Where to change your DC address

The DC Department of Motor Vehicles handles address changes for driver's licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registrations. You can change your address in person at a DMV service center, by mail, or online through the DC DMV website — but not all methods work for every document type.

The fastest route for most people is the online option, which takes about 10 minutes and works for driver's licenses and ID cards. If you need to change the address on a vehicle registration, you must go in person or mail the form. The DC DMV has service centers in multiple locations across the district, with varying wait times depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Key Takeaways

  • Driver's licenses and DC ID cards can be changed online at dmv.dc.gov, but vehicle registrations require an in-person visit or mailed form.
  • You will need your current license or ID number and a valid form of identification that shows your new address to complete any address change.
  • Address changes for driver's licenses and ID cards are free, but vehicle registration address changes may have a small fee depending on your registration type.
  • The DC DMV processes mailed address changes within two to three weeks, while in-person changes are usually completed the same day.

Changing your driver's license or DC ID address online

To change your address online, go to dmv.dc.gov and select the option to update your driver's license or ID card information. You will need your current license or ID 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 it before you submit.

After you submit the change online, the DC DMV will mail you a new card with your updated address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives. There is no fee for this change, and you do not need to visit a service center.

Changing your vehicle registration address in person

Vehicle registration address changes must be done at a DMV service center or by mail — there is no online option for this. To change your registration address in person, bring your vehicle registration card, a valid form of identification showing your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of residency in DC if you are new to the district.

Visit any DC DMV service center during business hours. The main locations are at 50 K Street NE and 301 C Street NW, though smaller service centers operate in other neighborhoods. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive an updated registration card the same day. There is a fee for vehicle registration changes, which varies based on your vehicle type and registration status.

Changing your address by mail

You can mail an address change form to the DC DMV for both driver's licenses and vehicle registrations. For a driver's license or ID card, read the form from dmv.dc.gov, fill in your new address, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of a document showing your new address.

For a vehicle registration, mail the completed form with your registration card and a document showing your new address. The DC DMV will process mailed requests within two to three weeks and send you an updated card by mail. Keep a copy of what you send for your records, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Documents you need for an address change

The exact documents required depend on which type of address change you are making. For all address changes, you will need proof of your new address — this can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are changing your driver's license or ID card address, you also need your current license or ID number. If you are changing a vehicle registration address, bring your registration card and a valid form of identification. If you are new to DC and changing your registration address, you may also need to show proof that you now live in the district.

What happens after you submit your address change

Once you submit an address change online or in person, the DC DMV will update its records when ready. If you changed your address online for a driver's license or ID card, a new card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card is still valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it.

If you changed your vehicle registration address in person, you receive an updated registration card the same day. If you mailed the form, the updated card will arrive within two to three weeks. The DC DMV will not send a confirmation email or letter — the new card itself serves as your confirmation that the change went through.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is submitting an address change form without a document showing your new address. The DC DMV will reject the request and send it back, which delays the process by another week or more. Make sure your proof of address is dated within the last 60 days and shows both your name and your new address clearly.

Another mistake is trying to change a vehicle registration address online. The DC DMV website does not offer this option — you must go in person or mail the form. If you attempt to change it online, you will be redirected to the in-person or mail options. Do not assume your address changed if you only updated your driver's license; vehicle registrations are separate and must be updated separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address with the DC DMV?

Online changes for driver's licenses and ID cards are processed within 7 to 10 business days. In-person changes at a service center are completed the same day. Mailed requests take two to three weeks to process.

Do I have to change my address if I move within DC?

Yes, you are required to update your driver's license, ID card, and vehicle registration address within a certain timeframe after you move. Check the DC DMV website for the specific important date, which may vary by document type.

What if my proof of address document is older than 60 days?

The DC DMV will not accept documents older than 60 days. If your documents are outdated, obtain a new utility bill, bank statement, or other proof of address dated within the last 60 days before you submit your change.

Can I change my address if my license or registration is expired?

Yes, you can change your address even if your license or registration is expired. However, if your license or ID card is expired, you may want to renew it at the same time. The DC DMV can handle both requests together.

Will I get a new license photo if I change my address?

No, changing your address does not require a new photo. Your new card will have the same photo as your current card. If you want a new photo, you will need to renew your license or ID card separately.