How to Change Your Address at the New York City DMV

Where to Report Your Address Change in New York City

In New York City, you report an address change to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, not to the city itself. The DMV handles driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and ID cards for all five boroughs. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island.

The fastest route is the DMV's online system at dmv.ny.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can visit a DMV office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail is the slowest option but works if you cannot reach an office.

Key Takeaways

You can change your New York driver's license or ID card address online at dmv.ny.gov using your license number and date of birth, with no fee.
Vehicle registration address changes must be done online, by mail, or at a DMV office — the online system is fastest and available 24/7.
Bring your current license or ID, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and your vehicle registration if you are changing that too.
Changes take effect when ready online; by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your form.
If you moved out of state or lost your license, you will need to visit an office in person rather than use the online system.

Changing Your Driver's License or ID Card Address Online

The DMV's online portal is open 24 hours a day and lets you change your address for a driver's license or non-driver ID card without leaving home. Go to dmv.ny.gov, select "Change Address," and enter your license number, date of birth, and new address. The system confirms your change when ready and sends you an email receipt.

You do not need to pay a fee or provide proof of your new address when you change it online. Your updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The address on your license is now current even before the new card arrives, so you can use the email receipt as proof if needed.

The online system works only if your license is valid and was issued in New York. If your license expired more than two years ago, if you moved out of state and got a license there, or if you lost your license, you must visit a DMV office in person.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration Address

Vehicle registration address changes also go through the DMV and can be done online, by mail, or at an office. The online system at dmv.ny.gov is the same portal where you change your driver's license address — select "Change Address" and enter your vehicle registration number and license plate number.

If you mail the change, use Form MV-159 (Change of Address), which you can read from dmv.ny.gov or pick up at any DMV office. Mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current registration card. The DMV will send you a new registration card with your updated address within 7 to 10 business days.

At an office, bring your current registration card and a form of ID. A staff member will update your address on the spot, and you will receive a new registration card by mail. There is no fee for a registration address change.

What You Need to Bring to a DMV Office

If you visit an office in person, bring your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Proof of address must be dated within the last 30 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it.

If you are also changing your vehicle registration address, bring your current registration card. You do not need an appointment at any New York DMV office — walk-ins are accepted, though some offices are busier than others. The offices in lower Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn tend to have longer waits during midday hours on weekdays.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must change your address in person at a DMV office. The online system does not work for CDLs.

DMV Office Locations in New York City

New York City has five DMV offices, one in each borough. The Manhattan office is at 100 Gold Street (near the Financial District). Brooklyn's office is at 2875 Coney Island Avenue (in Sheepshead Bay). Queens is at 166-25 Goethals Avenue (in Jamaica). The Bronx office is at 2875 Westchester Avenue (in Pelham Parkway). Staten Island is at 1 Victory Boulevard (near the ferry terminal).

All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. You can check current hours and wait times on dmv.ny.gov before you go. The website also shows which services are available at each location — not all offices handle every transaction.

Timing and What Happens After You Change Your Address

If you change your address online, the change is active when ready. Your new address appears in the DMV system right away, even though your new license or registration card will not arrive for 7 to 10 business days. You can use the email receipt as proof that you have reported the change.

If you change your address by mail or at an office, the DMV processes the form within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old address is still on file in the system. Once processed, your new address takes effect and your new card is mailed to you.

You do not have to do anything else — the DMV does not send a separate confirmation letter. If you do not receive your new card within two weeks, call the DMV at 518-486-4368 (this is the state number; there is no separate NYC line) or check dmv.ny.gov for a local office phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I moved within New York City?

Yes. The DMV requires you to report any address change, whether you moved across the street or across the city. You have 30 days to report it, though there is no penalty if you report it later. Changing it online takes 10 minutes and costs nothing.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, you can use a bank statement, government mail, or a letter from your landlord or property manager dated within 30 days. If you have none of these, call the DMV office you plan to visit and ask what alternative documents they accept.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is suspended. If your license is revoked, you must visit an office in person. Bring your current ID and proof of your new address.

How long does it take to get my new license card in the mail?

The DMV typically mails new cards within 7 to 10 business days after processing your change. If you changed your address online, the change is active when ready, so you do not have to wait for the card to use your new address. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV.

What if I moved out of New York State?

If you moved out of state, you cannot use the online system. You must visit a New York DMV office in person to report your out-of-state address, or you can explore for a new license in your new state. If you keep your New York license, bring your current license, proof of your new address, and a form of ID.

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.