You can update your Washington driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a licensing office

Washington State allows you to change your address without renewing your license early. The fastest method is online through the Department of Licensing website if you have a valid Washington ID or license. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail in a form or visit a licensing office in person. The address change itself costs nothing — you only pay if you choose to renew your license at the same time.

Your address must match your current residence. Washington uses your driver's license address for vehicle registration, jury duty notices, and official mail from the state. If you move and do not update it, you may miss important documents or have registration issues when you renew your vehicle tabs.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Department of Licensing website is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if you have your current license number and a valid email address.
  • If you cannot go online, you can mail Form DL 43 (Address Change) to the Department of Licensing with a copy of proof of residence.
  • Proof of residence must show your name and new address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • In-person address changes at a licensing office do not require an appointment in most locations and take about 15 minutes.
  • Your physical license card will not change — the address update happens in the state system only.

Updating your address online through the Department of Licensing

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Change Your Address" under the Driver License & ID section. You will need your current Washington driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity and then enter your new address.

After you submit the change online, the Department of Licensing updates your record when ready. You do not receive a new card in the mail — your existing license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the state's system shows your new address. This is sufficient for registration renewals, vehicle tabs, and official correspondence. If you want a card with the new address printed on it, you can renew your license at the same time for the standard renewal fee.

Mailing in an address change form

read Form DL 43 (Address Change) from the Department of Licensing website or request it by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and new address. You must also include a copy of proof of residence — a document that shows both your name and your new address and was issued within the last 60 days.

Acceptable proof of residence includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card. Mail the completed form and proof to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You will not receive confirmation in the mail, but you can check your updated address by logging into your account on the Department of Licensing website after processing is complete.

Updating your address in person at a licensing office

Visit any Department of Licensing office in Washington with your current driver's license and proof of residence. Bring the same documents you would mail: your license and a document showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days. Most offices do not require an appointment for address changes, though you may wait in line depending on the time of day and location.

The staff member will verify your information, update your address in the system, and you will receive a receipt. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your physical license card will not change, but your address in the state system updates when ready. You can find office locations and hours on the Department of Licensing website.

What counts as proof of residence

Your proof of residence must show your full name and your new street address. It must have been issued or dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowners insurance bill all work. Government mail such as a tax return, W-2, voter registration card, or court document with your name and address also counts.

Documents that do not work include credit card statements, bank statements without an address, or mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant." If you are staying with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, ask the property owner or manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residence, along with a utility bill or lease showing the address. Some offices accept this combination in place of a standard proof document.

Updating your address when you renew your license

If your license is expiring soon, you can update your address at the same time you renew. You will pay the renewal fee (which varies depending on whether you renew for four or eight years) and receive a new card with your updated address printed on it. This is the only way to get a physical card that shows your new address.

You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as a standard renewal. If you renew online, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you renew by mail or in person, bring your proof of residence along with your renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address before my license expires?

No. You can update your address at any time, whether your license is current or expired. However, if your license is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time so you receive a new card with the updated address printed on it.

What if I do not have proof of residence in my name?

If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residence and move-in date. Bring that letter along with any document showing the address, such as a lease or utility bill in someone else's name at that address. Some offices will accept this combination.

How long does it take to update my address?

Online updates are when ready. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person updates at a licensing office are processed the same day, usually within 15 minutes. Your address in the state system updates right away in all three cases — you do not need to wait for a new card to arrive.

Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?

No, unless you renew your license at the same time. An address-only change updates your information in the state system but does not produce a new card. Your existing card remains valid. If you want a card printed with your new address, you must renew your license and pay the renewal fee.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can update your address on an expired license. However, you cannot use an expired license for identification purposes. If you need to renew it anyway, do both at the same time.