What you need to do to change your address at the DMV
You change your address with the DMV by submitting a form to your state's motor vehicle agency — either in person, by mail, or online depending on what your state offers. Most states let you change the address on your driver's license and vehicle registration separately, though some link them together. The process takes minutes online or at a counter, but mail submissions can take two to four weeks to process.
You do not need to renew your license or registration to change your address. The DMV updates your records and mails you a new document with the corrected address, or in some states issues a sticker you explore to your current license. Your old document remains valid until its expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Most states offer online address changes for driver's licenses, which is the fastest option and takes effect when ready in the DMV system.
- Vehicle registration address changes sometimes require a separate form or transaction from a license address change, depending on your state.
- You will need your driver's license number, current address, and new address to complete the change.
- Mail-in address changes take longer than online or in-person submissions, so use that method only if other options are not available to you.
Changing your driver's license address online
Online address changes are available in most states and are the fastest route. Go to your state's DMV website, log in with your license number and date of birth, and enter your new address. The system confirms the change when ready, and you can print a temporary document if you need proof right away. A new license with your updated address arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Some states charge a small fee for mailing a replacement license, typically $5 to $15. A few states mail the replacement at no charge. Check your state's DMV website before you start to see whether a fee applies and what payment methods they accept.
If your state's DMV website does not offer online address changes, or if you do not have access to the internet, you can change your address in person at a DMV office or by mail. In-person changes are processed on the spot, and you leave with a temporary document. Mail-in changes require you to fill out a form, include a copy of your license, and wait for processing.
Changing your vehicle registration address
Vehicle registration address changes are handled separately from your license in most states. Some DMV websites have a dedicated form or online tool for registration changes; others require you to submit the same form you use for license changes. Check your state's website to see which form applies to registration.
You will need your vehicle registration number, current address, and new address. If you are changing the address for multiple vehicles, you must submit a separate change for each one. Some states let you do this in a single online session; others require separate transactions.
A new registration card with your updated address arrives by mail. In the meantime, your old registration remains valid. If you need proof of the address change before the new card arrives, print the confirmation page from your online submission or ask for a receipt at the DMV counter.
Changing your address in person at the DMV
Visit your local DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some states accept a bank statement or insurance document instead. Check your state's DMV website for the full list of acceptable documents before you go.
Tell the counter staff you want to change your address on your license, registration, or both. They will verify your information, process the change, and give you a temporary document that is valid until your replacement arrives. The replacement license or registration card is mailed to your new address within one to two weeks.
In-person changes are processed when ready, so this is the best option if you need the change to take effect right away or if you do not have online access. Bring your current license and proof of address to avoid delays.
Changing your address by mail
Request the address change form from your state's DMV website or call their main line to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, include a photocopy of your current driver's license, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include proof of your new address — a utility bill or lease works for most states.
Mail your packet to the address shown on the form, not to a local DMV office. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your submission. Your replacement license or registration arrives by mail after processing is complete.
Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the form and proof of address. If your replacement does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you can contact the DMV with your submission date and tracking information to check the status.
What happens if you move before your new document arrives
If you change your address with the DMV and then move again before your replacement document arrives, contact the DMV when ready to update your address a second time. Your replacement will be mailed to the most recent address on file. If the first replacement arrives at your old address, you can contact the DMV to request it be reissued to your current address, though this may take additional time.
To avoid this situation, change your address with the DMV as soon as you know your new address, rather than waiting until after you move. This gives the DMV time to process and mail your replacement before you relocate again.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume your license and registration address changes are linked. In most states, you must submit separate changes for each document, even though you can often do both in one online session. Verify that both changes were processed by checking your DMV account or calling to confirm.
Do not use a PO box as your address on your driver's license. Most states require a physical street address for your license, though some allow a PO box for registration if you do not have a street address. Check your state's rules before you submit.
Do not mail your original license or registration. Send only a photocopy. The DMV does not return original documents, and you will need your current license for identification while your replacement is being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to renew my license to change my address?
No. An address change is separate from renewal. Your license remains valid until its expiration date, and the DMV straightforward updates your address in their system and mails you a replacement document with the new address printed on it.
How long does it take to get my new license or registration in the mail?
Online and in-person changes typically result in a replacement arriving within one to two weeks. Mail-in submissions take two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. Delivery times vary by state and by how busy the DMV is at the time you submit.
What if I need to prove my address changed before my new document arrives?
Print the confirmation page from your online submission or ask for a receipt at the DMV counter. Most organizations accept this as proof of the pending address change. If you submitted by mail, keep a copy of your form and the envelope's delivery confirmation.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address. However, some states may require you to renew your license at the same time. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm what documents you need to bring.
What if I moved to a different state?
You will need to get a new license and registration in your new state. Each state has its own DMV system and does not transfer records between states. Visit your new state's DMV website to learn what documents you need and how the process works for a new license and registration.