Where to Change Your Address

You change your driver's license address at the same place you got your license: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it. In some states it's the Secretary of State's office; in others it's the Department of Public Safety. The name varies, but there is one office in your state that handles driver's licenses, and that is where you go.

Most states now let you change your address online through their DMV website without visiting in person. A few still require you to go to a DMV office or mail in a form. Your state's DMV website will tell you which method is available to you—search "[your state] DMV change address" and you will land on the right page within the first result.

If you cannot find the website or prefer to call, every DMV has a phone number listed on its main page. Have your driver's license number and current address ready when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states let you change your address online through the DMV website without visiting an office or paying a fee.
  • A few states require you to visit a DMV office in person or mail in a signed form with your new address.
  • You will need your current driver's license number and your new address to make the change.
  • The address change takes effect when ready online or within one to two weeks if you mail a form.
  • Some states update your voter registration automatically when you change your driver's license address; others do not.

Changing Your Address Online

If your state offers online address changes, the process is straightforward. Go to your state's DMV website, find the link for "change address" or "update address," and enter your driver's license number. You will be asked to verify your identity—usually by answering security questions based on your driving record or personal history. Then you enter your new address and confirm the change.

Online changes are free in every state that offers them. Your new address appears in the system when ready, though your physical license card still shows the old address until it expires and you renew it. If you need proof of your new address right away, print the confirmation page the DMV gives you after you submit the change.

If the online system will not accept your information, or if you get an error message, call the DMV. Sometimes a typo in their records or a mismatch between what you enter and what they have on file will block the change, and a staff member can fix it over the phone.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

If your state requires an in-person visit, bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and a completed address-change form (which the DMV office will have, or you can print from the website before you go). Proof of address is usually a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address.

Go to any DMV office in your state—you do not have to go to the one in your county. Check the DMV website for office hours and locations near you. Many offices now use online appointment systems; if yours does, book a time slot before you go. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but you may wait longer.

The address change is processed on the spot and takes effect when ready. Your physical license card still shows the old address, but your record in the system is updated.

Changing Your Address by Mail

Some states let you mail in an address-change form instead of going online or visiting an office. read the form from your state's DMV website, fill it out with your driver's license number and new address, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).

Mail-in changes usually take one to two weeks to process. Send the form certified mail if you want a record that it arrived. Once the DMV receives and processes your form, your address is updated in their system, though your physical license card will not change until you renew it.

What Happens to Your Physical License Card

Your driver's license card itself will still show your old address after you change it in the system. The card does not update until you renew your license, which happens every four to eight years depending on your state. You do not need to get a new card printed just because you moved.

If you need a document that shows your new address right away—for a job, apartment lease, or bank account—print the confirmation page from your online change, or ask the DMV office for a printed confirmation when you visit in person. Most organizations will accept this as proof of your current address.

If you want a new physical card with your new address before your renewal date, some states will print one for a fee (usually $10 to $25). Ask the DMV whether this option is available in your state.

Updating Your Voter Registration

When you change your driver's license address, your voter registration may or may not update automatically—this depends on your state. Some states have linked their DMV and voter registration systems, so changing one updates the other. Others do not, and you have to update your voter registration separately.

Check your state's election office website or call your local county clerk to find out whether you need to re-register to vote at your new address. If you do, you can usually register online or by mail through the same website where you would register for the first time. The important date to register before an election varies by state, so do this as soon as you move.

Changing Your Address if You Lost Your License

If you lost your driver's license, you cannot change the address on it—you have to replace it first. The process for replacing a lost license varies by state, but generally you go to a DMV office with proof of identity and proof of your new address, pay a replacement fee (usually $10 to $30), and get a new card printed on the spot with your current address.

Some states let you report a lost license online and order a replacement by mail, though this takes longer. Check your state's DMV website for the lost-license process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Your state's law may require you to change your address within a certain number of days of moving—often 10 to 30 days. Driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a fine if you are stopped. Even if there is no legal important date, it is wise to update it so your license matches your actual residence.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?

You can change your address on a suspended license in most states. If your license is expired, you can usually change the address, but you may need to renew the license at the same time. Call your state's DMV to confirm what applies to your situation.

What if I moved to a different state?

If you moved to a new state, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from that state. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of becoming a resident. You cannot straightforward change the address on your old state's license to an out-of-state address.

How long does it take for my address change to show up?

Online changes take effect when ready in the DMV system. In-person changes also take effect the same day. Mail-in changes take one to two weeks. Your physical license card will not show the new address until you renew it.

Will changing my address affect my insurance or registration?

Your auto insurance company and your vehicle registration are separate from your driver's license. You should notify your insurance company and your state's DMV of your new address for vehicle registration separately. Some states update registration automatically when you change your license address; others do not.