Where to change your address in North Carolina

You can change your address on your North Carolina driver's license at any Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in the state. You do not need an appointment. Walk in during business hours with the documents listed below, and the staff will update your record on the spot. The change takes effect when ready — you leave with an updated license in hand.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can also change your address by mail. Send a completed Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate License) along with proof of your new address to the DMV's mailing address. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person service, usually two to three weeks.

Online address changes are not available through the North Carolina DMV. You must use either the in-person or mail method.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any DMV office with your current license and one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The address change is free and takes a few minutes at the counter.
  • Your updated license is issued when ready when you change your address in person.
  • If you mail your request, include Form DL-43 and proof of address, and allow two to three weeks for processing.
  • You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the change is separate from renewal.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current North Carolina driver's license and one document that shows your new address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be recent — typically within the last 60 days — and must clearly show both your name and your new street address.

If you do not have a document in your name at the new address yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property owner on their letterhead, stating your name and the address where you now live. Some offices also accept an affidavit of residency, which you can complete at the DMV if needed.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

How to change your address in person

Go to any DMV office during regular business hours. You do not need to schedule ahead. Walk up to the counter and tell the staff you want to change the address on your license. Hand them your current license and your proof of address.

The staff will ask you to confirm your new address and may ask a few security questions to verify your identity. They will then print your updated license on the spot. The new license will have your current address and the same license number as your old one. You leave with the updated license when ready.

There is no fee for an address change. If the DMV office is busy, you may wait 15 to 45 minutes depending on the time of day and location. Early morning or mid-week visits tend to have shorter waits.

How to change your address by mail

read or request Form DL-43 from the North Carolina DMV website. Fill in your current license number, name, and new address. Include a copy of one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. Do not send your original license.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the DMV's mailing address, which is listed on the form itself. Include a note requesting an address change only, not a renewal. The DMV will process your request and mail you an updated license to your new address.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your mail. There is no fee. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up. If you do not receive your updated license within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.

DMV office locations and hours

North Carolina has DMV offices in most counties. The main office is in Raleigh, but you can visit any location in the state to change your address. Hours vary by location — most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some closing for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. A few offices have Saturday hours.

Find your nearest office and its hours on the North Carolina DMV website. You can search by county or city. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you are traveling to an unfamiliar location.

What happens after you change your address

Your updated license is valid when ready. Use it for identification, voting, and any other purpose that requires your driver's license. Your new address is also recorded in the DMV system, so future correspondence from the DMV will go to your new address.

If you changed your address in person, you have a new physical license with your updated address printed on it. If you changed your address by mail, the new license will arrive at your new address within two to three weeks. Until it arrives, your old license is still valid for identification purposes, though it shows your old address.

Changing your address on your license does not automatically update your address with other agencies. You will need to notify your insurance company, voter registration, vehicle registration, and any other organizations that have your address on file separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my license when I move?

North Carolina law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 30 days of moving. You are not required to get a new license, but your address record must be updated. Changing your address at the DMV is the way to do this.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address. However, if your license expired more than a few years ago, the DMV may ask you to renew it at the same time. Ask the staff when you arrive whether you need to renew or if an address change alone is possible.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address yet?

Bring a signed letter from your landlord or property owner on their letterhead with your name and new address. Some DMV offices also allow you to complete an affidavit of residency at the counter. Call your local office ahead of time to ask which option they accept.

How long does it take to get my updated license by mail?

The DMV typically processes address changes by mail within two to three weeks. Mail delivery time is not included in this estimate, so allow an extra few days for your updated license to arrive at your new address after the DMV processes it.

Will my license number change when I update my address?

No. Your license number stays the same when you change your address. Only the address printed on your license and stored in the DMV system changes.