Where you can change your address online
Most states let you change your driver's license address online through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, but not all. The process and what you need varies by state — some states handle it entirely online, others require you to mail in a form or visit an office in person even after you start online.
Before you begin, check your state's DMV website directly. Search "[your state] DMV change address online" to land on the official page. If your state does not offer online address changes, you will need to mail a form or visit a DMV office. Some states let you order a replacement license with your new address online and have it mailed to you; others require an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- Most state DMV websites let you change your address online, but the process and requirements differ by state.
- You will typically need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
- Some states charge a small fee for address changes; others do not, so check your state's DMV site before you start.
- After you submit an address change online, your new license may arrive by mail within one to three weeks, or you may need to visit an office to pick it up.
- If your state does not offer online changes, you can mail a form or visit a DMV office in person.
What you need before you start
Have your current driver's license in front of you. You will need your license number, date of birth, and usually the last four digits of your Social Security number to log into your state's DMV portal. Some states also ask for your current address as it appears on your license.
Know your new address before you begin. Have the street address, city, state, and ZIP code ready. If you have not received mail at the new address yet, use the address where you are moving or have moved.
Steps to change your address online
Go to your state's official DMV website. Look for a link that says "change address," "update address," "manage my license," or "online services." Click it and you will usually be asked to log in or create an account using your license number and personal information.
Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Double-check the spelling, street number, and ZIP code — errors here mean your new license arrives wrong. Select your new address from the dropdown menu if your state's system offers suggestions, or type it in manually.
Review the information on the screen before you submit. Confirm your name, date of birth, and new address are correct. Some states show you a preview of what your new license will look like.
Pay any fee if your state charges one. Most states charge between $5 and $20 for an address change, though some do not charge at all. You will usually pay by debit card or credit card on the same screen where you submit your change.
Submit the form and save or print your confirmation number. Write down the confirmation number or take a screenshot — you may need it to track your new license or if there is a problem.
What happens after you submit
Your state will mail you a new license with your updated address. This usually takes one to three weeks, depending on your state and how busy the DMV is. Some states send you an email or text when your license ships.
In the meantime, your old license is still valid for driving. You do not need to do anything else unless your state requires you to visit an office to pick up your new license in person — a few states do this instead of mailing.
If you do not receive your new license within the timeframe your state said, log back into the DMV website and look for a tracking option, or call the DMV number on your state's website. Have your confirmation number ready.
If your state does not offer online changes
Some states require you to visit a DMV office or mail in a form to change your address. Check your state's DMV website for the form — it is usually called a "change of address form" or "license renewal form." read it, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license if the form asks for it.
Processing time for mailed forms is usually two to four weeks. Some states let you schedule an appointment at a DMV office to change your address in person, which is faster — you can often walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent one by mail within two weeks.
Fees and what they cover
Most states charge $5 to $25 to change your address on your driver's license. A few states do not charge anything. The fee usually covers the cost of printing and mailing your new license.
Some states include a license renewal in the address change fee if your license is expiring soon. Others charge separately for renewal and address changes. Check your state's DMV website to see what the fee covers before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Most states let you change your address on an expired license, but some require you to renew it at the same time. Check your state's DMV website or call the DMV to confirm. If renewal is required, you may need to visit an office in person or mail in additional documents like proof of residency.
Do I need to change my address before I move or after?
You can change your address before or after you move. Some states recommend doing it within 30 days of moving, though there is usually no penalty if you wait longer. Changing it before you move means your new license arrives at your new address.
What if I made a mistake when I submitted my address change?
If you catch the error right away, log back into your state's DMV portal and see if you can edit or cancel your submission. If you have already been charged, contact the DMV by phone or through the website to ask about correcting it. If your new license arrives with the wrong address, you may need to submit another change or visit an office.
Will my old license still work while I wait for the new one?
Yes. Your old license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives. You do not need to carry both — just keep using the old one until the new one shows up.
Can I change my address on my license if I do not have a permanent home?
Most states let you use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mailing address like a post office box. Contact your state's DMV directly to ask what addresses they accept for people without permanent housing.