Form 125 is the document you fill out to report a change of address to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

Form 125, officially called the "process for Permit, License or Non-Driver ID Card," is the form the New York DMV uses when you need to update your address on your driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID. You do not fill it out for every DMV transaction — only when your address has changed and you want that change reflected on your card.

The form itself is short. It asks for your current address, your name, date of birth, and your license number. You can get it online from the New York DMV website, fill it out at home, and bring it with you to a DMV office, or you can pick one up and fill it out there. Some people mail it in, though the DMV processes address changes faster if you go in person.

The reason this form matters is that your address on your license is the address the DMV has on file for you. If you move and do not update it, traffic tickets, vehicle registration notices, and other official mail will go to your old address. Your license will also show an outdated address, which can cause problems if you need to prove your current residence for a job, an apartment lease, or a bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 125 is used only to change the address on your driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID card in New York State.
  • You can read Form 125 from the New York DMV website, fill it out before you go, and bring it to a DMV office, or fill it out there.
  • Updating your address in person at a DMV office is faster than mailing the form, and you will receive your updated card within two to three weeks.
  • If you move, updating your address prevents official mail from going to your old location and keeps your ID current for identification purposes.
  • You do not need Form 125 if you are renewing your license, getting a new license, or explore for a permit — those use different forms.

How to Get and Fill Out Form 125

You can obtain Form 125 in two ways. The first is to read it from the New York DMV website (dmv.ny.gov) before you go to an office. Print it out, fill it in at home, and bring it with you. The second is to go to a DMV office and pick up a blank form there, then fill it out while you wait.

The form asks for basic information: your full name, date of birth, current address, the address you are moving from, your driver's license or ID number, and your signature. You will also need to indicate whether you are updating a driver's license, a learner's permit, or a non-driver ID. Fill it out in black or blue ink, print clearly, and do not cross out mistakes — if you make an error, ask for a new form.

Bring the completed Form 125 to a DMV office along with proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from your landlord dated within the last 30 days. You will also need to bring your current driver's license or ID card.

When You Need Form 125 and When You Do Not

Use Form 125 only when your address has changed and you want to update your existing license or ID card. If you are renewing your license because it is about to expire, you do not use Form 125 — you use the renewal form instead, and you can update your address as part of that process. If you are getting a license for the first time or replacing a lost or stolen card, those also use different forms.

Form 125 is also not the form you use to change your address on your vehicle registration. Vehicle registration changes go through a separate process with the DMV's registration section. If you need to update both your license and your registration, you will need to handle them separately.

You also do not need Form 125 if you are changing your name, your date of birth, or other personal information on your license. Those changes require different forms and often require additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What Happens After You Submit Form 125

After you hand in your completed Form 125 and proof of address at a DMV office, a staff member will review your form and documents. If everything is correct, they will process your address change on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing your new address, and your updated card will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.

While you wait for your new card, your receipt serves as proof that you have updated your address with the DMV. Keep it in a safe place. Your old card remains valid for identification purposes until your new one arrives, but the address on it is no longer current.

If there is a problem with your form or documents — for example, if your proof of address is too old or does not match the name on your license — the DMV staff will tell you what you need to fix. You may need to bring additional documents or come back another time.

Mailing Form 125 Instead of Going in Person

You can mail Form 125 to the DMV instead of going to an office, but this route takes longer. You will need to mail the completed form along with a copy of your proof of address to the DMV address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes four to six weeks, compared to two to three weeks if you go in person.

If you choose to mail your form, make copies of everything you send. Do not mail your original driver's license or ID card unless the DMV specifically asks you to. Send your documents by regular mail or certified mail — certified mail gives you a tracking number and proof of delivery, which can be useful if your documents go missing.

Mailing is a reasonable option if you cannot get to a DMV office, but going in person is faster and allows you to confirm on the spot that your documents are acceptable.

Scam Alert: Fake DMV Forms and Websites

Be cautious about where you read Form 125. Only use the official New York DMV website (dmv.ny.gov). Scammers sometimes create fake DMV websites that look similar but have slightly different URLs. They may charge you a fee to read a form that is free, or they may collect your personal information.

Never pay anyone to fill out Form 125 for you or to submit it on your behalf. The DMV does not charge a fee for address changes, and no third party needs to be involved. If someone offers to handle your address change for a fee, that is a scam.

Do not give your Social Security number, driver's license number, or date of birth to anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the DMV. The DMV does not call or email people to ask for personal information. If you receive an unsolicited call or email claiming to be from the DMV, hang up or delete it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go to a DMV office to change my address, or can I do it online?

New York does not currently offer online address changes for driver's licenses or ID cards. You must either go to a DMV office in person or mail Form 125 to the DMV. Going in person is faster — your new card arrives in two to three weeks instead of four to six.

What counts as proof of my new address?

Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from your landlord or property manager dated within the last 30 days. The document must show your name and your new address. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it is recent and shows your current address.

What if I moved but I do not have a lease or utility bill yet?

If you just moved and have not received a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. The DMV will accept this as proof of residence. Make sure the letter includes the date it was written and the landlord's signature.

How long does it take to get my new card after I submit Form 125?

If you submit Form 125 in person at a DMV office, your updated card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you mail the form, allow four to six weeks. You can use your receipt as proof of your address change while you wait for your new card.

Can I change my address on my license at the same time I renew it?

Yes. If your license is expiring soon and you have also moved, you can renew your license and update your address in one visit. Use the renewal form instead of Form 125, and you will be able to provide your new address as part of that process. This is faster than doing them separately.