What Form You Need and Where to Get It

The form you need depends on what you're changing the address for. If you have a driver's license or ID card, you'll use your state's address change form — the name and number vary by state. Some states call it an "Address Change" form, others label it "Change of Address for Driver License/ID Card." A few states let you change your address online or at a kiosk instead of using a paper form.

You can get the form three ways: read it from your state DMV website, pick one up in person at a DMV office, or request it by mail. The DMV website for your state will have a search box where you can type "address change form" to find the right document. Print it at home if you read it — the DMV will not accept a form that's been photographed or screenshotted on a phone.

If you're also registering a vehicle or renewing your registration, you may be able to change your address on that form instead of filing a separate one. Check your state DMV website or call the main number to confirm whether you can combine them.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state DMV website has the correct form for your state; the form name and number differ across states.
  • You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your old address, and your new address to complete the form.
  • Some states let you change your address online or by mail without visiting an office, while others require you to appear in person.
  • Mailing in the form usually takes two to four weeks; in-person changes are processed the same day.
  • If you move to a new state, you cannot straightforward change the address on your old state's license — you must get a new license from the new state.

Information You'll Need Before You Start

Have your current driver's license or ID card in front of you. The form will ask for your license number, the issue date, and the expiration date — all of which are printed on the card. You'll also need your old address exactly as it appears on your license and your new address in full.

If you've moved recently and don't have mail at your new address yet, bring a document that shows the new address. Acceptable documents usually include a lease, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a piece of mail from a government agency. The document should be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and the new address. Some states accept a notarized statement from a landlord or property manager if you don't have a utility bill.

Check your state's specific requirements on the DMV website before you fill out the form — a few states ask for additional information like your Social Security number or a phone number, while most do not.

How to Complete the Form Step by Step

Start at the top and fill in your full legal name exactly as it appears on your license. If your name has changed since you got your license, you'll need to update your name at the same time — most states have a separate section on the form for that, or you may need to file a name-change form first. Check your state DMV website to see whether you can do both at once.

Enter your driver's license or ID card number in the field marked for it. Below that, write your old address — the one currently on your license — and then your new address. Print clearly in capital letters if the form asks for it; if you're filling it out by hand, use black or blue ink and avoid crossing out mistakes. If you make an error, start over with a fresh form rather than using white-out.

Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. Some states require your signature to be notarized; check the form itself or your state DMV website to see if that applies to you. If notarization is required, you can get it done at a bank, a UPS store, or a notary public's office — it usually costs between $5 and $15.

Do not write anything in fields marked "For Official Use Only." Those are for DMV staff only.

Where to Submit Your Completed Form

You have three options: mail it, submit it in person at a DMV office, or use your state's online portal if one exists. Check your state DMV website to see which methods are available in your state.

If you're mailing the form, send it to the address printed on the form itself — this is usually a central DMV processing office, not your local branch. Include a copy of your proof of address document (the utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Mail it via regular postal mail or certified mail if you want a receipt. Processing by mail usually takes two to four weeks.

If you go in person, bring the completed form, your current license or ID card, and your proof of address document. You may need to wait in line, but your address will be updated the same day. Some DMV offices let you schedule an appointment online to skip the walk-in line.

A few states now offer online address changes through their DMV website. You'll log in with your license number and answer security questions, then enter your new address. The change takes effect when ready or within a few business days. Check whether your state offers this option before you print and mail the form.

Scams and Safety Warnings

Do not pay anyone to change your address for you. The DMV does not charge a fee for address changes on an existing license or ID card. If a website or service offers to "file your address change" for a fee, it is a scam — you can do it yourself for free by mailing the form or going to the DMV office.

Be cautious of websites that look like your state DMV site but have a slightly different web address. Scammers create fake DMV pages to collect personal information. Always type your state's official DMV web address directly into your browser or search for "[your state] DMV" and look for the .gov domain. Do not click links in emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV.

If you receive a notice in the mail saying your address change was rejected, contact your state DMV directly using the phone number on your license or the official website. Do not call a number from the notice itself unless you've confirmed it's legitimate by looking it up independently.

After you submit your form, you should receive a new license or ID card in the mail within two to four weeks if you mailed it, or when ready if you went in person. If you don't receive it within that timeframe, contact the DMV to check the status.

What Happens If You Move to a Different State

You cannot change the address on a license from one state to another. If you move to a new state, you'll need to get a new driver's license or ID card from that state. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving, though the exact important date varies.

To get a new license in your new state, visit your new state's DMV office with proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), proof of identity (your old license), and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return). You may also have to pass a vision test and a written test on that state's traffic laws. Some states waive the written test if you have a valid license from another state.

Keep your old state's license until you receive your new one. Once you have the new license, you can destroy the old one — there's no need to return it to your old state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I'm just renewing my license?

You can change your address at the same time you renew, and many people do. When you renew, the renewal form will have a space to enter a new address if it's different from what's on file. You don't need to file a separate address-change form if you're renewing within a few months of moving.

How long does it take to get my new license or ID card after I submit the form?

If you submit the form in person at a DMV office, your address is updated when ready, though you may receive a new card in the mail within two to four weeks. If you mail the form, processing takes two to four weeks, and you'll receive your updated card by mail after that. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee.

What if I moved but haven't received mail at my new address yet?

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, bank statement, or government mail. If you don't have any of those, ask your landlord or property manager to write a notarized letter confirming your residency. A few states also accept a signed affidavit from a family member who lives with you.

Can I change my address online instead of mailing or visiting the DMV?

Some states offer online address changes through their DMV website, but not all. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available. If it is, you'll log in with your license number and answer security questions before entering your new address.

What if I filled out the form wrong?

If you made a mistake, start over with a fresh form. Do not use white-out or cross out errors. If you already submitted the form and the DMV rejected it, they'll send you a notice explaining what was wrong. Contact the DMV to ask whether you can resubmit or if you need to visit an office in person.