Where to change your address and what you need

You can change your address on your Washington driver's license at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office, online through the DOL website, or by mail. The online option is fastest if your address change is routine — no name change, no license renewal needed. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.

If you are renewing your license at the same time, you must do that in person at a DOL office or through an approved third-party vendor. Washington does not allow online renewal for most drivers, so plan accordingly if your license expires soon after your move.

The address change itself costs nothing. You will not receive a new card in the mail unless you request one, so your physical license will still show your old address until you renew or order a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the DOL website take a few minutes and cost nothing, but you will keep your old address on the physical card until renewal.
  • In-person changes at a DOL office or third-party vendor are required if you are also renewing your license or if your name has changed.
  • Mail-in address changes are possible but slower than online or in-person options.
  • Your vehicle registration address must be updated separately through the Department of Licensing; changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your registration.
  • Washington has no important date for reporting an address change, but updating it promptly prevents mail delivery problems and keeps your record current.

Changing your address online

Visit the Washington Department of Licensing website and select the address change option. You will enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will verify your identity and process the change when ready.

After you complete the online change, your address is updated in the DOL system right away. However, your physical driver's license card will still display your old address. If you need the card to show your new address — for example, if you use it for proof of residency — you can order a replacement card for a fee through the same online portal or by visiting a DOL office.

The online method works only if you are not renewing your license at the same time and your name has not changed. If either of those applies to you, proceed to an in-person visit instead.

Changing your address in person at a DOL office

Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some DOL offices accept other documents, so call ahead if you are unsure whether what you have will work.

Walk-in visits are available at most DOL offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check the DOL website for your nearest office and current wait times before you go. If you are also renewing your license or need a replacement card with your new address, bring the same documents and complete both transactions during the same visit.

The address change is processed on the spot. If you order a replacement card, it will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Changing your address by mail

Print the address change form from the Washington Department of Licensing website (form DL 43). Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of your current driver's license and proof of your new address.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks after the DOL receives your envelope. There is no tracking system for mail-in requests, so if you need confirmation, call the DOL customer service line after two weeks to verify the change went through.

Mail-in changes are slower than online or in-person options and carry a small risk of documents being lost. Use this method only if you cannot visit an office or access the online system.

Updating your vehicle registration separately

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must report your new address to the Department of Licensing for each vehicle you own. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office using the same methods available for license address changes.

Your registration renewal notice will be mailed to the address on file with your registration, so update it promptly to avoid missing renewal important date. If you move and do not update your registration address, renewal notices may not reach you, and you could accidentally let your registration lapse.

If you are renewing your registration soon, you can update the address as part of that renewal process. Otherwise, report the change as soon as you move to keep your records current.

What happens if you do not update your address

Washington has no legal important date for reporting an address change on your driver's license. However, not updating it can create practical problems. Your registration renewal notice will go to your old address, and you may miss the important date without realizing it. Law enforcement may question why your license shows a different address than where you are living.

If you receive a ticket or are involved in an accident, having an outdated address on file can delay notification and complicate claims or legal proceedings. Insurance companies may also flag mismatched addresses between your license and registration as a red flag.

Updating your address is free and takes minutes online, so there is little reason to delay.

Using a third-party vendor for address changes

Washington allows certain private vendors — often located in grocery stores, pharmacies, and car rental offices — to process driver's license transactions, including address changes. These vendors can handle routine address changes and some renewals, though not all transactions are available at every location.

Call ahead to confirm the vendor near you offers address change services. You will need the same documents as you would at a DOL office: your current license and proof of your new address. Third-party vendors typically charge a small fee on top of any DOL fees, so ask about the total cost before you proceed.

Third-party vendors are useful if a DOL office is far away or has long wait times, but they are not faster than the online option for a straightforward address change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, unless you request one. Your address change is recorded in the DOL system when ready, but your physical card keeps your old address until you renew your license or order a replacement card. You can order a replacement through the online portal or at a DOL office for a fee.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address online or by mail with an expired license, as long as it expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it in person at a DOL office before you can update your address.

How long does an address change take?

Online changes are when ready. In-person changes are processed on the spot. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. If you order a replacement card with your new address, expect one to two weeks for delivery by mail.

What counts as proof of my new address?

Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some DOL offices accept additional documents, so call your local office if you are unsure whether your document will work.

Will changing my driver's license address update my vehicle registration?

No. You must report your new address to the Department of Licensing separately for your vehicle registration. Do this promptly so renewal notices reach you at your new address.