Georgia lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office

You can update your address on your Georgia driver's license without getting a new photo or retaking the written test. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) offers three ways to do it: online through their website, by mail with a form and proof of residency, or by walking into a DDS office in person. Which route you choose depends on how quickly you need the change and whether you have the documents ready.

Georgia does not charge a fee to change your address. The change takes effect when ready if you do it online or in person, or within 7 to 10 business days if you mail the form. Your current license remains valid during the process — you do not need a temporary document.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method is fastest and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and a current utility bill or lease showing your new address.
  • If you mail your request, you need the DL 43 form, a copy of your current license, and one document proving your new address, sent to the DDS address on the form.
  • In-person changes at any DDS office take about 15 to 30 minutes and require your current license and proof of residency.
  • Georgia accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and government mail as proof of your new address.
  • You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address.

Changing your address online through the DDS website

The online method is the fastest option if your documents are ready. Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the address change option. You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and a document showing your new address. The system accepts digital photos or scans of utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or recent government mail with your name and new address on it.

After you submit the form and proof, the system processes it when ready and your address updates in the DDS database right away. Your physical license still shows your old address until it expires and you renew it, but your record in the system is current. This matters if a police officer or insurance company checks your information — they will see the new address. You do not receive a new card in the mail.

Mailing your address change with the DL 43 form

If you prefer to mail your request, read or request the DL 43 form from the Georgia DDS website. Fill in your name, current license number, new address, and date of birth. Include a photocopy of your current driver's license (front and back) and one document proving your new address. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this is usually the DDS office in Atlanta, but check the current form to confirm.

Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. Your address updates in the system after that time, but again, your physical card will not change until renewal. Keep a copy of what you mailed in case you need to follow up. If you do not hear back within two weeks, call the DDS customer service line to confirm they received it.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

Walk into any DDS office with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member at the counter that you want to change your address. They will verify your identity, check your proof of residency, and update your record on the spot. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Your address updates when ready in the DDS system. You leave with your old license card, which still shows the old address, but your official record is current. If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it, you can request one at that time — Georgia will charge you the standard renewal fee, which varies but is typically under $35. Most people skip this step since the address change in the system is what matters for legal and insurance purposes.

Documents that count as proof of your new address

Georgia accepts several types of documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must show your name and the address you are claiming. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works. A lease agreement or rental agreement with your signature and the landlord's signature also works. A mortgage statement or property tax bill with your name and address is acceptable. Recent government mail — such as a tax return, voter registration card, or court document — counts as long as it is current.

Documents do not all have to be originals. For online and mail submissions, a clear photo or photocopy is fine. For in-person visits, bring the original or a photocopy — staff will tell you which they prefer. If you just moved and do not have a document yet in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date. Some DDS offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for a bill or lease to arrive.

What happens to your physical license card

Your driver's license card itself does not change when you update your address. The card you carry will still show your old address until your license expires and you renew it. This can feel odd, but it is normal and legal. Police officers, insurance companies, and government agencies all check the DDS database, not the card, so they will see your current address.

If having the old address on your card bothers you, or if you need a card that matches your current address for some reason, you can request a replacement card when you change your address. In person at a DDS office, ask the staff member to issue a replacement. By mail or online, you may need to call DDS to request one. Georgia charges a replacement fee, usually $20 to $35, but it is optional — the address change itself is free.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

If you change your address online or in person, the update is when ready. Your record in the DDS system reflects the new address when ready, and you can use that updated information right away. If you change by mail, expect 7 to 10 business days from the date DDS receives your envelope. Weekends and holidays do not count toward this timeline.

You will not receive a confirmation letter or email unless you request one. If you need proof that you changed your address — for example, to show an insurance company or employer — call the DDS customer service line and ask them to mail you a certified copy of your record. There is usually a small fee for this service, typically $5 to $10. Alternatively, you can print your own record from the online DDS portal if you have set up an account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?

Georgia law requires you to notify the DDS of a change of address within 30 days of moving. You will not face a penalty if you do not, but your license will be considered invalid if the address on it does not match where you actually live. It is safest to update it promptly, especially before renewing your vehicle registration or getting pulled over.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address on an expired license. However, if your license expired more than a few years ago, the DDS may require you to renew it instead of just changing the address. Call the DDS customer service line with your license number to confirm what you need to do.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?

Ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some DDS offices accept this temporarily. You can also use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail. If none of these are available, visit a DDS office in person and explain your situation — staff may be able to work with you.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or points?

No. Changing your address does not touch your driving record, points, or any violations. It only updates where the DDS has on file as your residence. Your record stays exactly the same.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. You must change your address yourself. You cannot authorize someone else to do it. If you are unable to visit an office or mail a form, the online method may be your best option since you can do it from home with a computer and a camera or scanner.