You can update your Georgia driver's license 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 remains valid during the process — you do not need to wait for a new card to arrive before the address change takes effect in the system.
The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have access to the documents required. All three routes are free, but they differ in processing time and what you need to bring or submit.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Georgia DDS website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- If you change your address online, you will receive a new physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, but your address is updated in the system when ready.
- Mailing in an address change requires Form DL 43 (Address Change), a copy of your current license, and proof of your new address, with processing taking 2 to 3 weeks.
- Visiting a DDS office in person is the slowest route unless you need the change recorded the same day for a specific reason.
- You must update your address within 30 days of moving to a new residence in Georgia.
Changing your address online through the DDS website
The online method is available through the Georgia DDS website at dds.georgia.gov. You will need your current Georgia driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using this information and then ask you to enter your new address.
Once you submit the change online, it is recorded in the DDS system when ready. Georgia will mail you a new physical license card with the updated address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, and the address change is already active in the state's records, so you can use the new address for official purposes right away if needed.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no fee for this service. If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online portal, the other two methods are still open to you.
Mailing in your address change with Form DL 43
To change your address by mail, you will need to complete Form DL 43, which is the Address Change form. You can read it from the Georgia DDS website or request it by phone at 678-413-8400. Along with the form, you must include a copy of your current driver's license and proof of your new address.
Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued document showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form, copy of your license, and proof of address to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013.
Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. You will receive a new license card with your updated address. During this time, your old license is still valid, and you can use it for identification purposes. There is no fee for a mailed address change.
Updating your address in person at a DDS office
You can visit any Georgia DDS office to change your address in person. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address (same documents accepted for the mail method: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government ID dated within 60 days). You do not need to make an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
When you arrive, tell the staff member you need an address change. They will verify your identity, update your information in the system, and issue you a new license card on the spot. This is the only method that gives you the new card when ready. The in-person process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
To find the DDS office nearest you, visit the Georgia DDS website and use the office locator tool. You can also call 678-413-8400 to confirm office hours and current wait times before you go.
What counts as proof of your new address
Georgia requires that your proof of address document be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and your new street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common form of proof. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and insurance documents also work. Government-issued ID with your new address is acceptable as well.
Documents that do not work include bank statements, credit card statements, or letters from employers, even if they show your address. If your name does not appear on the document exactly as it appears on your license, bring a second document that shows the connection between the two names (such as a marriage certificate if your name has changed).
Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change
The timeline depends on which method you use. Online changes are recorded when ready, with your new physical card arriving in 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in changes take 2 to 3 weeks from the date Georgia receives your form. In-person changes are completed the same day you visit the office.
Your old license remains valid during the entire process. You do not need to wait for the new card to arrive before using your new address for official purposes — the change is active in the DDS system as soon as it is processed. If you need to provide proof of your address change before the new card arrives, you can print a confirmation from the online system or ask the DDS office for a letter confirming the change date.
If your new card does not arrive within 10 business days of your online submission, or within 3 weeks of mailing your form, contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to check the status.
Why Georgia requires you to update your address within 30 days
Georgia law requires that you update your driver's license address within 30 days of moving. This requirement exists so that the state's records match your actual residence, which affects everything from voter registration to vehicle registration to jury duty notices. If you are pulled over by law enforcement and your license shows an old address, you may be asked to explain the discrepancy, though an address change in progress is usually not a violation.
The 30-day window is a legal requirement, not a suggestion, but there is no penalty for updating your address late as long as you do update it. If you have moved and have not yet changed your address, any of the three methods above will bring you into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my license to change my address?
No. An address change is separate from license renewal. You can update your address at any time, regardless of when your license expires. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew and change the address at the same time, but you do not have to wait for renewal to update your address.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Georgia license?
If you have moved out of Georgia, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state rather than updating your Georgia address. Georgia's address change process is for residents moving within the state. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to obtain a license there.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired, as long as it has not been suspended. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the suspension first. Contact the Georgia DDS at 678-413-8400 to find out what is required to lift the suspension.
How long does the new card take to arrive if I change my address online?
Georgia typically mails the new card within 7 to 10 business days of your online submission. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. If you have not received it after 10 business days, contact the DDS to confirm it was mailed.
What if my proof of address document does not have my current name on it?
Bring a second document that explains the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DDS staff will review both documents together to confirm the connection between your old and new name.