You can update your Georgia address online, by mail, or in person at a DDS office

Georgia lets you change your address without getting a new license or paying a fee. The fastest route is the online system at DDS.ga.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and updates your record when ready. 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. All three routes are free, but they differ in speed and what you need to bring or send.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at DDS.ga.gov is the fastest option and updates your record the same day without visiting an office.
  • You will need your Georgia driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to change your address online.
  • By mail, you send Form DL 43 with a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your new address to the DDS mailing address in Atlanta.
  • In-person changes at any DDS office require your current license and one document proving your new address, and take about 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Your physical license card will not change — only your record in the DDS system updates, which is what matters for traffic stops and ID checks.

Changing your address online through DDS.ga.gov

Start at DDS.ga.gov and look for the "Address Change" option in the driver's license section. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.

Once you submit, the change is live in the DDS database. You do not receive a new card in the mail — your existing license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DDS record shows your new address. This matters because police, courts, and government agencies check the DDS database, not the card itself. The whole process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.

If the online system will not accept your information, it usually means your license number or Social Security number does not match what DDS has on file. Call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400 to verify your details before trying again.

Mailing a form to update your address

read or request Form DL 43 (Address Change) from DDS.ga.gov or call 678-413-8400 to have one mailed to you. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Attach one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Do not send your actual license card.

Mail the form and document to:

Georgia Department of Driver Services P.O. Box 80447 Conyers, GA 30013

Processing by mail takes 7 to 14 business days after DDS receives your envelope. There is no fee. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up. If you do not hear back within three weeks, call 678-413-8400 to confirm receipt.

Updating your address in person at a DDS office

Walk into any DDS office with your current Georgia driver's license and one document showing your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will verify your document, update your record in the system, and hand you a receipt. The change is when ready. Your physical license card stays the same — the update only affects the DDS database. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Find your nearest DDS office and its hours at DDS.ga.gov under "Office Locations." Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

What documents prove your new address

DDS accepts any recent document that shows your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works best because it is hard to fake and updates quickly. A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works, even if it is older. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (tax forms, voter registration, court notices) are all acceptable.

Do not bring a handwritten note or a letter from a friend. DDS needs an official document with your name printed on it. If you just moved and have not received any mail at the new address yet, a lease or mortgage document with your signature is your best option. If you are staying with someone temporarily and have no document in your name, call 678-413-8400 to ask what DDS will accept in your situation.

Why your physical card does not change

Georgia does not issue a new license card when you change your address. The card you carry keeps the old address printed on it, but that does not matter. Police, courts, and government agencies all check the DDS database when they scan or look up your license — they see your current address there, not what is printed on the card.

If you want a new card with your current address printed on it, you can request one, but it costs $32 and takes several weeks to arrive. Most people skip this step because the old card works fine for all legal purposes. If you are moving out of state or your license is expiring soon anyway, it might make sense to wait and renew instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address before I move or after?

You can do it either way. Changing it before you move is fine — DDS does not verify that you actually live there. Changing it after you move is more common. Either way, update it within a reasonable time so your record matches where you actually are.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Georgia license?

If you moved permanently, you should get a license in your new state instead of just changing the address in Georgia. If you are keeping your Georgia license for another reason, you can still change the address to your out-of-state location online, by mail, or by calling 678-413-8400.

Can someone else change my address for me?

Online, no — you need your own license number and Social Security number. By mail or in person, you can have someone else submit the form or visit the office on your behalf if they bring your license and a document proving your new address, though policies vary by office. Call ahead to confirm.

How long does it take for the change to show up in the system?

Online changes are when ready. By mail, it takes 7 to 14 business days. In person, it is when ready. If you need proof of the change right away, the in-person route gives you a receipt on the spot.

What if I entered my address wrong online?

Go back to DDS.ga.gov and submit another address change with the correct information. The new one will overwrite the old one. If you cannot access the online system, call 678-413-8400 and a representative can update it for you over the phone.