Update your address online, by mail, or in person at a licensing office
Washington lets you change your driver's license address without renewing the card itself. You can do this online through the Department of Licensing website, by mail with a form and proof of residency, or by visiting a licensing office in person. The online method is fastest — it takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Mail and in-person visits also work but take longer and may have a small fee depending on your situation.
You do not need to wait for your license to expire to make this change. Washington treats an address change as a separate transaction from a renewal, so your current license remains valid with the old address until you update it. However, you should update your address as soon as you move, because law enforcement and courts use the address on your license as your official residence for traffic stops, vehicle registration, and legal notices.
Key Takeaways
- The Washington Department of Licensing online portal lets you change your address in minutes at no cost if you have a valid email and your license number.
- You will need proof of your new Washington address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
- If you cannot go online, you can mail a completed form with proof of residency to the Department of Licensing, though processing takes two to three weeks.
- Visiting a licensing office in person is an option if you need the change recorded when ready or if you do not have online access.
Change your address online through the Department of Licensing
The fastest route is the Washington Department of Licensing website. Go to dol.wa.gov, find the "Change Address" option under driver's license services, and log in with your license number and date of birth. You will need to provide your new address and upload or describe proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax assessment, or a letter from a government agency — all must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.
Once you submit the form online, the change is recorded when ready in the Department of Licensing system. Your physical license card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it, but your record in the state database updates right away. This means law enforcement, courts, and the Department of Motor Vehicles will see your new address on file. There is no fee for an online address change.
If you do not have a computer or internet access, or if you run into trouble with the online form, you can call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to ask about alternatives or to get help completing the process by phone.
Mail a form and proof of residency to update your address
You can also change your address by mail. read the process for Replacement Driver License or Identification Card (form DL 44) from the Department of Licensing website, or call 360-902-3900 to request it. Fill in your new address on the form, sign it, and include a copy of proof of residency — the same documents accepted online work by mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax assessment, or government letter, all dated within 60 days).
Mail the completed form and proof to the Department of Licensing at P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a new license card unless you also request a renewal, so your physical license will still show the old address. However, your address in the state system will be updated, and that is what matters for legal and law enforcement purposes.
There is no fee for a mail-in address change. If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it, you can request a replacement card at the same time, which does carry a fee (currently around $20, though this may vary).
Visit a licensing office in person
You can walk into any Washington Department of Licensing office and update your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one piece of proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax assessment, or government letter dated within 60 days). The staff will update your record in the system when ready.
Like the online and mail methods, your physical license card will retain the old address until renewal unless you also request a replacement card. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can request one at the same visit — this carries a fee. Find your nearest licensing office and hours at dol.wa.gov or call 360-902-3900.
What counts as proof of residency
Washington requires proof that you actually live at the address you are claiming. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- Lease agreement or rental contract
- Mortgage statement or property deed
- Property tax assessment or bill
- Letter from a government agency (such as a tax return, voter registration confirmation, or court document)
- Bank or credit card statement
- Insurance policy or bill
A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address usually works if it comes from a bank, insurance company, utility, or government agency. A letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead can also work if it states your address and is dated within 60 days. Do not use a post office change-of-address form as your only proof — bring it along with one of the documents above.
When your physical license card will show the new address
Changing your address in the state system does not automatically print a new license card. Your physical card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license at the end of its validity period. If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it before renewal, you can request a replacement card at any time — this costs a fee (currently around $20) and takes a few days to arrive by mail.
For most purposes, the address in the state database matters more than what is printed on the card. Law enforcement, courts, and the Department of Motor Vehicles check the live record, not the card itself. However, if you need the new address on the physical card for identification purposes (such as for a job, housing, or banking), requesting a replacement card is worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my license when I move?
Washington does not legally require you to update your address when ready, but you should do it as soon as possible. Your license address is your official residence for legal purposes, including traffic citations, vehicle registration, and court notices. If you do not update it, official documents may be sent to your old address.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. You must have a valid, unexpired Washington driver's license to change the address. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it first. Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or visit dol.wa.gov to learn about renewal options.
What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 60 days?
You will need to obtain a document that meets the requirement. Ask your utility company, landlord, bank, or insurance company for a recent statement or letter. If you just moved and do not have a 60-day document yet, wait a few weeks or contact the Department of Licensing to ask about exceptions in your situation.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online process takes just a few minutes to complete. Your address is updated in the state system when ready after you submit the form. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.
Will I get a new license card if I change my address online?
No. An online address change updates your record in the state system but does not issue a new card. Your physical license will still show the old address. If you want a new card with the updated address, you can request a replacement card for a fee.