Where to Change Your Address
You change your address at the same place you got your license: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency. Most states now let you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a local office. A few states still require you to appear in person, so check your state's website first to see which methods are available where you live.
The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15), and receive confirmation when ready. Your new license arrives by mail within one to three weeks. If your state does not offer online changes, the next fastest option is mail: you fill out a form, mail it with proof of your new address, and wait two to four weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you change your address online through the DMV website without visiting an office or paying a large fee.
- You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
- Online changes usually take one to three weeks for your new license to arrive; mail takes two to four weeks.
- Some states charge a small fee ($5 to $15) to change your address; others do it at no cost.
- Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you do not need to rush the process.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address means a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new street address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Some states also accept a government letter with your name and address, such as a tax notice or voter registration card.
If you do not have a recent document in your name, ask a family member or landlord for one, or request a new utility bill or bank statement online. Do not use a piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant"—the document must have your name on it. If you are moving to a new state and your license is from a different state, you will need to renew your license in your new state rather than straightforward change the address.
Changing Your Address Online
Go to your state's DMV website and look for a link that says "Change Address," "Update Information," or "Manage Your License." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number. Log in or create an account, then follow the prompts to enter your new address.
Upload a photo of your proof of address (front and back if it is a card). Pay the fee with a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within one to three weeks. During this time, your old license is still valid, so you can use it for identification or driving.
Changing Your Address by Mail
read the address change form from your state's DMV website, or call the DMV to request one by mail. Fill it out completely with your name, license number, old address, and new address. Make a copy of your proof of address and include it with the form. Some states ask you to include a copy of your license as well.
Mail the form and documents to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the fee if your state charges one. Keep a copy of everything you send. The DMV will process your request in two to four weeks and mail your new license to your new address. If you do not receive it within five weeks, call the DMV to check the status.
Changing Your Address in Person
If your state requires an in-person visit or you prefer to do it face-to-face, go to your local DMV office with your current license and proof of your new address. Bring the original documents, not copies. Some offices let you book an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your state's website to see if appointments are available in your area.
Arrive early if you are not using an appointment, as wait times vary. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will verify your documents, take a new photo if required by your state, and process the change on the spot. You will pay the fee and receive a receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks.
What Happens After You Change Your Address
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You can use it for driving and identification during the wait. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it in a safe place—do not carry both at the same time. If you move again before your new license arrives, contact the DMV when ready to update your address a second time, or your license will be mailed to the wrong place.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is the same, but some states require you to visit an office in person. Check your state's rules for CDL address changes before you start. If you also have a state ID card, you will need to change the address on that separately through the same process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use a document that is more than 60 days old. The DMV will reject it, and you will have to resubmit. Do not submit a utility bill or lease addressed to someone else, even if you live there—the document must have your name on it. Do not forget to include your license number on the form if you are mailing it; the DMV cannot process the request without it.
Do not assume your new license will arrive within a week. Standard mail takes one to three weeks, and during busy periods it can take longer. If you need your license urgently, ask the DMV whether expedited mail is available (some states offer it for an extra fee). Do not move again without updating your address with the DMV, or your license will go to the wrong address and you will have to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new photo when I change my address?
Most states do not require a new photo for an address change. Your current photo stays on your license. A few states take a new photo if you visit in person, but this is rare. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether a photo is needed.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact your state's DMV right away and provide your new address. Ask them to hold your license at a local office for you to pick up, or request that it be mailed to your new address. If you do not update the DMV, your license will be mailed to your old address and you will have to retrieve it from the new resident or request a replacement.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Most states let you change your address on an expired license, but you may need to renew it at the same time. Some states charge one fee for both; others charge separately. Check your state's website or call the DMV to find out whether you can change the address alone or must renew as well.
Is there a fee to change my address?
Most states charge $5 to $15 to change your address. A few states do it at no cost. The fee varies by state and sometimes by the method you use (online is often cheaper than in person). Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to three weeks. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit your request, so you know it went through. Your old license remains valid during the wait.