Georgia DMV address changes happen online, by mail, or in person — and the fastest route depends on what you're updating

Georgia lets you change your driver's license or ID card address without visiting an office if you use the online system or mail. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) handles all address changes for driver's licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registration. You can update your address through the DDS website, by mail with a form, or by walking into a local DDS office. The method you choose affects how long the change takes and what documents you need to bring.

If you're also registering a vehicle or renewing your registration in Georgia, your address change can happen at the same time. Vehicle registration address changes follow the same three routes — online, mail, or in person — but vehicle registration and driver's license addresses are separate records, so you need to update both if they've changed.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's online address change system is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and a current mailing address.
  • Mail-in address changes require the DL 43 form, a proof of residency document, and take two to three weeks to process.
  • In-person changes at a DDS office happen the same day but require an appointment booked through the DDS website.
  • Vehicle registration and driver's license addresses are separate in Georgia, so you must update both records if you've moved.
  • Proof of residency for mail-in or in-person changes can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Changing your address online through the DDS website

The Georgia DDS website has a dedicated online address change tool that works for driver's licenses and ID cards. You'll need your driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and your new mailing address. The system verifies your identity using information from your existing license record and then processes the change when ready. You do not need to upload documents or visit an office.

After you complete the online change, your new address appears in the DDS system right away, but your physical card still shows the old address until it expires or you renew it. Georgia does not mail you a replacement card with the new address unless you pay for a duplicate. If you need the new address on your card before your renewal date, you can order a duplicate card through the same online system for a fee, or visit a DDS office in person.

To access the online tool, go to the Georgia DDS website, select the address change option, and follow the prompts. The process takes about five minutes. This method works only if your license or ID is current and not suspended or revoked.

Changing your address by mail with the DL 43 form

If you prefer to mail in your address change, you'll need to complete the DL 43 form (process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card), which is available on the Georgia DDS website. You also need one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Mail both the completed form and your proof of residency to the address listed on the DDS website.

Processing mail-in address changes typically takes two to three weeks. During that time, your address in the DDS system is updated, but your physical card will not change unless you requested a duplicate. If you need a new card with your updated address, you can check the box on the DL 43 form to order a duplicate, which costs a fee. The new card will arrive by mail after processing.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your change does not appear in the system after three weeks, contact the DDS to confirm receipt.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

You can walk into any Georgia DDS office to change your address the same day. First, book an appointment through the DDS website — walk-ins without appointments may face long waits or be turned away. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and one proof of residency dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail).

The DDS staff will verify your identity, update your address in the system, and issue you a new card on the spot if you request one. There is a fee for a replacement card. If you do not request a new card, your address is updated in the system but your existing card keeps the old address until renewal.

In-person visits are useful if you need the address changed when ready, if you're also handling other license or registration business, or if you prefer to confirm the change was processed before leaving the office.

Changing your vehicle registration address separately

Your vehicle registration address is a separate record from your driver's license address in Georgia. If you've moved and own a vehicle registered in Georgia, you need to update the registration address as well. You can do this online through the DDS website, by mail, or in person at a DDS office using the same three methods available for driver's licenses.

For online registration address changes, you'll need your vehicle's registration number and VIN. For mail-in changes, complete the appropriate registration form (available on the DDS website) and include proof of residency. For in-person changes, bring your current registration card and proof of residency to a DDS office.

If you're renewing your vehicle registration at the same time, you can update the address as part of that renewal. Georgia sends registration renewal notices to the address on file, so updating your address promptly ensures you receive renewal notices at your new home.

What counts as proof of residency in Georgia

Georgia accepts several documents as proof of your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address. Accepted documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax document or voter registration card).

A bank statement or credit card statement typically does not count. If you've just moved and don't yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask the DDS office or check the website for alternative documents they may accept. Some offices have flexibility for people in transition.

Timing and what to expect after your change

Online address changes take effect when ready in the DDS system. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes happen the same day. However, the timing for receiving a new physical card is different: if you order a duplicate card by mail or in person, it arrives within one to two weeks. If you do not order a duplicate, your address updates in the system but your existing card keeps the old address.

After your address change is processed, you can check your updated address by logging into your DDS account online or by visiting a DDS office. If you're waiting for mail from the state (such as a vehicle registration renewal notice), it will go to your new address once the change is in the system.

If you move again before your license or ID expires, you can update your address as many times as needed using the same methods. There is no limit to address changes, though you may be charged a fee each time you order a replacement card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address before or after I move?

Georgia does not require you to update your address by a specific date, but it's best to do it as soon as you have proof of your new address. Updating promptly ensures you receive mail from the state at the correct location and keeps your license information current.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot use the online system if your license is expired. You'll need to renew your license first, which you can do online, by mail, or in person. Once your license is renewed, you can update your address. Some DDS offices may allow you to renew and change your address in the same visit if you go in person.

Will my old address still work for identification after I change it?

Your physical card will still show your old address until you get a replacement card. If you need your ID to show your new address right away, order a duplicate card through the online system or in person at a DDS office. Otherwise, your address in the DDS system is updated even if your card still shows the old one.

What if I move out of state?

If you move to another state, you'll need to get a driver's license from that state. You can keep your Georgia license as a second ID if you wish, but you should update your address in Georgia's system or let it expire. Contact the DDS or the new state's DMV for specific steps.

Can I change my address for my vehicle registration without changing my driver's license address?

Yes, vehicle registration and driver's license addresses are separate records in Georgia. You can update one without updating the other. However, it's usually simpler to update both at the same time if you've moved.