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

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

You will need to prove your identity and Washington residency. What counts as proof depends on which method you choose, but generally you need a document showing your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) and a valid ID. If you have moved out of state or your license is expired, you cannot use the online option and must visit an office or mail in documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dol.wa.gov is free and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and you have a Washington address.
  • You must provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • If your license is expired, suspended, or you have moved out of state, you cannot change your address online and must use mail or visit a licensing office.
  • Mailing in a form takes two to four weeks; visiting an office in person is usually faster but requires an appointment or a wait.
  • Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address.

Changing your address online through the Department of Licensing website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Change Address on Driver License or ID Card" from the main menu. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record.

Once you submit the change, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Washington does not mail a new card when you change your address online — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the Department of Licensing's records will show your new address. This means your registration, insurance, and official documents will reflect the correct address even though your physical card does not. If you want a card with your new address printed on it, you must renew your license, which costs the standard renewal fee.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the system rejects your information, it usually means your license is expired, suspended, or you have an outstanding issue with the Department of Licensing. In that case, you will need to use the mail or in-person options.

Mailing in an address change form

read the "Change of Address" form from dol.wa.gov or request one by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and signature. You will need to include a copy of a document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license.

Mail the form and proof of address to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date they receive your envelope. You can track the status by calling 360-902-3900 or checking your account on dol.wa.gov if you have one set up. Like the online method, mailing in a change does not issue a new card — your physical license will still show your old address.

Changing your address in person at a licensing office

Visit any Department of Licensing office in Washington. You can find the nearest location and book an appointment at dol.wa.gov. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and proof of identity if your license is expired or you have changed your name.

Most offices operate by appointment, though some accept walk-ins during specific hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. An in-person visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. Like the other methods, changing your address in person does not issue a new card unless you also renew your license.

What counts as proof of your new Washington address

The Department of Licensing accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document such as a vehicle registration or property deed. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo of the document usually does not work.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residency. Call the licensing office in your area before you visit to confirm what they will accept in your situation.

When you cannot change your address online

The online system will not allow you to change your address if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it rather than straightforward update the address. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Department of Licensing before you can make any changes — call 360-902-3900 to find out what is required.

If you have moved out of Washington State, you cannot change your address to an out-of-state location on your Washington license. You must obtain a driver's license in your new state. However, you can update your address to a new Washington address if you are moving within the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new card with my new address printed on it?

No. Changing your address online, by mail, or in person updates the Department of Licensing's records but does not issue a new physical card. Your license will still show your old address. If you want a card printed with your new address, you must renew your license at the same time, which costs the standard renewal fee.

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

Online changes are when ready — your address updates in the Department of Licensing's system when ready after you submit. Mail takes two to four weeks. In-person changes are usually when ready or within one business day. Insurance companies and other agencies may take a few days longer to receive the updated information from the state.

What if I moved out of state?

You cannot update your Washington license to an out-of-state address. You must obtain a driver's license in your new state. If you are moving back to Washington later, you can renew your Washington license at that time.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension with the Department of Licensing first. Call 360-902-3900 to find out what is required to lift the suspension, then you can update your address using any of the three methods.

What if the proof of address document is not in my name?

Most documents must show your name and new address. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask the licensing office whether they will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residency.