use until the physical card arrives.
Online changes are free in every state that offers them. You do not need to upload documents—the DMV already has your identity information on file from your original license. The only information you enter is your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Some states ask you to confirm your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number as a security step.
After you submit the change online, write down the confirmation number the system gives you. Keep it until your updated license arrives. If you need to prove your address change before the new card comes, you can print the confirmation page.
In-Person Address Changes at the DMV Office
When you arrive at the DMV office, bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and a pen. Fill out the address change form—in most states this is a single page, sometimes called a DL-43 or similar. Write your new address clearly in the spaces provided. The DMV staff will scan your documents, take a new photo if required by your state, and process the change on the spot.
The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment, or 30 minutes to an hour if you walk in. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks. Some states issue a temporary paper license you can use when ready while you wait for the plastic card.
If you are changing your address at the same time you renew your license, the process is the same—bring both your current license and proof of address, and the DMV will handle both transactions together. This costs the same as a renewal alone; the address change itself has no separate fee.
Mail-In Address Changes Where Available
A few states allow you to mail in an address change form without visiting an office. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option exists. If it does, you will read or request the form, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your proof of address to the address listed on the form.
Mail-in changes take longer than online or in-person updates—usually two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Mail your documents in a way you can track, such as certified mail, so you know when they arrive. Keep a copy of everything you send.
Not all states offer this option. If your state's website does not mention mail-in address changes, you will need to use the online portal or visit an office in person.
What Happens to Your Old License
You do not need to turn in your old license when you change your address. Your current card remains valid for identification purposes until it expires. When your new license with the updated address arrives in the mail, you can throw away the old one or keep it as a backup.
Some people worry that having two licenses with different addresses will cause confusion. It will not. The DMV's system shows your current address, and the old card is straightforward an expired or superseded version. Police, banks, and other organizations check the DMV database, not the physical card, so they will see your correct address.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is bringing a document that does not show your address—for example, a credit card statement with only a PO box, or a phone bill that lists a billing address different from where you actually live. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of acceptable documents before you go, and bring the document itself, not a photo or screenshot.
Another mistake is waiting too long after moving. While there is no legal important date in most states, some states ask you to update your address within a certain number of days (often 10 to 30). Changing it promptly avoids any issues if you are pulled over or need to use your license for identification. It also ensures your license matches your actual residence if you move again.
Do not assume your address changed automatically when you registered to vote or updated your address with the post office. The DMV, voter registration, and the postal service keep separate records. You must update each one independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online in every state?
No. Some states offer online address changes, while others require you to visit a DMV office or mail in a form. Check your state's DMV website to see which options are available where you live. The website will clearly state whether online changes are offered.
Do I have to renew my license to change my address?
No. An address change is separate from a license renewal. You can change your address at any time, and your license will remain valid until its expiration date. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew and change your address at the same time.
How long does it take to get my new license after changing my address?
Most states mail your updated license within one to two weeks of processing your change. Online changes are usually processed within a few minutes, and in-person changes are processed on the spot. Mail-in changes take longer, typically two to four weeks from when the DMV receives your envelope.
What if I do not have a utility bill yet at my new address?
A lease or rental agreement with your name and move-in date works just as well. If you do not have either, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on company letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some states also accept a notarized statement from a landlord or family member confirming your residence.
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 has your address on file separately, so you should notify them of your move directly. Some insurance companies offer discounts based on your address, so updating them may change your rate.