How to change your address on a Georgia driver license
You can update your address on a Georgia driver license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) in person, by mail, or online. The online method is fastest—you can complete it in minutes through the DDS website without visiting an office. If you prefer in-person service, you can walk into any DDS location with your current license and proof of your new address. Mail is the slowest option but works if you cannot reach an office.
Georgia does not require you to renew your license when you move. An address change is a separate transaction that takes about 10 minutes in person or 5 minutes online. You will not receive a new physical card in the mail unless you request one, though your record in the DDS system will update when ready.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the DDS website is the fastest method and requires only your license number, date of birth, and proof of your new address.
- In-person changes at any DDS office require your current driver license and one document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- You do not need to renew your license to change your address, and your old license remains valid after the address updates.
- A new physical license card is optional—your address updates in the system whether or not you order one.
- Mail-in changes take longer but are available if you submit your license, a completed form, and proof of address to the DDS.
Changing your address online through the DDS website
The online method is available through the Georgia DDS website. You will need your current driver license number, your date of birth, and a document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The process takes about 5 minutes and your address updates in the system when ready.
After you complete the online change, you will receive a confirmation. Your old license card remains valid—you do not have to do anything else unless you want a new card printed with the updated address. If you do want a new card, you can request one during the online process for a fee, and it will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
Changing your address in person at a DDS office
Walk into any DDS location in Georgia with your current driver license and one document showing your new address. The staff will update your record on the spot. Bring the same types of proof as the online method: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail. You do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
In-person changes are processed when ready. Your address updates in the system right away, and you can leave with your old license. If you want a new card with the updated address, you can request one at the counter for a fee, and it will be mailed to you.
Changing your address by mail
You can mail your current driver license to the Georgia DDS along with a completed form and proof of your new address. The form is the DL 43, which you can read from the DDS website or request by phone. Include one document showing your new address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement work. Mail everything to the address listed on the DDS website for your region.
Mail-in processing takes two to four weeks. During that time, your old license is in transit and you will not have it. The DDS will update your address in the system and mail your license back to your new address. If you need your license sooner, use the online or in-person method instead.
What documents count as proof of your new address
Georgia accepts several documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name and showing your new address is the most common. A lease agreement or mortgage statement with your name and address also works. Government mail—such as a tax document, voter registration card, or official letter—counts if it shows your name and new address.
The document must be recent (usually within the last 60 days) and show both your full name and your complete new address. A bank statement or credit card statement will not work. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address.
Whether you need a new physical license card
You do not need a new card. Your Georgia driver license remains valid after an address change, and the old card with the old address is still legal to use. Your address updates in the DDS system when ready (online or in person) or within two to four weeks (by mail), so law enforcement and other agencies will see your current address when they look up your record.
If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can request one for a fee. The new card takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. Some people order a new card for convenience or to avoid confusion, but it is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my Georgia license when I move?
No, it is not legally required, but it is recommended. Your license remains valid with the old address. However, keeping your address current helps with voter registration, vehicle registration, and law enforcement records. If you get pulled over, an outdated address can cause confusion.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license can still be updated. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Contact the DDS or visit a local office to find out which process applies to your situation.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
Ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on their official letterhead confirming your name and address. Some employers will also provide a letter. The document must be recent and show your full name and complete address.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online process takes about 5 minutes to complete, and your address updates in the system when ready. You will receive a confirmation email. If you request a new physical card, it will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
Can I change my address at any Georgia DDS office?
Yes. Any DDS location in Georgia can process an address change. You do not have to go to the office in your county or the office closest to your old address. Walk in with your license and proof of address, and any office will update your record.