Where You Can Change Your Address Online
Most states let you change your address on your driver's license through their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website without visiting an office. The process is fastest if your state offers it online—you fill out a form, pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15), and the updated license arrives by mail in one to three weeks. Not every state has this option yet, so your first step is checking whether your state's DMV website offers online address changes.
A few states require you to change your address in person or by mail instead. If your state does not have an online option, you can mail a form to your DMV or visit a local office. Some states also let you change your address when you renew your license online, even if they do not offer a standalone address-change service.
Key Takeaways
- Check your state's DMV website to see if online address changes are available—the option varies by state.
- You will need your driver's license number, current address, new address, and a payment method (usually a debit or credit card).
- The fee for an online address change is typically $5 to $15 and takes one to three weeks to process.
- If your state does not offer online changes, you can mail a form or visit a DMV office in person.
- Some states let you change your address when you renew your license online, which may be faster than a separate address-change request.
Steps to Change Your Address Online
Start by going to your state's official DMV website. Look for a link that says "Change Address," "Update Address," "Address Change," or "Manage Your License." The exact wording differs by state. Once you find the right page, you will be asked to enter your driver's license number and either your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
After you log in or verify your identity, the system will show your current address on file. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on mail or official documents—street number, street name, apartment or unit number (if any), city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check for typos, because the address on your updated license will match what you type. Then select your payment method (debit card, credit card, or sometimes electronic check) and complete the transaction.
Once you submit, you should see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within one to three weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these items before you go to your state's DMV website: your current driver's license number, your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number, your current address as it appears on your license, and your new address. You will also need a valid payment method—a debit card or credit card. Some states accept electronic checks, but most do not.
Make sure your new address is correct before you submit. The DMV will mail your updated license to the address you enter, so if you type it wrong, your new license will go to the wrong place. If you are moving to a new state, you will need to get a new license from that state instead of just changing your address—address changes only work within the same state.
States That Do Not Offer Online Address Changes
A handful of states do not yet have online address-change services. These states require you to mail a form or visit a DMV office. To find out which option your state uses, search "[your state] DMV change address" and look for the official DMV website. The website will tell you whether you can do it online, by mail, or in person only.
If your state requires a mailed form, you can usually read it from the DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order. Processing by mail takes longer—typically two to four weeks—because the DMV has to receive your form, verify it, and then mail your new license. Visiting an office in person is usually faster; you can often walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent one by mail within a week or two.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is typing your address incorrectly. The DMV will mail your new license to exactly what you enter, so if you misspell your street name, forget your apartment number, or use the wrong ZIP code, your license will go to the wrong place. Before you submit, read your address out loud and compare it to a recent utility bill or lease to make sure every detail matches.
Another mistake is trying to change your address on an expired license. Most states will not let you change the address on an expired license online—you have to renew it first. If your license is expired or expiring soon, check whether your state lets you renew and change your address at the same time, which is usually faster than doing them separately.
Do not assume your old address will automatically update everywhere. Changing your address on your license does not automatically update your voter registration, vehicle registration, or insurance records. You will need to contact those organizations separately to update your address with them.
What Happens After You Submit
After you complete the online form and pay the fee, you will receive a confirmation number. The DMV will process your request and print a new license with your updated address. Your new license will be mailed to the address you entered—not your old address—so make sure you entered it correctly. The whole process usually takes one to three weeks, depending on how busy your state's DMV is.
While you wait, your old license is still valid. You can use it for identification, driving, or anything else until your new license arrives. Once the new license arrives, you can throw away the old one or keep it as a record. Some people keep their old license in a safe place in case they need to prove when they moved.
If Your State Requires a Visit or Mail
If your state does not offer online address changes, you have two options: mail a form or visit a DMV office. To mail a form, read it from your state's DMV website, fill it out by hand or print it filled out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address shown on the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail takes two to four weeks.
To visit an office, find your nearest DMV location on the state website, bring your driver's license and proof of your new address, and tell the clerk you want to change your address. Bring a payment method they accept (usually cash, check, or card). You will usually get a temporary license on the spot and receive your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. Call ahead to check wait times, because some offices are very busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if my license is expired?
Most states will not let you change your address on an expired license online. You will need to renew your license first. Some states let you renew and change your address at the same time online, which is faster than doing them separately. Check your state's DMV website to see if you can do both in one transaction.
How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address online?
Most states mail your updated license within one to three weeks. The exact timing depends on how busy your state's DMV is. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your new license faster, you may have to visit a DMV office in person, though they cannot speed up the mailing process.
What if I move to a different state?
You cannot change your address online to a different state. You will need to get a new driver's license from your new state. Most states require you to visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of your new address, proof of identity, and proof of your Social Security number. Check your new state's DMV website for the full list of documents you need.
Will changing my address on my license update my voter registration?
No. Changing your address on your driver's license does not automatically update your voter registration, vehicle registration, or insurance records. You will need to contact your local election office, your state's DMV (for vehicle registration), and your insurance company separately to update your address with each of them.
What if my new license does not arrive after three weeks?
Contact your state's DMV customer service line with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and tell you whether it has been mailed. If it has been lost in the mail, they can reissue it. Keep your confirmation number until your new license arrives.