How to Change Your Address at the Georgia DMV

Where to Change Your Address in Georgia

You can change your driver's license or ID card address at the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) in person, by mail, or online through the Georgia DDS website. The fastest route is online if you have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID card and a computer with internet access — the change takes effect when ready. If you prefer in-person service, you can visit any DDS Customer Service Center across the state without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Mail-in address changes are also available but take longer. You'll need to send your current license or ID card along with a completed form to the DDS office. The Georgia DDS processes mail requests within two to three weeks, though this can vary depending on mail delivery time and processing volume.

Key Takeaways

Online address changes through the Georgia DDS website are the fastest option and take effect when ready if you have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID card.
In-person visits to any DDS Customer Service Center require no appointment and typically take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the location is.
Mail-in changes require you to send your physical license or ID card and take two to three weeks to process.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address change is a separate transaction.
Your new address will appear on your next license renewal or replacement, not on your current card.

Changing Your Address Online

The Georgia DDS online system lets you update your address without leaving home. Go to the Georgia DDS website, select the address change option, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer a few security questions, enter your new address, and confirm the change. The system processes the update right away, and your address is officially changed in the state system the same day.

One important detail: your physical driver's license or ID card will still show your old address until you renew it or request a replacement card. The address change is recorded in the state database, so law enforcement and other agencies will see your current address when they look up your license. If you need the card itself to reflect your new address when ready, you'll need to visit a Customer Service Center in person and pay a replacement fee.

Changing Your Address In Person

Walk into any Georgia DDS Customer Service Center with your current driver's license or ID card and a document showing your new address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address. You do not need an appointment — just take a number and wait your turn.

The staff will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update your record in the system. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can request one at the same visit for a fee (the current fee is $20 for a replacement driver's license or ID card, though fees can change). Without requesting a replacement, the address change takes effect when ready in the state system, but your existing card will still show the old address.

Wait times at Customer Service Centers vary widely. Locations in Atlanta and other major cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoons on weekdays. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon, or check the Georgia DDS website for real-time wait times at your nearest center.

Changing Your Address by Mail

Complete the address change form (Form DL 43, which you can read from the Georgia DDS website or request by mail), sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license or ID card to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Include a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form.

The DDS will process your request within two to three weeks of receiving it. They will update your address in the state system and mail your license or ID card back to you at your new address. During this time, your address in the system will be updated even though you don't have your physical card. If you need proof of your address change before your card arrives, you can visit a Customer Service Center and request a printout of your current record.

What Documents You Need

For any address change method, you need proof of your new address. The Georgia DDS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance documents, or government mail showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and complete new address.

You also need your current Georgia driver's license or ID card. If you've lost your card, you'll need to report it lost and request a replacement before you can change your address — you cannot change the address on a card that no longer exists. If your license or ID card has expired, you can still use it to change your address, but you may want to renew it at the same time.

Address Changes for Commercial Driver's Licenses

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you can change your address using the same methods as a regular driver's license: online, in person, or by mail. The process is identical, and you'll use the same address change form. Your CDL address must be updated within 30 days of moving, so plan your change sooner rather than later to stay in compliance with federal CDL regulations.

If you move to a different state, you may need to transfer your CDL to that state rather than straightforward changing your address. Check with the new state's licensing agency to understand their CDL transfer requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Georgia law requires you to notify the DDS of a new address within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in fines or other penalties. If you hold a commercial driver's license, the 30-day requirement is federal law, not just a state rule.

Will my old driver's license still work after I change my address?

Yes. Your license remains valid for identification and driving purposes even though it shows an old address. The address in the state system is what matters for official records. However, if you're asked to show proof of your current address, your old license won't serve that purpose.

How much does it cost to change my address?

Changing your address in the Georgia DDS system is free. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, the replacement fee is $20 for a driver's license or ID card. Online and mail-in address changes do not include a replacement card unless you request one.

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

Yes. You can change your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change is a separate transaction from your license status. However, you should address any suspension or revocation issues with the DDS as soon as possible.

What if I move before my replacement card arrives?

If you requested a replacement card by mail and moved again before it arrived, contact the Georgia DDS right away with your new address. They can redirect your card or reissue it to your current address. Do not ignore mail from the DDS, as it may contain important information about your license.

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.