You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office

Washington State allows you to change your driver's license address without renewing the entire license. The fastest method is online through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website if your address change is within Washington State. If you are moving out of state or prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form or visit a licensing office in person. The address on your license should match your current residence within a reasonable time — Washington law does not set a specific important date, but using an outdated address can create problems with traffic stops, mail delivery, and vehicle registration.

Your address change does not affect your license expiration date or require you to pay a renewal fee. You will receive a new card in the mail with your updated address, and your old license remains valid until it expires. If you are also renewing your vehicle registration, you will need to update that separately through the Department of Revenue.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the DOL website is the fastest option and works only if you are staying in Washington State.
  • You can mail Form DL 43 (Change of Address) to the Department of Licensing if you prefer not to go online or are moving out of state.
  • In-person address changes at any DOL office take a few minutes and require your current driver's license and proof of your new address.
  • Your new license card arrives by mail within one to two weeks; your old license stays valid until expiration.
  • Updating your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration — those are separate processes.

Changing your address online through the DOL website

Visit the Washington Department of Licensing website and look for the "Change Address" option under driver's license services. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new Washington address. This method works only if you are moving within Washington State; if you are relocating out of state, you must use the mail or in-person option.

After you submit your information online, the DOL processes the change and mails you a new license card. You should receive it within one to two weeks, depending on mail delivery times. Your old license remains valid during this period. There is no fee for an address change, and your license expiration date does not change.

Mailing Form DL 43 to update your address

read Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the Department of Licensing website or request it by phone at 360-902-3900. Complete the form with your current license information and your new address. You will need to sign the form and include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address all work.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks after the DOL receives your form. Keep a copy for your records. If you are moving out of state, this is your only option besides visiting an office in person.

Updating your address in person at a DOL office

Visit any Department of Licensing office in Washington with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Bring a document that shows both your name and new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent government mail. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations accept them to reduce wait times.

The staff member will verify your information, process the change, and issue you a temporary paper license valid until your new card arrives by mail. The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes. Your new plastic license card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. There is no fee for this service.

What counts as proof of your new address

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

Documents must show your full name and complete address. A bank statement, credit card statement, or insurance bill may work depending on the office, so if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted, call ahead to the office you plan to visit. You cannot use a post office box as your address on a driver's license; it must be a physical residence.

Updating your vehicle registration after an address change

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must notify the Department of Revenue separately if your vehicle registration is in your name. You can update your registration address online through the DOL website, by mail using Form REG 14 (process for Title and Registration), or in person at any licensing office.

If you are renewing your registration at the same time, you can combine both processes. If you are only changing your address, there is no fee. Your registration expiration date does not change. Keeping your registration address current is important because the state mails renewal notices to the address on file, and an outdated address can delay your renewal or cause you to miss the important date.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

Online changes are processed within one to two business days, and your new card is mailed when ready after. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from the date the DOL receives your form. In-person changes are when ready — you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card by mail within one to two weeks.

Your old license remains valid and legal to use until it expires, even after you have submitted an address change. You do not need to carry both cards. If your new card does not arrive within three weeks of your change, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to check the status. If you move again before your new card arrives, you can submit another address change without waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my driver's license address if I move?

Washington law does not set a specific important date, but you should update it within a reasonable time. Using an outdated address can cause problems during traffic stops and may delay important mail from the state. It is not required to renew your license just to change the address.

Can I change my address online if I am moving out of state?

No, the online system works only for moves within Washington State. If you are relocating out of state, mail Form DL 43 to the Department of Licensing or visit an office in person before you leave.

Will I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No, there is no fee for an address change on your driver's license. Your license expiration date does not change, and you do not need to renew.

How long does it take to receive my new license card after I change my address?

Most people receive their new card within one to two weeks of submitting the change. Online and in-person changes are processed faster than mail-in requests, which can take two to three weeks.

Does changing my driver's license address also update my vehicle registration?

No, you must update your vehicle registration separately through the Department of Revenue. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a licensing office.