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

Georgia allows you to change your address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is the online system at DDS.ga.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to the Georgia Department of Driver Services or visit a local office in person. The method you choose depends on whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license and how quickly you need the change recorded.

Your address update takes effect when ready in the DDS system, even though your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it. Law enforcement and other agencies can see your current address in their database, so the update is legally valid right away. You do not need to carry proof of the address change with you.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at DDS.ga.gov is free and the fastest option if your license is REAL ID-compliant or you have a standard Georgia license issued after 2017.
  • You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to use the online system.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL-43 to the DDS address or visit any DDS office with proof of your new address.
  • Your address updates in the state system when ready, even though your physical card keeps the old address until your next renewal.
  • Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Changing your address online through DDS.ga.gov

Visit DDS.ga.gov and look for the "Change Address" or "Address Change" option in the online services menu. You will need your Georgia driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in the system, then review it before submitting.

The system will confirm your change when ready and show you a confirmation number. Save or print this number in case you need to reference the transaction later. The address change is recorded in the DDS database right away, though it may take a few hours to sync across all state systems.

The online system works for most Georgia drivers, but some older licenses or special license types may not be may be able to access. If the system rejects your license number, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing your address change to DDS

read or request Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card) from DDS.ga.gov or call the DDS customer service line at 678-413-8400. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and proof to:

Georgia Department of Driver Services P.O. Box 80447 Conyers, GA 30013

Processing by mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days after DDS receives your envelope. Your address will be updated in the system during that time, even though your physical license card will not change. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records.

Updating your address in person at a DDS office

Visit any Georgia DDS office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days — utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary by office and time of day.

Tell the staff member you need an address change. They will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update it in the system on the spot. The change takes effect when ready. Your physical license card will still show the old address, but your record in the DDS database will reflect the new one.

To find the DDS office nearest you, use the office locator at DDS.ga.gov or call 678-413-8400. Some offices have longer wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the day often means shorter lines.

What counts as proof of your new address

DDS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, dated within 60 days and stating your name and move-in date, may work. Call your local DDS office before visiting to confirm they will accept a landlord letter, since policies can vary slightly by location.

Your physical license card versus your DDS record

When you change your address, only your record in the DDS database updates. Your physical driver's license card will continue to show your old address until you renew it. This is normal and does not affect the validity of your license or the legal status of your address change.

Police officers, government agencies, and businesses that check your license can see your current address in the DDS system, so they will have the correct information. You do not need to carry any proof of the address change with you. If you want your physical card to match your current address before your renewal date, you can request a duplicate license with the new address, though this costs a fee and is not required.

When you need to renew instead of just changing your address

A straightforward address change is free and does not affect your license expiration date. However, if your license is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it at the same time so your physical card shows the new address. A renewal costs the standard renewal fee and extends your license validity by eight years.

If your license is a standard (non-REAL ID) license and you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license, you must renew rather than just change your address. A REAL ID license requires additional documentation and costs more, but it allows you to use your license for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights. You can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and DDS requirements at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?

Yes. Your driver's license address and vehicle registration address are separate records. You must update your vehicle registration address with the Georgia Department of Revenue, either online at mvd.dor.ga.gov, by mail, or in person at a local tag office. Updating one does not automatically update the other.

How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes take 7 to 10 business days after DDS receives your form. In-person changes are recorded on the spot. Your address will be visible to law enforcement and government agencies as soon as it is recorded, even if your physical card has not been replaced yet.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Georgia license?

You can update your address to an out-of-state address using the same methods — online, by mail, or in person if you are visiting Georgia. However, most states require you to get a license in your new state within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 60 days after moving). Check your new state's DMV rules to see when you must switch.

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

Yes. You can update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect your suspension or revocation status. DDS needs your current address on file for official correspondence, so updating it is a good idea regardless of your license status.

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

Most documents must be dated within 60 days, so if you just moved, you may not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet. Ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, your new address, and your move-in date. Call your local DDS office first to confirm they will accept this before you visit or mail it in.