How to Change Your Address at the DC DMV

Where to Report Your Address Change in Washington, DC

The DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVDC) handles address changes for driver's licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registration. You can report a change in person at a service center, by mail, or online through the DC DMV website — but the method you choose depends on what document needs updating and whether you want to renew at the same time.

DC does not require you to update your address within a specific number of days after moving, though doing so keeps your license current and ensures you receive vehicle registration renewal notices at the correct location. If you move and do not update your address, mail from DMVDC will go to your old address, and you may miss important notices about registration expiration or violations.

Key Takeaways

You can change your driver's license or ID card address online through the DC DMV website, by mail with a completed form, or in person at any DMVDC service center.
Vehicle registration address changes must be reported to DMVDC, and you will need your vehicle registration card and proof of your new address.
Proof of your new address typically means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 to 60 days.
Online address changes for licenses and IDs are processed within one to two business days, while mail submissions take one to two weeks.
If you change your address but do not renew your license or ID, the document itself will still show your old address until renewal.

Changing Your Driver's License or ID Card Address Online

The fastest way to update your address is through the DC DMV website. Go to dmvdc.dc.gov, log into your account, and select the option to update your address. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will confirm your identity and process the change within one to two business days.

After you submit the change online, DMVDC will mail you a new document showing your updated address. You do not need to visit a service center or provide proof of your new address for online updates — the system verifies your identity through the information already on file. Your old license or ID remains valid during this time.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read the process for Driver's License or ID Card (Form DL-43) from the DC DMV website or pick one up at a service center. Fill in your new address, sign the form, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of proof of your new address.

Proof of your new address must be an original document dated within the last 30 to 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. DMVDC will process your request and mail you a new document showing your updated address. This method typically takes one to two weeks from the time DMVDC receives your form.

Changing Your Address in Person at a Service Center

You can visit any DC DMV service center to update your address. Bring your current driver's license or ID card, proof of your new address (dated within the last 30 to 60 days), and complete Form DL-43 if you have not already. Service centers are located in multiple neighborhoods across DC; you can find hours and locations on the DC DMV website.

In-person visits are useful if you want to update your address and renew your license or ID at the same time, or if you need to resolve an issue that requires staff information. Wait times vary by location and time of day. DMVDC does not take appointments for address changes, so you may wait in line depending on how busy the center is.

Updating Your Vehicle Registration Address

Vehicle registration address changes follow the same process as license and ID updates. You can report the change online through your DMVDC account, by mail using Form VR-14 (process for Vehicle Registration), or in person at a service center. You will need your current vehicle registration card and proof of your new address.

If you own multiple vehicles registered in DC, you must update the address for each registration separately. DMVDC will mail you a new registration card showing your updated address. If your vehicle registration is expiring soon, you may want to renew and update your address at the same time to avoid receiving renewal notices at your old address.

What Happens If You Do Not Update Your Address

Your driver's license or ID card will continue to show your old address until you renew it. This can cause problems if you are stopped by police, as the address mismatch may raise questions. More importantly, DMVDC will mail registration renewal notices, violation notices, and other official documents to your old address, and you may miss important important date.

If you move and do not update your address, and your registration expires, you will not receive a renewal notice. You are still responsible for renewing on time, so check your registration expiration date and renew before it passes, even if you have not yet updated your address with DMVDC.

Proof of Address Documents DMVDC Accepts

DMVDC accepts the following as proof of your new address, provided the document is dated within the last 30 to 60 days and shows your name and full address:

Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
Lease agreement or rental agreement
Mortgage statement or property tax bill
Bank or credit card statement
Government mail (tax return, voter registration, court document)
Insurance policy or insurance bill
Pay stub showing your address

Documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your name on the proof of address document differs from your name on your license or ID (for example, due to marriage or legal name change), bring additional documentation showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new physical card when I change my address?

Yes. DMVDC will mail you a new driver's license, ID card, or registration card showing your updated address. You cannot straightforward update the address on your existing card. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives, which typically takes one to two weeks for mail submissions or one to two business days for online changes.

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

You can report an address change even if your license or ID is expired, but DMVDC will not issue a new card until you renew. If you need a valid license or ID, you should renew at the same time you update your address. Renewal requires additional documents, such as proof of residency and proof of Social Security number.

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

DMVDC may reject documents older than 60 days. If your newest proof of address is older than this window, contact DMVDC to ask whether they will accept it, or obtain a newer document. A recent utility bill or bank statement is usually the easiest to obtain quickly.

How long does it take to receive my new card after I change my address online?

Online address changes are processed within one to two business days, and DMVDC mails your new card after processing. Delivery typically takes three to seven business days depending on postal service speed. You can use your old card until the new one arrives.

Do I need to change my address at DMVDC if I moved within DC?

Yes. Even if you moved to a different neighborhood or ward within DC, you should update your address with DMVDC so that your license, ID, and registration reflect your current location. This ensures you receive mail at the correct address and your documents are accurate.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.