You can change your Georgia driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office

Georgia allows you to update your address without renewing your license. The fastest route is the online system at DDS.ga.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to the Department of Driver Services or walk into any DDS office with proof of your new address.

The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change and whether you have the documents ready. Online changes show up in the system when ready, though your physical license card still shows the old address until you renew it. A mailed form takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits at a DDS office are fastest if you walk in during off-peak hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia's online address change system at DDS.ga.gov is free and takes effect when ready in the state's records.
  • You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but law enforcement can see the updated address in the system.
  • If you cannot go online or mail a form, any DDS office can process the change in person while you wait.
  • You do not need to renew your license to change your address, and the address change does not cost money.

Changing your address online through DDS.ga.gov

The online system is the simplest option if you have internet access and a valid email address. Go to DDS.ga.gov, log in or create an account, and select the address change option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity.

After you enter your new address, the system will ask you to upload a photo of a document that proves you live there. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Once you submit the form and proof, the change takes effect in Georgia's system right away, though you will receive a confirmation email.

Your physical license card will not change — it will still show your old address. However, when a police officer or other official runs your license, they will see the updated address in the state database. You do not need to carry anything else to prove your new address; the system update is sufficient for most purposes.

Mailing a form to update your address

If you prefer to mail your address change, read the DL 43 form from DDS.ga.gov or request one by calling the DDS customer service line. Fill in your current license information, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of a document that proves your new address — the same documents accepted online work for mail submissions.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the Department of Driver Services at the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. You can track whether your form arrived by calling DDS customer service, though they cannot tell you the exact processing date until after it is complete.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you do not hear back within two weeks, call DDS to confirm they received it. Mailing is slower than the online system but works well if you do not have regular internet access or prefer a paper trail.

Updating your address in person at a DDS office

Any DDS office in Georgia can process an address change while you wait. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. You do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The staff member will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update the system on the spot. The change takes effect when ready. Your physical license card will still show the old address, but the state database will reflect the new one. In-person visits usually take 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

If you live far from a DDS office or have limited mobility, the online or mail options may be more practical. However, if you are already at a DDS office for another reason — renewing your license, getting an ID card, or updating another piece of information — you can ask to add an address change to the same visit.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements also work. Government mail addressed to you at the new address — such as a tax notice or voter registration card — is acceptable too.

The document must have your full name on it, not a nickname or partial name. If you recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Some DDS offices will accept this in place of a utility bill, though policies vary by location.

Do not submit documents older than 60 days. If your most recent bill is older than that, wait for the next one or use a different document type that is more recent. Online submissions and mail submissions follow the same 60-day rule.

When your physical license card will show the new address

Changing your address does not trigger a new license card. Your current card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license for any reason — whether that is because it expires, you want to update your photo, or you are upgrading to a REAL ID card.

This can feel odd, but it is normal in Georgia. Law enforcement and government agencies check the state database, not the card itself, so they will see your current address even though the card shows an old one. If you are concerned about this — for example, if you are moving for safety reasons — you can renew your license early to get a new card with the correct address. Early renewal costs the same as a regular renewal.

If you need to prove your new address to a landlord, employer, or bank before your license expires, bring the proof document you used for the address change (utility bill, lease, etc.) instead of relying on your license card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move to a new house in Georgia?

Georgia law requires you to notify DDS of a change of address within 30 days of moving. However, there is no penalty for updating late, and you can do it anytime before your license expires. The online system makes it straightforward to stay compliant.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Georgia license?

If you moved out of Georgia permanently, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your Georgia address. However, if you are moving temporarily or keeping a Georgia address, update it through DDS. Contact your new state's DMV to learn their requirements.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?

You can update your address online or by mail even if your license is suspended or expired. However, if you go to a DDS office in person, staff may ask you to renew your license at the same time. Call ahead to confirm what the office requires in your situation.

How long does it take to see the address change in the system?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail submissions take 7 to 10 business days. In-person changes at a DDS office are when ready. Law enforcement can see the updated address in the state database right away, even though your physical card still shows the old one.

What if I do not have a document dated within the last 60 days?

Wait for your next utility bill or bank statement, or use a different document type. If you recently moved and have no bills in your name yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some DDS offices accept this as proof.