Where to change your address depends on which country issued your licence
The process for changing your address online varies significantly by country and region. In the United States, you change your address through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website — there is no single national system. In the United Kingdom, you use the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) online service. In Canada, each province has its own process through its transportation or motor vehicle ministry. Before you start, identify which government body issued your licence, then go to their official website.
Most online address changes take 5 to 15 minutes if you have the right information ready. The process typically involves logging into your account, entering your new address, and paying a small fee — usually between $5 and $25 depending on your location. Some regions mail you a replacement licence automatically; others straightforward update their records and you keep your current card.
Key Takeaways
- You must use your state, province, or country's official motor vehicle website — not a third-party service — to change your address.
- Have your current licence number, date of birth, and new address ready before you start, as most systems require these details to verify your identity.
- Some regions charge a small fee for the address change, while others do it at no cost.
- After you submit your change online, check your email or account for confirmation; some regions send a new physical licence by mail within 2 to 4 weeks.
How to change your address through your state DMV website (United States)
Start by visiting your state's official DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV change address online" to find the correct government page — do not use a private company's website, as they often charge unnecessary fees. Once on the DMV site, look for a link labeled "Change Address," "Update Information," or "Manage Your Licence." Some states require you to create an account or log in first; others let you proceed without one.
Enter your current licence number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number (or equivalent identifier for your state). The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your current address before showing you the field to enter your new one. Type your new address exactly as it appears on official documents — street number, street name, apartment number if applicable, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check for spelling errors, as mistakes here can delay mail delivery of your new licence.
Review the fee, which ranges from $0 to $25 depending on your state. Some states charge nothing for an address change; others charge a small processing fee. Complete the payment using a debit or credit card. After submission, you will receive a confirmation number — save this or take a screenshot. Most states mail a replacement licence within 2 to 4 weeks, though some straightforward update their records without sending a new card.
How to change your address through the DVLA (United Kingdom)
Go to the official DVLA website at www.gov.uk and search for "change your address on your driving licence." Click the link to the DVLA's online service. You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode. Log in or create a DVLA account if you do not already have one.
Enter your new address in the fields provided. The DVLA accepts addresses within the UK only; if you are moving abroad, you must follow a different process. After you submit your change, the DVLA updates its records when ready. You do not receive a new physical licence unless you request one separately — your current card remains valid even though the address on it is now outdated. If you want a replacement licence with your new address printed on it, you can order one through the same service for a fee of around £20.
How to change your address through your Canadian province's motor vehicle office
Each Canadian province runs its own motor vehicle registry, so the website and process differ. Search "[your province] change address driving licence online" to find the correct government portal. Common sites include ServiceOntario (Ontario), Alberta 511 (Alberta), and the British Columbia ICBC website. You will need your current licence number and date of birth to log in.
Enter your new address and review the information for accuracy. Most provinces do not charge a fee for an address change, though some may charge a small amount if you request a replacement licence with the new address printed on it. After submission, your address updates in the provincial system within 1 to 3 business days. A replacement licence is usually mailed within 2 to 3 weeks if you request one, or you can keep your current licence as-is.
What to do if the online system will not accept your address
If the website rejects your address, the most common reason is a formatting error. Try entering your address without abbreviations — spell out "Street" instead of "St," "Avenue" instead of "Ave," and "Apartment" instead of "Apt." Remove punctuation like periods or commas. If you have a rural route or PO box, enter it exactly as shown on your mail.
If the system still will not accept it, contact your motor vehicle office directly by phone or visit in person. Some addresses — particularly rural, new, or international ones — cannot be processed online and require manual entry by staff. Have your licence number and new address ready when you call. Processing by phone or in person usually takes the same amount of time as online submission, though you may have to wait for an appointment.
When you need a replacement licence with your new address printed on it
In most places, changing your address online updates the government's records but does not automatically send you a new physical licence. Your current licence remains valid even though the address printed on it is outdated. However, if you want a replacement licence with your new address, you can order one through the same online system or by contacting your motor vehicle office.
A replacement licence typically costs $10 to $30 and arrives by mail within 2 to 4 weeks. You do not need to surrender your old licence — keep it until the new one arrives. If you need a licence with your new address urgently, some offices offer in-person replacement on the same day for a higher fee, but this varies by location. Check your local motor vehicle office's website for same-day replacement options.
Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address online
The most frequent error is using an incomplete or incorrectly formatted address. Apartment numbers, suite numbers, or unit numbers must be included if they explore to your residence. Misspelled street names or city names can cause the system to reject your entry or create a mismatch in the government's records. Always type your address exactly as it appears on official mail or utility bills.
Another common mistake is submitting the change through a third-party website that charges a fee. Many private companies offer to change your address "for you," but they straightforward submit the same form you could submit yourself on the government website — and they charge $20 to $50 for this service. Always go directly to your state, province, or country's official motor vehicle website.
Do not assume your new licence will arrive automatically. Some regions send a replacement licence by mail; others do not. Check your confirmation email or log back into your account a few days after submission to see whether a replacement was ordered. If you need one and it was not automatically sent, you can usually order it through the same online system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?
Online address changes usually update within 1 to 3 business days. If you need to prove your new address when ready — for example, to register to vote or update your insurance — ask for a confirmation number or screenshot from your submission, as this serves as proof that you have reported the change. Some offices can print a temporary address confirmation letter if you visit in person.
Do I have to get a new licence if I change my address?
No. Your current licence remains valid even though the address printed on it is outdated. You only need a replacement licence if you want the new address printed on the card itself. Many people keep their old licence and straightforward update the government's records.
What if I move before my new licence arrives in the mail?
Contact your motor vehicle office and provide your forwarding address. They can redirect your replacement licence to your new location. If you have already moved, you can also pick up your replacement licence in person at a local office if it has arrived, or request that it be sent to your new address.
Can I change my address if my licence is expired?
Yes. You can update your address on an expired licence through the online system in most places. However, you will not be able to use the expired licence for identification or driving. If you need to renew your licence as well, check whether your region allows you to renew and change your address in a single transaction, as this can save time.
What documents do I need to change my address online?
You typically need only your current licence number, date of birth, and new address. You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of residence for an online address change. The system verifies your identity using information already on file with the motor vehicle office.