Where to report your address change in Michigan

You report an address change to Michigan through the Secretary of State's office, not through a single central form. Different documents — your driver's license, vehicle registration, voter record, and tax filings — each have their own process and timeline. The fastest route is usually the Secretary of State website or a branch office visit, which can handle your driver's license and vehicle registration in one trip.

Michigan does not have a single "change of address" form that updates everything at once the way some states do. Instead, you notify each agency separately. However, many of these notifications can happen online or by mail, and some can be done simultaneously if you visit a Secretary of State office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Michigan Secretary of State handles driver's license and vehicle registration changes, and you can do both online, by mail, or in person at a branch office.
  • Your voter registration updates automatically when you change your driver's license address, so you do not need to contact your local clerk separately.
  • If you rent or own property, your landlord or mortgage lender needs written notice of your move, separate from government notifications.
  • Utility companies, banks, insurance providers, and employers all require their own address updates and should be notified within days of your move.
  • Keep proof of your new address — a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement — because you will need it to update your driver's license.

Changing your Michigan driver's license address online or by mail

The Michigan Secretary of State lets you change your driver's license address online through its website without visiting a branch office. Go to michigan.gov/sos, find the "Driver Licenses and ID Cards" section, and look for the address change option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.

If you prefer to mail the change, read the process for Driver License or ID Card (Form DL 44) from the Secretary of State website, fill in your new address, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of proof of residence. Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address dated within the last 30 days. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks.

If you visit a Secretary of State branch office in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of residency (the same documents accepted by mail). The office will update your address on the spot, and you will receive a new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the Secretary of State website.

Updating your vehicle registration

Vehicle registration changes follow the same three routes as your driver's license: online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. Online, visit michigan.gov/sos, select "Vehicle Registration," and choose the address change option. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. There is no fee for an address change.

By mail, complete the process for Vehicle Registration (Form REG 43), include a copy of your proof of residency, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. If you visit a branch office, bring your vehicle registration card, proof of your new address, and a photo ID. Your registration will be updated when ready, and you will receive a new registration card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your vehicle registration expires soon, you can renew and change your address at the same time. This does not cost extra and can be done online, by mail, or in person using the same documents.

Updating your voter registration

When you change your driver's license address with the Michigan Secretary of State, your voter registration updates automatically — you do not need to contact your local clerk. This happens because the Secretary of State shares driver's license changes with local election offices. The update usually takes one to two weeks.

If you want to verify that your voter registration has been updated, or if you changed your address through a method other than your driver's license, contact your local city or township clerk. You can find your clerk's office through the Michigan Secretary of State website by entering your city or township name. Some clerks let you update your voter registration online through the state voter information portal, while others require a phone call or in-person visit.

Notifying your landlord, mortgage lender, and property manager

If you rent, your lease agreement likely requires you to notify your landlord of any address change in writing. Send a letter or email to your landlord or property manager stating your move-out date, your new address, and your forwarding address for mail and the security deposit return. Keep a copy for your records. Do this as soon as you know your move date, even if you are still in the lease period.

If you own your home with a mortgage, notify your lender in writing of your address change. Your lender uses your address for loan statements, tax documents, and insurance notices. You can usually do this by calling the customer service number on your mortgage statement or by logging into your online account. If you have a home equity line of credit or other loans, update those separately.

If you use a property management company for rental property you own, notify them of your personal address change so they can send you statements and notices at the correct location.

Updating banks, insurance, and utility companies

Contact your bank or credit union within a few days of your move to update your mailing address. Most banks let you do this online through their website or mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch. Provide your account number and new address. Update all accounts — checking, savings, credit cards, and loans.

Call or log into your insurance company's website to update your address for homeowners, renters, auto, and health insurance. Your insurance rates may change based on your new location, so the company needs the update to keep your policy accurate. Do this before or when ready after you move.

Contact your utility companies — electric, gas, water, internet, and phone — at least one week before your move to schedule disconnection at your old address and connection at your new address. Provide your new address and move date. Keep your final bills from your old address and your first bills from your new address as proof of residency if you need it for other notifications.

Updating your employer and other organizations

Notify your employer's human resources or payroll department of your address change so your W-2 forms, paychecks, and benefits information go to the correct location. You can usually do this through your employee portal, by email, or by filling out a form at your HR office.

Update your address with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if you file taxes. You can do this by filing Form 8822 (Change of Address) and mailing it to the IRS, or by updating your address when you file your next tax return. The IRS uses your address to send tax documents and notices.

If you subscribe to any services — streaming, memberships, magazines, online shopping accounts — log in and update your address in your account settings. This ensures you receive bills and packages at the correct location.

What documents prove your new address

Michigan requires proof of residency for several address changes. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 30 days, a lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) with your name and new address. Some documents, like a lease, do not need to be recent, but utility bills and government mail must be dated within 30 days.

If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease agreement works. If you are staying with family temporarily, a notarized letter from the homeowner stating you live there, along with a copy of their utility bill, may be accepted — but policies vary by office, so call ahead to confirm.

Timeline and what to expect

Online address changes through the Secretary of State are processed when ready, and you can print a temporary document if you need proof right away. By mail, expect two to three weeks for processing. In-person visits at a Secretary of State office are completed on the spot, though your new license or registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Your voter registration updates automatically within one to two weeks of your driver's license change. Banks and insurance companies usually update within one to three business days. Utility companies and other service providers update on the date you request, which is typically your move date.

If you are moving out of state, you will need to update your address with Michigan first, then register your vehicle and obtain a driver's license in your new state. Michigan will not charge you for the address change, but your new state may charge registration or license fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I am only moving within Michigan?

Yes. You must update your driver's license, vehicle registration, and voter registration with your new address, even if you stay in the same county. Banks, insurance companies, and utilities also need the update. The Secretary of State treats any address change the same way, regardless of distance.

What if I do not have a utility bill yet at my new address?

A signed lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill works as proof of residency. If none of these are available, ask the homeowner or landlord for a notarized letter stating you live there, and bring a copy of their utility bill. Call your local Secretary of State office to confirm they accept this before you visit.

Can I change my address online if my driver's license is expired?

No. You must renew your license before you can change your address online. You can do both at the same time by visiting a Secretary of State office in person or by mailing in both forms together. An expired license is still valid for address changes if you visit in person.

How long does it take to receive my new driver's license after changing my address?

If you change your address online or by mail, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you visit a Secretary of State office in person, the office updates your record when ready, but the physical card still arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary document at the office if you need proof of your new address right away.

What happens if I move and do not update my address?

Your driver's license and vehicle registration will still show your old address, which can cause problems if you are pulled over or need to prove your residency. Tax documents, voter registration materials, and insurance notices will go to your old address. Banks and creditors may flag your account as suspicious if your address does not match. Update your address within 30 days of moving to avoid these issues.