What you need to do to update your address in Georgia

You can change the address on your Georgia driver's license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office, online through the DDS website, or by mail. The online option is the fastest if your license is current and you have not changed your name. In-person visits take about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Georgia does not charge a fee to update your address. You will need your current driver's license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days works. If you are moving out of state or your license is expired, you will need to renew it instead of straightforward changing your address, which involves a different process and may require a vision test and new photo.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes take 5 to 10 minutes and are free, but only work if your license is current and your name has not changed.
  • In-person visits at any DDS office let you change your address the same day without an appointment, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on the office.
  • You must bring your current Georgia driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days.
  • If your license is expired or you have changed your name, you cannot use the address-change process and must renew your license instead.

Changing your address online

The DDS online portal at dds.georgia.gov lets you update your address without leaving home. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and confirm. The change takes effect when ready in the system, though your physical license will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it.

Online changes work only if your license is valid (not expired) and you have not changed your name, gender marker, or other personal information. If any of those explore to you, you must visit a DDS office in person. The online system also cannot process address changes if your license was suspended or revoked.

Changing your address in person at a DDS office

Walk into any Georgia DDS office with your current license and proof of your new address. No appointment is needed. Hand both documents to the clerk, confirm the new address on the screen, and you are done. Your updated license prints on the spot or is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office's equipment.

DDS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours. Find the office nearest you and its hours at dds.georgia.gov. Arrive early in the day or mid-week if you want to avoid peak wait times; Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier. Bring your Social Security number if you have it, though it is not required.

Changing your address by mail

Print the DL 44 form (Address Change Request) from dds.georgia.gov, fill in your current license number and new address, and mail it with a copy of your proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. This route is slower than online or in-person options and is best used only if you cannot reach an office or access the online system.

Keep a copy of what you mail. If your change does not appear in the system after three weeks, contact DDS at 678-413-8400 to confirm receipt. The mailed form must include your signature; unsigned forms are rejected and returned.

What counts as proof of your new address

Georgia accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail all work. Bank statements and credit card statements do not count. If the document is in both spouses' names, either spouse can use it.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and your move-in date. Some DDS offices accept this; call ahead to confirm before you visit.

If your license is expired or you changed your name

You cannot use the address-change process if your license expired more than 5 years ago or if you have changed your name since your license was issued. Instead, you must renew your license, which requires a new photo, vision test, and the standard renewal fee. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of your new address, and proof of your new name if applicable (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).

Renewal takes the same time as an address change at an office — about 30 minutes — but costs money and involves more steps. If your license is only slightly expired (within 5 years), you can still use it as your ID for the address change; DDS will not require you to renew it at that time.

What happens after you change your address

Your address updates in the DDS system when ready, whether you change it online, in person, or by mail. Law enforcement and other agencies can see the new address right away. Your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it for other reasons (expiration, name change, or a new photo). This is normal and does not cause problems.

If you need proof of your new address for other purposes — opening a bank account, signing a lease, or registering to vote — bring your updated driver's license along with the proof-of-address document you used for the DDS change. Some organizations will accept the DDS confirmation email if you changed your address online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to change my address at a DDS office?

No. DDS offices in Georgia accept walk-ins for address changes. You do not need to schedule ahead. Arrive during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with your license and proof of address, and you will be served in the order you arrive.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes 5 to 10 minutes. Your address updates in the system when ready. Your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it, but your record in the DDS database reflects the change right away.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within the last 60 days also works. If you just moved and have none of these yet, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and move-in date. Call your local DDS office first to confirm they accept landlord letters.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

If your license expired within the last 5 years, you can use it to change your address. If it expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew your license instead, which requires a new photo and vision test. The renewal process includes the address change.

Will my old address stay on my physical license card?

Yes. Your physical license shows your old address until you renew it for another reason — expiration, name change, or a new photo. The DDS system updates when ready, so law enforcement and government agencies see your new address. Your old card is still valid ID.