Where to report your address change

You report an address change to the same body that issued your driver's license — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it. In some states it is the Secretary of State's office; in others it is the Department of Transportation. The name varies, but the function is the same: they hold your license record and they update it.

Most states now let you change your address online through their DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local office. A few still require you to appear in person. The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it — you can complete it in minutes from home, and the change takes effect when ready or within a few days.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address update is separate from renewal and does not cost money in most states. Your physical license card stays the same; only the record in the system changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's DMV directly — not a third-party service — to change your address, because only the DMV can update your official record.
  • Most states offer online address changes that take effect within days, and many do not charge a fee for this update alone.
  • You will need your driver's license number, current address, and new address; some states also ask for the date you moved.
  • Changing your address does not renew your license or extend its expiration date — it only updates where the state will mail documents to you.
  • If you move to a different state, you will need to get a new license from that state rather than straightforward updating your address.

What you need before you start

Have your driver's license number ready — it is on the front of your card. You will also need your current address (the one on your license) and your new address. Some states ask for the date you moved; others do not. A few states require proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement, but most do not ask for this when you change your address online.

If you are changing your name at the same time — because of marriage, divorce, or court order — you will usually need to do that separately and may need to provide a certified copy of the document that shows the name change. Check your state's DMV website for what counts as proof of a name change in your state.

Online address changes

If your state offers online updates, you will go to the DMV website, log in or enter your license number and personal details, and fill in your new address. The system will ask you to confirm the change. Most states process online changes within one to five business days, though some show the update in the system when ready.

Online changes are usually free. A few states charge a small fee — typically $5 to $10 — but most do not. The website will tell you before you submit whether there is a charge. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number or email. Keep this for your records, though you do not need to do anything with it.

Mailing in your address change

If you prefer to mail your change or your state does not offer online updates, you will fill out a form — usually called an Address Change form or a Change of Address form — and mail it to the address shown on the form. The form is free and available on your state's DMV website as a PDF you can print, or you can request one by mail or phone.

Mail your completed form to the address the DMV provides. Include your driver's license number and both your old and new addresses. Do not send your physical license card unless the form specifically asks for it — most states do not need it. Processing by mail usually takes two to four weeks. Send it certified mail if you want proof of delivery, though it is not required.

In-person address changes at a DMV office

You can also walk into a local DMV office and request an address change in person. Bring your driver's license and proof of your new address if your state requires it. The staff will update your record on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not need an appointment in most states, but some offices now use online scheduling to manage wait times — check your state's website before you go.

In-person changes are useful if you are already at the DMV for another reason, such as renewing your license or getting a new ID. They are also the fastest option if you need the change recorded right away. However, if online or mail options are available, they usually involve less waiting.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address change is processed, the DMV will mail any future documents — such as renewal notices, registration documents, or court-ordered paperwork — to your new address. Your physical license card does not change; it still shows your old address until you renew it. When you renew, you will receive a new card with your current address printed on it.

The address change does not affect your license's expiration date. If your license expires in two years, it will still expire in two years, even if you just changed your address. You will need to renew separately when the expiration date arrives.

Moving to a different state

If you move to a new state, you cannot straightforward change your address with your old state's DMV. Instead, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving there, though the exact timeline varies. Check your new state's DMV website for the important date and what documents you will need to bring.

You can usually keep your old license until it expires, but it will no longer be valid for driving in your new state after a certain point. Your new state's DMV will tell you the rules when you explore. Some states let you transfer your old license number to your new one; others issue a completely new number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move temporarily?

If you are moving for a short time — such as a few months for work — you do not have to change your address. However, if you plan to stay in the new location for more than a few months, it is a good idea to update it so the DMV knows where to reach you. Some states have rules about how long you can live at a new address before you must update it.

What if I do not know my new address yet?

Wait until you have a confirmed address before you change it. The DMV needs a specific street address to update your record. If you are moving to a temporary address first, you can change it again later once you have a permanent one — there is no limit to how many times you can update your address.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address with the DMV does not affect your driving record or any violations on it. However, you should also notify your insurance company of your address change, because they use it to calculate your rates and to contact you. Contact your insurance agent separately — do not assume the DMV change automatically updates your insurance.

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

Yes, you can change your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change is a separate transaction from the status of your license. However, you cannot drive legally while your license is suspended or revoked, regardless of whether your address is current.

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

Online changes usually take one to five business days to appear in the DMV system. Mail takes two to four weeks. In-person changes are when ready. If you need proof that you have changed your address, ask for a confirmation number or receipt at the time you submit the change.