Write the street address, then "Apt" or "Unit," then your apartment number on the same line

Your driver's license address field has room for a complete apartment address on one or two lines, depending on your state's form. The standard format is: street number and name, followed by "Apt" (or "Unit," "Suite," or "#"), then your apartment number. All of this goes on the first address line if space allows.

Most states print the address section with two lines: one for street address and one for city, state, and ZIP code. If your full street address with apartment number is too long for one line, continue it on the second line before the city information. Never put your apartment number on a separate line by itself or in the city field—this confuses mail delivery and DMV records.

The DMV does not care which abbreviation you use. "Apt," "Apt.," "Apartment," "Unit," "Ste," or "#" are all acceptable. Pick whichever fits your space and use it consistently when you renew or update your address later.

Key Takeaways

  • Write your apartment address as: [Street Number] [Street Name] [Apt/Unit/Ste] [Apartment Number] on the street address line.
  • If the full address does not fit on one line, continue on the second address line, keeping city and state on the final line.
  • Use "Apt," "Unit," "Suite," "#," or "Apartment"—the DMV accepts all of these abbreviations.
  • Never put your apartment number in the city or state field, as this creates delivery and record-keeping errors.
  • When you renew your license, use the same format and abbreviations you used on your original process.

What happens if you write it wrong

If you omit the apartment number or put it in the wrong field, mail sent to your license address will go to the building's main entrance instead of your unit. This affects renewal notices, address-change confirmations, and any correspondence the DMV sends you. You may miss important important date because you never received the notice.

A wrong address on your license also causes problems when you use it as ID for banking, voting, or other services. Banks and other institutions may flag a mismatch between your license address and the address you give them. Some will ask you to update your license before proceeding.

The good news: if you notice the error before you leave the DMV office, ask the clerk to correct it on the spot. If you catch it later, you can request an address change at your next visit or online through your state's DMV website (most states allow this without renewing the whole license).

How to format a long apartment address

Some addresses are genuinely long—for example, "1247 North Maple Street, Apartment 3B" is already 40 characters. If your state's form has two address lines, use both:

Line 1: 1247 North Maple Street Apt 3B Line 2: (leave blank or use for city/state if the form requires it) City/State/ZIP: Springfield, IL 62701

If your street name is very long (like "East Meadowbrook Lane") and your apartment number is two characters (like "4F"), the whole thing should still fit on one line in most DMV forms. If it genuinely does not fit, ask the clerk whether you can abbreviate the street name (East Meadowbrook Ln, Apt 4F) or whether the form allows overflow to the next line.

Do not abbreviate your street name unless the DMV clerk tells you it is necessary. Abbreviations like "St" for Street or "Ave" for Avenue can cause mail sorting errors if they do not match the postal service's records for your address.

Special cases: suites, units, and building numbers

If you live in a building with both a unit number and a suite number, write the larger division first, then the smaller one. For example: "450 Commerce Drive, Suite 200, Unit 5" becomes "450 Commerce Drive Ste 200 Unit 5" or "450 Commerce Drive Ste 200-5" depending on how your lease describes it. Check your lease or utility bill to see which format your address uses.

Some apartment complexes use letters instead of numbers (Apt A, Apt B) or a combination (Building 3, Apt 12). Write exactly what appears on your lease and mail. If your lease says "Building 3 Apt 12," write it that way. If it says "3-12," you can write "Apt 3-12" or "Apt 3, Unit 12"—consistency matters more than the exact format.

If you live in a townhouse or condo with a street address but no apartment number, you do not need to add one. Write only the street address and number. The DMV will not require an apartment field if your address does not have one.

Updating your address after you move

When you move to a new apartment, you can update your license address without renewing the entire license in most states. Visit your DMV office or use your state's online address-change service (usually found under "Update Your Address" or "Change of Address" on the DMV website). Bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

The DMV will issue you a new license with the updated address, or in some states, a printed address-change sticker that you affix to your current license. Either way, use the same apartment address format you learned here: street address, then apartment identifier, then number, all on the street address line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PO box instead of my apartment address?

No. The DMV requires a physical street address, not a PO box. If you do not have a permanent apartment address yet, use a friend's or family member's address temporarily, then update it once you move. Some states allow you to use your workplace address if you have no home address, but this is rare and requires explanation to the clerk.

What if my apartment number has a letter and a number, like 3B?

Write it exactly as it appears on your lease: "Apt 3B" or "Unit 3B." Do not add spaces or change the format. The DMV and postal service use your address exactly as you write it, so matching your lease and mail is important.

Do I need to write "Apartment" or can I just write "Apt"?

Either works. "Apt" is shorter and fits better on crowded forms. "Apartment" is also fine if you have space. The DMV accepts both. Pick whichever you prefer and use it consistently when you renew.

What if the DMV form does not have a separate apartment field?

Include your apartment number on the same line as your street address. Write "1247 North Maple Street Apt 3B" as a single entry. The form will have space for this—DMV address lines are designed to hold a full apartment address on one or two lines.

Can I change my address online without visiting the DMV?

Many states allow online address changes through their DMV website. Log in with your license number and personal information, then enter your new address using the same format: street address, apartment identifier, and number on the street line. Check your state's DMV website to see whether this option is available to you.