Where to change your address and what you'll need
You change your driver's license address at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not at your local police station or online through a third-party site. Most states let you do this in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through their official website — but which method works depends on your state and whether you're renewing your license at the same time.
Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. Some states also ask for a second form of ID. Check your state's DMV website to confirm what they need — requirements vary.
The fee for an address change alone is usually $0 to $15, though some states charge nothing if you're updating within a certain window after moving. A few states roll the address change into a renewal fee if your license is expiring soon.
Key Takeaways
- Visit your state's official DMV website to find the exact documents required and whether you can update online, by mail, or only in person.
- Bring your current license, proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number to any in-person visit.
- Online address changes are available in most states but typically only if your license is valid and you're not changing your name or other details.
- Mail-in updates take longer than in-person or online changes and may require notarization depending on your state.
- If your license is expiring within a few months, you may save money by renewing and changing your address at the same time.
Updating your address online
Most states now offer online address changes through their DMV portal. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and pay a small fee by credit or debit card. The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Your updated license arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days.
Online updates work only if your license is currently valid and you're not changing your name, gender marker, or other information beyond your street address. If you need to change anything else, you'll have to visit an office in person. Some states also restrict online changes if your license is expiring within a certain number of months — they may require you to renew instead.
Check your state's DMV website for the exact link to their address-change portal. The site should clearly label it as "change address" or "update your information." If you can't find it or your state doesn't offer it, move to the in-person or mail option.
Changing your address in person at the DMV
Walk into any DMV office in your state with your current license, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number. Hand these to the clerk, fill out the address-change form (usually a single page), pay the fee, and you're done. The whole visit typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
Your updated license is mailed to you within 7 to 14 days. Some states offer a temporary paper license you can use right away while you wait for the plastic card. Ask the clerk whether your state does this.
Arrive early or check your DMV's website for the least busy times. Many offices now use online appointment systems — booking a slot ahead of time can cut your wait from an hour to 10 minutes. If your state doesn't have appointments, go on a weekday morning rather than a Friday or Saturday.
Mailing in your address change
Some states allow you to mail in an address-change form without visiting an office. read the form from your state's DMV website, fill it out, include copies of your license and proof of address, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks.
A few states require your signature to be notarized on the form before you mail it in. This adds a step — you'll need to visit a bank, notary public, or courthouse to have a notary witness and stamp your signature. Notarization costs $5 to $15 and takes 10 minutes.
Mail-in updates are slower than in-person or online changes, so use this method only if you can't visit an office or use your state's online system. Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
What counts as proof of your new address
Your state's DMV accepts documents that show your name and your new street address and are dated within the last 30 to 60 days (the window varies by state). Common documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or insurance policy. Some states also accept a letter from your employer or a government agency.
The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are usually not accepted. If the document is in someone else's name (for example, a spouse's utility bill), bring a second document that shows you live there, such as a lease in your name or a bank statement addressed to you.
If you've just moved and don't have a dated document yet, some states let you bring a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company's account confirmation email. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask what they'll accept in your situation.
Timeline: when your new license arrives
Online and in-person address changes result in a new license card mailed to your new address within 7 to 14 days. Mail-in changes take 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, your old license is still valid — you can use it to drive and as ID.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your state offers a temporary paper license at the DMV office, ask for one when you update your address in person. This temporary license is valid for 30 to 60 days and works for driving and most ID purposes.
If you move again before your new license arrives, contact your DMV to update your address a second time. Some states let you do this online; others require another in-person visit.
Changing your address when your license is expiring soon
If your license expires within the next few months, check whether your state charges less to renew and change your address together than to change your address alone. Many states do — you might pay $15 for an address change but $50 for a renewal, so doing both at once could save you money and a trip.
When you renew, you'll update your address as part of the renewal process. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods described above. The timeline is the same: your new license arrives within 7 to 14 days for online or in-person renewals, or 2 to 4 weeks for mail.
Check your license's expiration date and your state's renewal fees on the DMV website before you decide whether to renew early. Some states let you renew up to a year before expiration; others have stricter windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a PO box as my address on my driver's license?
No. Your driver's license must show your residential street address, not a PO box. If you're using a PO box for mail, use your home address on the license and update it if you move. Some states allow you to list a PO box as a secondary mailing address for DMV correspondence, but your primary address must be where you actually live.
What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
Call your DMV and ask what alternative documents they accept. Many states take bank statements, insurance policies, property tax bills, or letters from employers or government agencies. Some also accept a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company's account confirmation email if you've just moved.
Do I need to change my address before I can renew my license?
No. You can renew your license at your old address and change your address later, or do both at the same time. However, if you're renewing soon, doing both together may be cheaper and more convenient than making two separate trips or transactions.
How long can I drive with an old address on my license?
Your license remains valid even after you move, so you can legally drive with an old address. However, it's a good idea to update it within 30 days of moving, as some states require it by law and police may question an outdated address during a traffic stop. Check your state's specific timeline on the DMV website.
What if I move before my new license card arrives?
Contact your DMV and update your address again. Some states let you do this online; others require an in-person visit or a phone call. Your new card will be mailed to your latest address. Keep the old card until the new one arrives.