Where to Report Your Address Change

Michigan has three separate systems for address changes, and you need to update each one independently. The Secretary of State handles your driver's license and vehicle registration. The Michigan Department of Treasury handles your voter registration. The U.S. Postal Service handles mail forwarding. Each one requires its own notification — changing your address with one does not automatically update the others.

You cannot change your address at a single window or through a single online form. The Secretary of State and USPS both offer online options, but voter registration requires a different process. Start with whichever matters most to you, but plan to complete all three within a few weeks of moving.

Key Takeaways

  • The Secretary of State handles driver's license and vehicle registration changes online at michigan.gov/sos or in person at a branch office.
  • USPS mail forwarding is separate from your driver's license change and takes three to five business days to set up after you submit the form.
  • Voter registration updates through the Secretary of State website at michigan.gov/sos, and changes take effect when ready for future elections.
  • You will need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of your new address for most updates.
  • If you move out of state, you must surrender your Michigan driver's license and vehicle registration within 30 days.

Updating Your Driver's License and Vehicle Registration Online

The fastest route is the Secretary of State website at michigan.gov/sos. Go to the "Driver and Vehicle Services" section and select "Change of Address." You will need your current driver's license number, the new address, and the date you moved. The system accepts the change when ready, and you do not need to visit an office or pay a fee.

Your updated license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your vehicle registration updates at the same time. If you have multiple vehicles registered in Michigan, you can change the address for all of them in one session.

If you cannot use the online system — for example, if your license is suspended or expired — you must visit a Secretary of State branch office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your vehicle title if you are registering a vehicle. There is no fee for an address change.

Setting Up Mail Forwarding with USPS

The Postal Service does not automatically forward mail when you change your address with the Secretary of State. You must file a separate mail forwarding request with USPS, either online at usps.com or at your local post office.

Online forwarding takes about three to five business days to set up. You will need your new address, the date you want forwarding to begin, and a valid payment method (USPS charges $1.10 for online forwarding). Mail forwarding lasts for one year and then stops automatically — you must renew it if you want it to continue.

If you prefer to file in person, visit your local post office with a form of ID and proof of your new address. The fee is the same, and the timeline is the same. Temporary forwarding (30 days) is free if you file at the post office, but you cannot use the temporary option online.

Updating Your Voter Registration

Your voter registration is tied to your address, and it must be updated separately from your driver's license. Go to michigan.gov/sos and select "Voter Information" and then "Register to Vote or Update Registration." You can update your address online if you have a Michigan driver's license number.

The change takes effect when ready for future elections. If you have already received a ballot for an election at your old address, contact your local clerk's office to request a replacement ballot at your new address. The clerk's office phone number appears on your voter registration card or on the county website.

If you move to a different county in Michigan, your registration automatically transfers to the new county once you update your address. You do not need to re-register.

What to Do If You Move Out of State

Michigan law requires you to surrender your driver's license and vehicle registration within 30 days of moving to another state. You cannot keep a Michigan license once you establish residency elsewhere. Contact the Secretary of State to request a surrender form, or mail your license and registration documents to the address on the form.

You do not need to do this in person. Once you have moved, explore for a license and registration in your new state according to that state's rules. Some states will accept your Michigan documents as proof of identity, but requirements vary.

Proof of Address Documents That Michigan Accepts

Most address changes require proof that you actually live at the new address. Michigan accepts these documents as proof:

  • A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days.
  • A lease or rental agreement with your name and new address.
  • A mortgage statement or property tax bill.
  • A bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • A government document (tax return, court order, or benefits letter) with your new address.

The document must show your name and the full address. A piece of mail addressed to you at the new address also works. You do not need an original — a photocopy or printed email is acceptable.

Timeline and What to Expect

If you change your address online with the Secretary of State, your updated license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail forwarding with USPS takes 3 to 5 business days. Voter registration updates when ready. Plan to complete all three within two weeks of moving to avoid missing mail or using an outdated license.

If you change your address in person at a Secretary of State office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent license to arrive. This temporary license is acceptable for ID purposes at banks, airports, and other places that require identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move within Michigan?

Yes. Michigan law requires you to update your driver's license and vehicle registration within 10 days of moving, even if you stay in the same county. You should also update your voter registration and mail forwarding. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.

What happens if I do not update my address?

Your license and registration become invalid if the address is wrong. Police can cite you for having an incorrect address on your license. Mail sent to your old address will not reach you unless you have forwarding set up. Voter registration at the wrong address can cause problems if you move to a different precinct.

Can I change my address at the same time I renew my license?

Yes. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it and change your address in the same transaction online or in person. The fee is the standard renewal fee, not an additional charge.

How long does mail forwarding last?

Mail forwarding lasts for one year from the date you set it up. After one year, USPS stops forwarding and returns mail to the sender. You must renew forwarding online or at the post office if you want it to continue.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

You can change your address online with the Secretary of State using just your driver's license number — no proof of address is required. If you change your address in person, bring whatever proof you have. A lease signed but not yet dated, a utility bill in your name, or a letter from your landlord can work. Ask the office staff what they will accept before you visit.