How to Change Your Address at the DMV in New York

Moving anywhere in New York means updating your address with the state’s motor vehicle agency so your license, registration, and important notices stay current. This guide explains how the New York DMV change of address process works, step by step, in plain language.

New York State Verification: Who Handles What

In New York, the motor vehicle agency is called the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

In New York, this is typically handled by the same agency for all of the following:

  • Driver licenses and learner permits
  • Non-driver ID cards
  • Vehicle registration
  • Vehicle title
  • Address changes for all of the above

You do not need to go to a separate court, county clerk, or other agency to change your address for driving- and vehicle-related records. However:

  • County-run DMV offices in New York mainly provide in-person service and follow state DMV rules.
  • State-run online and mail services are handled centrally by the New York DMV.

Depending on your county in New York, the local DMV office may have its own appointment system or limited walk-in hours. That affects how you update your address in person, but not where your information is stored. The official record still lives in the statewide New York DMV system.

Why Updating Your Address Matters in New York

An address change with the DMV in New York is about more than just getting mail to the right place.

For your driver license or ID:

  • Law enforcement and state systems rely on the address listed on your license or ID.
  • Many drivers in New York find that outdated license addresses cause problems when they’re asked for ID for banking, apartment leases, or airport security screening.

For your vehicle registration and title:

  • Registration documents show where the vehicle is “located” and where it’s registered in New York.
  • If you move to a different county in New York (for example, from Queens to Nassau County), your local requirements (such as inspection or emissions areas) may differ.
  • A correct address on your title is important if the vehicle is sold, transferred, or involved in an insurance claim.

For official notices and renewals:

New York DMV sends important notices to the mailing address on your record, such as:

  • License and registration renewal reminders
  • Suspension or revocation notices
  • Notices about insurance issues, tickets, or points
  • Communications about toll violations or camera tickets (where applicable)

If your address is wrong:

  • You may not receive a suspension notice or court notice on time.
  • You could continue driving without realizing your license or registration has expired or been suspended.
  • You might miss deadlines to respond to tickets or fees.

While this guide doesn’t give legal advice, it’s worth understanding that in New York, you are responsible for keeping your DMV address up to date, even if you never receive a mailed notice.

What You’ll Need for a New York DMV Address Change

Before you start your DMV change of address New York process, gather some basic information. The exact details needed can vary slightly depending on the method you use (online, in person, or by mail), but many requirements are the same.

Common information and documents

You will typically need:

  • Your full name as it appears on your New York license or ID
  • Date of birth
  • Driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID number
  • Vehicle plate number(s) for any vehicles you own and want to update
  • Last 4 digits of your Social Security number (or other identifying information if the DMV requests it)
  • Your old address currently on file with the New York DMV
  • Your new address, including:
    • Street number and name
    • Apartment number (if any)
    • City
    • State (NY if you remain in-state)
    • ZIP code

If you are changing your address in person, you may also need:

  • Your physical license or photo ID card
  • Proof of your new address, such as:
    • A utility bill, bank statement, or lease
    • A pay stub or official letter showing your name and new address

In New York, this is typically handled by checking your identity against existing DMV records; proof of address is more often required when you are reissuing a card or updating multiple items at once.

Common reasons New York DMV address change requests get rejected

New York DMV systems are strict about data matching. Address changes are often delayed or rejected because of:

  • Mismatched personal details
    • Your name, date of birth, or license/ID number doesn’t exactly match what’s in the DMV database.
  • Incomplete address
    • Missing apartment or unit number, or using an informal address that postal systems can’t verify.
  • Incorrect or unstable mailing address
    • For example, trying to use an address where you don’t receive mail, or listing someone else’s PO box without proper authorization.
  • Typing errors in online forms
    • Reversed digits in a ZIP code, street number, or plate number.
  • Not updating all records you intend to change
    • In New York, updating your license record does not automatically guarantee that all vehicle registrations you own will update the way you expect, especially if some vehicles are jointly owned.

To reduce problems, enter your information exactly as it appears on your existing New York DMV documents, and double-check your new address carefully.

Step-by-Step Address Change Options in New York

In New York State, you can typically change your DMV address:

  • Online (if eligible and you have the required information)
  • In person at a New York DMV office
  • By mail (for certain circumstances or if you prefer paper)

The New York DMV change of address process links your driver record and registration records, but you may need to confirm which items are being updated and whether new documents will be issued.

1. Change Your Address Online (If Eligible)

In New York, this is typically handled online for most standard address changes when:

  • You have an existing New York license, permit, or non-driver ID
  • Your license or registration is valid and not suspended or revoked
  • You are moving within New York State (not out-of-state)

To use the online system, you generally:

  1. Go to the official New York DMV website.
    • To safely find it, search online for the official New York DMV and then navigate to the “Change of Address” section. Avoid third-party sites.
  2. Sign in or provide your identifying details.
    • You’ll usually need your license/ID number, date of birth, and other identifying information.
  3. Enter your old address as it appears on your current DMV record.
  4. Enter your new address, including any apartment or unit number.
  5. Select which records to update.
    • The online system may allow you to update:
      • Driver license / permit / non-driver ID record
      • Vehicle registration records for one or more vehicles
  6. Review and confirm.
    • Check that your name, license number, and new address are correct before submitting.
  7. Submit your address change.
    • You may receive a confirmation screen or reference number. Save or print this for your records.

In many cases, the online system in New York updates your license/ID record and registration address at the same time, but be sure to read on-screen language carefully. If you own multiple vehicles, verify that each plate number is listed as being updated.

Many drivers in New York find that online address changes are the fastest way to ensure the DMV has the correct mailing address, especially in high-population counties like Kings (Brooklyn) or Westchester where DMV offices can be busy.

2. Change Your Address In Person at a New York DMV Office

If you’re not eligible for online service, or if you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can change your address at a New York DMV office.

Depending on your county in New York, you may:

  • Need an appointment,
  • Be able to walk in during certain hours, or
  • Have to visit a specific county-operated office location.

Basic in-person steps

  1. Check your local office’s requirements.
    • On the official New York DMV website, use the office locator or county DMV information to confirm hours and appointment rules.
  2. Bring your current New York driver license, permit, or non-driver ID.
  3. Bring your vehicle registration card(s) if you want those addresses updated as well.
  4. Bring proof of your new address if requested. Some offices may ask for one or more documents showing your name and new address.
  5. Request an address change at the counter.
    • Let the clerk know you want to update your address on:
      • Your driver license/ID record
      • Your vehicle registration(s)
      • Both, if applicable
  6. Review the updated information on any form or screen before it’s finalized.

In New York, this is typically handled during the same visit for all your DMV records, but if you have complex situations (multiple vehicles, a recent name change, or address changes for a commercial license), the clerk may walk you through additional steps.

If you also want a new physical license or ID card with your updated address printed on it, that may involve a separate replacement transaction. Ask the clerk what options are available and whether an additional process is required.

3. Change Your Address By Mail (If Available)

The New York DMV may allow address changes by mail using a paper address change form. This is often used when:

  • You cannot use the online system
  • You live in a part of New York where mailing forms is more convenient than visiting an office
  • You prefer written records of your request

To avoid guessing, this guide will not cite a specific New York DMV change of address form number. Instead, use this general approach:

  1. Find the official address change instructions.
    • On the official New York DMV website, search for “change of address” and look for the section that explains mail-in requests and references any downloadable form.
  2. Print and complete the form (if required).
    • Write clearly and make sure:
      • Your name and license/ID number are correct
      • Your old and new addresses are complete
      • Any vehicle plate numbers are accurate
  3. Include copies of any required documents.
    • The DMV may request proof of new address or identification copies. Follow the form’s instructions carefully.
  4. Mail the form to the address listed on the official instructions.
    • Use a secure mailing method if you want delivery tracking.

When you use mail in New York, the timing of updates will depend on processing times and mail delivery to and from the DMV. It’s wise to keep copies of everything you send.

Do License and Registration Update Together in New York?

In New York, this is typically handled through an integrated system, but driver records and vehicle records are still separate entries in the DMV database.

  • Updating your driver license/ID address updates the address on your driving record and is used for related notices.
  • Updating your registration address updates the address for that specific vehicle (or vehicles), which may include separate mailings.

Many drivers in New York find that their address change covers both when using the online service and carefully selecting all relevant options. Still, after you complete the process, it’s good practice to:

  • Log back into the online system (if available) or
  • Review your registration renewal or other notices

to confirm both types of records show your correct new address.

What Happens After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you submit a New York DMV address change—whether online, in person, or by mail—several things usually occur.

Confirmation of your change

Depending on the method:

  • Online: You may see an on-screen confirmation or receive an email confirmation if you provided an email address.
  • In person: The clerk may give you a printed receipt or updated temporary document.
  • By mail: You may not receive immediate confirmation; your first “proof” could be the next DMV mailing sent to your new address.

In New York, this is typically handled behind the scenes; your address in the central DMV database is updated and then used for all future mailings related to the records you changed.

New card, sticker, or documents

Address changes can affect your:

  • Driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID
  • Vehicle registration certificate
  • DMV mailings and notices

Whether you receive new physical documents automatically depends on the DMV’s current policies and the type of change you made. Often:

  • Your address is updated in the system, but
  • Your existing license or ID card may not be automatically reissued with the new address printed on it unless you request a replacement.

To verify what applies to you:

  • Check the instructions on the New York DMV site’s “change of address” page, or
  • Ask a clerk if you’re at an office.

Timing of updates

New York DMV processing speed can vary, especially in busier regions like New York City and Long Island. In general:

  • Online updates usually reflect in the electronic record quickly.
  • Mail and in-person changes may take additional time for the database changes to fully propagate and for any new documents to be issued.

Since exact timeframes can change, it’s safer to keep proof of your change (such as a confirmation page or receipt) and monitor your next DMV mailing.

Special Situations in New York

Address changes can be more complicated in certain cases. Here’s how some common special situations work in New York State.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders

If you hold a CDL in New York:

  • You must keep your address up to date for both safety and compliance reasons.
  • Some CDL-related records may have additional requirements, especially if you also operate under a company address or have endorsements.

Depending on your county in New York, you may need to visit a DMV office that handles CDL services if you are also changing other aspects of your record. Check the official DMV website for any CDL-specific address change instructions before you act.

Active-duty military and their families

If you’re in the military and your home of record or station changes:

  • You still need to update the address the New York DMV uses for your license and registration, especially if your vehicles remain registered in New York.
  • You may be able to provide a New York mailing address that is different from where you are physically stationed (for example, a family member’s address in New York).

In New York, this is typically handled using the same change-of-address channels, but you may have more flexibility on mailing addresses. Consider checking the New York DMV site for any military-specific guidance if you’re deployed or stationed out of state.

College students in New York

If you move for college (for example, from a family home in upstate New York to student housing in New York City or another campus town):

  • Think about where you reliably receive mail and where you expect to live for the longer term.
  • The DMV address should be a place where you can receive official notices, not necessarily a short-term dorm room if your residency is unstable.

Many students in New York find it helpful to use a permanent address (such as a parent or guardian’s home) as their DMV mailing address, as long as mail delivery is reliable and they meet DMV requirements. If you do change your official DMV address to your campus housing, remember to update it again if you move.

New residents moving into New York

If you recently moved to New York from another state:

  • You cannot update your address with the New York DMV until you have New York-issued credentials (such as a New York license or registration).
  • Instead, your first step is to:
    • Obtain a New York driver license or permit, and
    • Register and title your vehicle in New York, if you bring a vehicle with you.

Once you have your New York credentials, you follow the New York DMV change of address process described above for any later moves within the state.

PO boxes and rural routes

In rural parts of New York, physical addresses and mailing addresses can be different:

  • The New York DMV may distinguish between a residential address and a mailing address.
  • You may be able to list a PO box for mailing, but also need to record a physical address where the vehicle is kept or where you actually live.

Depending on your county in New York, local post office practices and addressing standards can affect how you list your address on DMV forms. Make sure your address matches what the postal service uses for your home and what local emergency services recognize.

Name and address changes at the same time

If you recently changed your name (for example, after marriage or a court order) and also moved:

  • In New York, name changes are more complex than simple address changes and may require specific documents (like a court order or marriage certificate) and an in-person visit.
  • It is often easier to:
    1. Complete your name change with the DMV first, then
    2. Update your address as part of the same visit, or immediately afterward via the method the DMV allows.

Check the New York DMV website for the current name-change requirements and plan your visit or online action so you’re not submitting inconsistent information.

Troubleshooting: If Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Sometimes the New York DMV change of address process hits a snag. Here’s how to handle common problems.

Online address change rejected

If the online system will not accept your change:

  • Re-check your identifying information.
    • Confirm that your license/ID number, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your SSN match your card exactly.
  • Verify your address format.
    • Make sure your street, apartment number, and ZIP code match how they appear in other official mail.
  • Look for any on-screen error messages.
    • These can indicate whether the issue is with your identity data, your eligibility, or the address itself.

If the problem continues, you may need to:

  • Call the New York DMV using the contact information on the official site, or
  • Visit a DMV office in person with your documents.

Submitted but not updated

If you submitted an address change (online, in person, or by mail) but your records still show the old address after a reasonable period:

  1. Check your confirmation.
    • Look at any emails, receipts, or reference numbers you received.
  2. Log into the online DMV account (if available).
    • See whether your driver record shows the new address.
  3. Review the specific record.
    • Your license record may be updated, but your vehicle registration may not have been selected or processed.

If nothing shows as updated, contact the New York DMV using the instructions on their website and provide:

  • Your full name
  • Date of birth
  • License/ID number
  • When and how you submitted the change
  • Any confirmation number or receipt

Rejected request or returned mail

If the DMV notifies you that your address change was rejected, or if DMV mail is returned to sender:

  • Confirm that you used your legal name and correct identifying information.
  • Verify that your new address can receive mail.
    • For multi-unit buildings, include apartment or unit numbers.
  • Check with your local post office.
    • Make sure the address is recognized and that your name is associated with that mailbox.

In areas with complex addressing, such as certain neighborhoods in New York City or rural upstate communities, you may have to adjust how you write your address to match postal service records.

License updated but registration didn’t (or vice versa)

It’s possible for your license record and registration records to get out of sync:

  • You might successfully change your license address, but forget to select or update your vehicle registrations online.
  • Or you might update registration by mail or in person, but not complete a change for your license or ID card.

To fix this:

  1. Review your records separately.
    • If you have an online DMV account, see whether:
      • Your license/ID address is correct, and
      • Your vehicle registrations (by plate number) show the right address.
  2. Submit a separate address change for the record that’s still wrong, using whichever method is allowed (online, in person, or mail).
  3. Keep confirmation for both.

You moved out of New York State

If you move out of New York permanently:

  • You will need to get a license and registration in your new state according to that state’s rules.
  • New York DMV does not typically manage address changes for people whose driver licenses and vehicle registrations have switched to another state.

However, if:

  • You still have an active New York registration or license (for example, during a transition period), or
  • You are still receiving New York DMV notices,

you may need to:

  • Update your New York DMV address to an out-of-state mailing address if the DMV allows it, or
  • Surrender your New York plates and registration as required when you register the vehicle elsewhere.

Because rules can change, it’s safest to:

  • Search the official New York DMV site for “moving out of New York” or “surrender plates,” and follow their current instructions.

Using Official New York DMV Resources Safely

To make sure you’re getting accurate, current instructions directly from the state:

  • Visit the official New York DMV website at:
    https://dmv.ny.gov
  • From there, search for “change of address” to find:
    • The current online change-of-address service
    • Any available mail-in address change forms and instructions
    • Office locations and contact information if you need in-person help

Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees or ask for sensitive information not required by the state.

Keeping your DMV address current in New York helps ensure that your license, registration, and title information all match where you actually live and receive mail. Whether you use the online service, visit a DMV office, or send in a form, take a few extra minutes to double-check your details, update both your license and registration when needed, and save your confirmation. That way, the next time New York DMV needs to reach you, their notices will go to the right place.