What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Georgia
You can change your address with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) online, by mail, or in person at a local office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your current driver's license or ID number, your new address, and a way to pay if you are renewing your license at the same time. Georgia does not require you to get a new license when you move, so a straightforward address change is free.
The Georgia DDS processes address changes within one business day if you use their online system. By mail, allow 7 to 10 business days. In person, you walk out with your updated license the same day if you choose to renew it, though renewal is optional when you are only changing your address.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Georgia DDS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with processing in one business day.
- You do not need a new license to change your address in Georgia — you can update it without renewing or paying a fee.
- If you change your address by mail, include a copy of your driver's license and a piece of mail showing your new address as proof.
- In-person address changes at a DDS office are processed when ready, and you can choose to renew your license at the same time if it is expiring soon.
- Your vehicle registration address will not update automatically when you change your driver's license address — you must handle that separately with the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Changing Your Address Online
Go to the Georgia DDS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record. Once you complete the form, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
Online changes are free and do not require you to renew your license. Your updated address will be active within one business day. You do not need to do anything else — Georgia will mail you a corrected license with your new address at no cost within 7 to 10 days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Changing Your Address by Mail
Write a letter to the Georgia Department of Driver Services that includes your full name, driver's license number, date of birth, old address, and new address. Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and one piece of mail dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.
Mail your letter and documents to: Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013. Do not send original documents; copies are sufficient. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. You will receive a corrected license by mail at your new address. This method is free and does not require you to renew your license.
Changing Your Address in Person at a DDS Office
Visit any Georgia DDS office with your current driver's license and one piece of mail showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it. You can change your address on the spot, and the office will issue you a corrected license when ready if you request one.
An address-only change in person is free. If you choose to renew your license at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee (currently $32 for an eight-year license). You can find your nearest DDS office and check its hours on the Georgia DDS website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.
What Happens to Your Vehicle Registration
Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must handle your vehicle address separately through the Georgia Department of Revenue. You can update your vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person at a county tax commissioner's office.
To change your vehicle registration address online, go to the Georgia Department of Revenue website and use their online services portal. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and current registration. By mail, send a letter with your name, VIN, license plate, old address, and new address to your county tax commissioner's office. In person, bring your registration and proof of your new address to your local tax commissioner's office. Vehicle registration address changes are free.
Documents You Will Need
For any method of address change, have your driver's license or ID number ready. If you are changing your address by mail or in person, bring one piece of mail showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance bills, or government mail.
If you do not have a recent piece of mail with your new address, you can use a notarized affidavit of residence instead. Some DDS offices will also accept a letter from a landlord or property manager on letterhead confirming your new address. Call your local DDS office before you visit to confirm what they will accept.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your vehicle registration updated when you changed your driver's license address — it did not. You must update both separately. Do not send original documents by mail; copies are sufficient and safer. Do not forget to include proof of your new address if you are changing by mail or in person; without it, the DDS will return your request.
Do not wait until your license expires to change your address if you are moving soon. Changing your address early means your corrected license will arrive before your old one expires, so you will not have a gap. If you are moving out of state, you will need a new license from your new state; a Georgia address change does not help you after you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new license when I move to a new address in Georgia?
No. Georgia does not require a new license when you change your address. You can update your address for free without renewing. Your old license remains valid until it expires. If you want a corrected license with your new address sooner, you can renew at the same time, but that costs $32 and is optional.
How long does it take to get my corrected license in the mail?
If you change your address online or by mail, Georgia mails your corrected license within 7 to 10 business days. If you change your address in person at a DDS office and request a new license on the spot, you receive it when ready. Your old license is valid until the new one arrives.
What if I do not have a recent piece of mail showing my new address?
You can use a notarized affidavit of residence instead. Some DDS offices also accept a letter from your landlord or property manager on letterhead. Call your local DDS office before you visit to confirm what they will accept as proof of your new address.
Will my vehicle registration address update automatically when I change my driver's license address?
No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate. You must update your vehicle registration address separately through the Georgia Department of Revenue, either online, by mail, or in person at your county tax commissioner's office. The change is free.
Can I change my address online if my license is expired?
No. The online system requires a valid, current driver's license or ID number. If your license is expired, you must renew it before you can change your address online. You can still change your address by mail or in person without renewing, though in person is faster.