Where to go and what documents you need

To change your address on your ID, you go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. In some states it is called the Secretary of State's office or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You will need your current ID, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works), and sometimes a completed form specific to your state.

Most states let you change your address in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through their website. The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it, because you can do it from home and receive your updated ID by mail within one to three weeks. In-person visits typically take 15 to 30 minutes but require you to find an open office and wait your turn.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's DMV or equivalent motor vehicle agency to find out whether you can change your address online, by mail, or in person.
  • You will need your current ID and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
  • Online address changes are the fastest option in most states and take one to three weeks for your new ID to arrive by mail.
  • If you change your address in person, bring your current ID, proof of address, and any state-specific form your DMV requires.
  • Some states charge a small fee for a replacement ID with your new address; others do not charge if you are only updating the address.

Changing your address online

Most states now offer online address changes through their DMV website. Go to your state's DMV homepage, look for a link labeled "change address," "update address," or "address change," and follow the prompts. You will enter your ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Then you enter your new address and confirm it.

After you submit the form online, you will usually see a confirmation page with a reference number. Save or print this number. Your state will mail you a replacement ID with your new address within one to three weeks. You do not need to do anything else — your old ID remains valid until the new one arrives. Some states charge $5 to $15 for the replacement ID; others charge nothing if you are only changing the address.

If your state's DMV website does not offer online address changes, look for a mail-in form. read the form, fill it out, and mail it with your current ID and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Mail-in changes take two to four weeks.

Changing your address in person at the DMV

Bring your current ID, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number or card. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — it must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. Some states also accept a notarized letter from a landlord or a recent pay stub.

Go to your nearest DMV office during business hours. Check your state's DMV website for office locations and hours before you go, because many offices require you to book an appointment online or take a number in advance. When you reach the counter, tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will take your current ID and proof of address, verify the information, and issue you a replacement ID on the spot or mail it to you within one to three weeks, depending on your state.

In-person visits usually take 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents and the office is not busy. Bring everything at once so you do not have to make a second trip.

What happens to your old ID

Your old ID remains valid until your replacement arrives. You can use it to drive, vote, or show as identification anywhere that accepts your state's ID. Once your new ID arrives in the mail, your old one is no longer valid for driving, but you can keep it as a backup form of identification if you want.

Some states ask you to destroy your old ID by cutting it in half or returning it to the DMV. Check your state's rules on the DMV website or ask the clerk when you submit your change. Most states do not require you to return it, but a few do.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is bringing proof of address that is too old. If your utility bill or lease is dated more than 60 days before you explore, the DMV will reject it. If you just moved and do not have a bill in your name yet, ask your landlord for a notarized letter stating your name and move-in date, or bring a lease agreement with your signature and the move-in date.

Another mistake is not bringing your Social Security number or card. Some states require it; others do not. Call your DMV ahead of time or check the website to find out what your state needs. If you go in person without it and your state requires it, you will have to go home and come back.

A third mistake is forgetting to update your address with your insurance company, voter registration, and bank after you change it on your ID. Your ID change does not automatically update those records. You will need to contact each one separately.

If your state does not offer online changes

A few states still do not offer online address changes. If yours is one of them, your options are mail-in or in-person. Mail-in is slower — typically two to four weeks — but you do not have to leave home. In-person is faster but requires a trip to the DMV.

To find out whether your state offers online changes, go to your state's DMV website and search for "change address" or "update address." If you cannot find an online option, look for a downloadable form or call the DMV directly. The phone number is usually on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new ID after I change my address?

If you change your address online or by mail, your new ID usually arrives within one to three weeks. If you change it in person at the DMV, some states issue it on the spot; others mail it to you within one to three weeks. Check your state's DMV website to find out which applies to you.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

Most states charge $5 to $15 for a replacement ID with your new address. Some states charge nothing if you are only changing the address and not renewing your ID. A few states charge more if you need the ID quickly. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out the exact fee.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

You can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, government mail, or a notarized letter from your landlord. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have anything in your name yet, ask your landlord to notarize a letter confirming your move-in date.

Can I use my old ID while I wait for my new one?

Yes. Your old ID remains valid for driving and identification until your new one arrives. Once the new ID arrives, the old one is no longer valid for driving, though you can keep it as a backup form of ID if you want.

What if I lost my ID and need to change my address at the same time?

You will need to report it lost and request a replacement. The process is similar to a regular address change, but you may need to fill out an additional form or pay a slightly higher fee. Go to your state's DMV website and look for "lost or stolen ID" or "replacement ID" to find the specific steps for your state.