Where to go and what you need
You change your address at the same place you got your ID card — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State office, or equivalent agency. The exact name varies by state: some call it the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, others the Division of Driver Services. You can find your state's office through a web search for "[your state] DMV" or by visiting your state government's main website.
Most states let you change your address in person at a local office, by mail, or online through their website. Online is fastest if your state offers it — you upload a photo of your current ID and proof of your new address, and the updated card arrives in one to two weeks. In-person visits usually take 15 to 30 minutes. Mail-in requests take longer, typically three to four weeks.
You will need your current ID card and proof of your new address. Proof of address means a recent document showing your name and the address you are moving to — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. Some states accept a letter from your landlord or a government agency. Call your DMV ahead of time if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV, Secretary of State, or equivalent motor vehicle agency — the name and location vary by state.
- Bring your current ID card and a recent document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
- Online address changes are the fastest option in states that offer them, with a new card arriving in one to two weeks.
- In-person visits at a local DMV office usually take 15 to 30 minutes and produce a temporary ID on the spot in some states.
- Mail-in requests take three to four weeks and require you to send your current ID card to the DMV.
Changing your address online
Most states now allow online address changes through their DMV website. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and upload a photo of your current ID and proof of address. The fee is usually $5 to $15, paid by credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number and an estimated delivery date for your new card.
Not every state offers this option. If your state's DMV website does not have an online address change tool, you will need to visit in person or mail in your request. Some states limit online changes to people who have not moved in the past year or who do not have a commercial driver's license. Check your state's DMV website for restrictions that might explore to you.
Changing your address in person
Visit your local DMV office with your current ID and proof of address. You will fill out a form — usually called an process for a duplicate or replacement ID — and pay a fee of $5 to $25 depending on your state. The DMV will take a new photo and process your request on the spot. Some states issue a temporary paper ID valid for 30 to 60 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.
Bring your proof of address document in its original form, not a photocopy. Some DMVs accept digital photos of documents on your phone, but calling ahead to confirm saves a wasted trip. Arrive early in the day if possible — DMV offices are typically busiest in the afternoon and on Fridays. Many states now let you reserve a time slot online, which cuts your wait time significantly.
Changing your address by mail
If you cannot visit in person, you can mail a request to your state DMV. read the address change form from your state's DMV website or call to request one by mail. Fill it out, include a photocopy of your current ID, a photocopy of your proof of address, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Keep a copy of everything you send. The DMV will mail your new card to your new address within three to four weeks. Some states require you to mail in your current ID card as well; check the form instructions before you send anything. If you need to use your ID before the new card arrives, ask the DMV whether they can issue a temporary paper ID by mail.
What happens if you move before your new card arrives
If you change your address and then move again before your new card is delivered, contact the DMV when ready with your new address. You can usually update it online or by phone without paying another fee. The DMV will redirect your card to the correct address or issue a new one with the updated information.
If your card arrives at your old address and you no longer live there, ask the new resident or landlord to write "Return to Sender — Moved" on the envelope and put it back in the mail. It will return to the DMV, and you can contact them to have a new card sent to your current address. This process takes longer, so updating your address as soon as you know your new one prevents the problem.
Fees and processing times by method
| Method | Fee | Processing Time | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $5–$15 | 1–2 weeks | Current ID, proof of address photo, credit/debit card |
| In person | $5–$25 | Same day (temporary); 1–2 weeks (permanent) | Current ID, proof of address original document |
| By mail | $5–$25 | 3–4 weeks | Form, photocopies of ID and proof of address, check or money order |
What counts as proof of address
Your proof of address must show your name and your new street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit card statement also works in most states. Some states accept a letter from your employer, a government agency, or your landlord confirming your new address.
Documents that usually do not work include mail from retailers, insurance quotes, or anything addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant." If you are moving to a new address but have not yet received a bill or statement there, ask your utility company or bank to issue a letter confirming your new address. This takes one to three business days and costs nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my ID card?
Most states do not legally require you to update your address on your ID card, but it is a good idea. If you are pulled over or need to show ID, an outdated address can cause confusion. Some states may ask why your address does not match your residence, and a few have rules about how long you can keep an old address on file before renewal.
Can I change my address without going to the DMV?
Yes, if your state offers online address changes or accepts mail-in requests. Check your state DMV website to see which methods are available. Online is fastest; mail takes longer but requires no office visit. A few states also let you change your address by phone, though this is less common.
How much does it cost to change my address?
The fee ranges from $5 to $25 depending on your state and the method you choose. Online changes are usually on the lower end. Some states charge no fee if you are straightforward updating your address without renewing your ID, but others charge a small processing fee. Check your state DMV website for the exact amount.
What if my proof of address document is not in my name yet?
If you just moved and the utility bill or lease is in a roommate's or spouse's name, ask the company or landlord to issue a letter on their letterhead confirming your address. Alternatively, bring the lease or bill along with a document in your name (such as a bank statement from your old address) to show the DMV that you are the same person. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask what combination they will accept.
How long does my new ID card take to arrive?
Online requests typically arrive in one to two weeks. In-person visits produce a temporary ID when ready in most states, with the permanent card arriving in one to two weeks. Mail-in requests take three to four weeks. Delivery times vary by state and how busy the DMV is, so check your confirmation email or the DMV website for a tracking number.