Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office

Washington allows you to update your driver's license address without renewing the entire license. The fastest route is the online system at dol.wa.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail a form or visit a local office in person. The address change itself does not extend your license expiration date — your license remains valid until the date printed on it.

You will need your current driver's license number and the address where you want mail sent. If you have moved out of state or lost your license, the process changes and requires a visit to an office or a replacement process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Department of Licensing online portal at dol.wa.gov is the fastest way to change your address and requires only your license number and new address.
  • An address change does not renew your license or change its expiration date, so you still need to renew on schedule.
  • If you are a new Washington resident, you have 30 days from moving to update your address before the old one becomes invalid for identification purposes.
  • Mailing in a form (DL 43) takes one to two weeks, while in-person visits at a Department of Licensing office are processed the same day.
  • You cannot change your address if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired — you must resolve that status first.

Changing your address online through the Department of Licensing website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select the option to change your address on your driver's license. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new mailing address exactly as you want it to appear on your record. The system will confirm the change when ready, and you do not need to pay a fee.

The online system works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. If you have moved recently and your address on file is still your old one, the system will accept the change as long as your license has not expired. You will receive a confirmation email, though the Department of Licensing does not mail you a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until you renew.

Mailing a form to update your address

read or request the DL 43 form (Address Change) from dol.wa.gov or pick one up at any Department of Licensing office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — currently the Department of Licensing in Olympia, though you should verify the current mailing address on the form itself since office locations can change.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. You do not need to include payment or a copy of your license. Once processed, your address is updated in the system, but again, you will not receive a new physical card. If you need proof of your new address for banking, insurance, or vehicle registration, bring your current license and a piece of mail showing your new address, or visit an office in person for a same-day update.

Updating your address in person at a Department of Licensing office

Visit any Department of Licensing office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official mail showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original or a copy — offices accept either. Tell the staff member you want to change your address, not renew your license.

The office will update your address on the same day at no cost. You will receive a receipt confirming the change, which you can use when ready for identification or registration purposes. Your physical license card still shows the old address, but the Department of Licensing's system reflects the new one. If you need a new card with the updated address printed on it, you would need to renew your license, which costs the standard renewal fee and requires a new photo.

What happens if you move to Washington from another state

Washington law requires new residents to update their driver's license address within 30 days of moving. If you hold a valid license from another state, you can change the address to your Washington location using any of the three methods above — online, by mail, or in person. Your out-of-state license remains valid for identification during this time.

After 30 days, your out-of-state license is no longer valid for Washington purposes, even if it has not expired. You will need to renew it as a Washington license, which requires a visit to an office, a new photo, and the renewal fee. If you change your address within the 30-day window, you avoid the renewal requirement and keep your current license valid until its original expiration date.

Address changes when your license is suspended, revoked, or expired

You cannot change your address online or by mail if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. The office will first address the suspension, revocation, or expiration status — you may need to pay a reinstatement fee, provide proof of insurance, or complete other requirements depending on why the license is not valid.

Once your license status is resolved, the office can update your address at the same time. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, you may need to renew it rather than straightforward change the address. Ask the office staff what steps explore to your situation when you call ahead or visit.

Updating your address for vehicle registration after changing your driver's license address

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You need to notify the Department of Licensing separately about your vehicle registration address. You can do this online at dol.wa.gov, by mail using the appropriate registration form, or in person at an office.

Washington does not require you to update your registration address when ready, but doing so ensures that registration renewal notices and other official mail reach you. If your registration and driver's license addresses do not match, it can cause confusion during traffic stops or when renewing your registration. Update both at the same time to keep your records aligned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new driver's license card when I change my address?

No. Changing your address updates the Department of Licensing's system but does not issue a new physical card. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you want a card with your new address, you must renew your license, which costs the renewal fee and requires a new photo.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about 10 minutes to complete. The change is confirmed when ready, and your address is updated in the system right away. You do not need to wait for mail or schedule an office visit.

What if I moved but haven't updated my address yet and I got pulled over?

A police officer can see your current address in the system even though your physical license shows the old one. You should update your address as soon as possible to avoid confusion. If you have not updated it within 30 days of moving, your out-of-state license (if applicable) becomes invalid, though a Washington license remains valid until its expiration date regardless of address.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot change your address online or by mail if your license is expired. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. The office will help you renew your license and update your address at the same time.

Do I need to bring anything to change my address online?

You need only your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of your new address when using the online system.