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

Georgia allows you to change the address on your driver's license without renewing the entire license. The fastest route is the online system through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail in a form or visit a DDS office in person. Your current license stays valid during the address change — you do not need a new one unless yours is expiring soon.

The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have access to a computer. All three routes update the same record that law enforcement and government agencies see, so the choice is purely about convenience.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Georgia DDS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with no appointment needed.
  • You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
  • If you mail in the change, you must include a completed form DDS 44 and proof of your new address, and the process takes two to three weeks.
  • Visiting a DDS office in person requires an appointment booked through the website, and you must bring your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Your current license remains valid after you report an address change — you do not receive a new card unless your license is expiring.

Changing your address online through the Georgia DDS website

The online method is the simplest if you have a computer and internet access. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select the option to update your address, and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new address. Once you submit, the change is recorded when ready in the Georgia system.

You will receive a confirmation email after the change is processed. Your physical license card does not change — the address update happens in the state database that police officers and government agencies access when they look up your record. If your license is expiring within the next year, you may want to renew it at the same time so your new address appears on the card itself, but this is optional.

Mailing in an address change with form DDS 44

If you prefer to mail your change, read or request form DDS 44 from the Georgia DDS website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You must also include proof that you live at the new address — acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. During this time, your current license remains valid at your old address. Once the DDS receives and processes your form, your address is updated in the system, and you will receive a confirmation letter. Like the online method, your physical card does not change unless you renew your license.

Visiting a Georgia DDS office in person

You can also update your address by visiting a DDS office. First, book an appointment through the Georgia DDS website — walk-ins are not may provide service. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The office staff will update your record on the spot, and you will receive a confirmation.

In-person visits are useful if you want the change recorded when ready and do not want to wait for mail processing. However, you still do not receive a new physical card unless your license is expiring soon. If you are renewing anyway, you can do both at the same appointment.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia accepts several documents as proof of residence. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common. A lease agreement or mortgage statement with your name and new address also works. Government mail — such as a tax document, voter registration card, or benefit statement — counts if it shows your name and address.

Documents must show your full name and the complete new address. A bank statement or credit card statement typically does not count unless it is from a government agency. If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask the DDS office what temporary proof they will accept — some offices have flexibility for people in transition.

Timeline and what happens to your old address

Online changes take effect when ready in the state system. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person visits are when ready. During the processing time, your license is still valid even though the address on the physical card is outdated — the state database shows your current address, which is what matters for law enforcement checks and government records.

Your old address does not cause problems. If you are pulled over before your physical card is renewed, the officer will see your updated address in the system. The address on the card itself is not what police check — they scan or type your license number into a computer that pulls your current information from the DDS database.

When to renew your license at the same time

If your license expires within the next year, consider renewing it when you change your address. This way, your new address appears on the physical card, and you avoid a second trip to the DDS office or a second mailing. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as an address change, though renewal has a fee (the amount varies by license type and how long you are renewing for).

If your license does not expire for several years, a straightforward address change is all you need. You can renew later when the expiration date approaches, and the address will already be correct in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move out of state?

No. Once you move to another state, you should get a driver's license from that state instead. Georgia will not update your address to an out-of-state location. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to get a license there.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

Contact your local DDS office before you visit or mail in your change. Some offices accept temporary proof, such as a signed lease that has not yet generated a utility bill, or a letter from a landlord or property manager on official letterhead. Policies vary by office, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip.

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

Yes. A suspended or revoked license can still have its address updated. The address change does not affect the suspension or revocation status — those are separate issues that must be resolved through the DDS separately.

How long does my physical license card show the old address?

Until you renew your license. The card itself does not update when you change your address — only the state database does. When you renew (typically every eight years in Georgia), you receive a new card with your current address printed on it.

What if I moved and did not update my address — will I get in trouble?

No legal penalty applies for not updating your address. However, any official mail from the DDS, courts, or other agencies will go to your old address, so you may miss important notices. Updating your address ensures you receive renewal notices and any other correspondence at the correct location.