How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Washington

Moving within Washington means updating your address with the state so your driver license, ID, and vehicle records stay accurate. A Washington DMV change of address is usually straightforward if you know which agency to contact and what each type of record requires.

State Verification: Who Handles DMV Services in Washington?

In Washington, the traditional “DMV” functions are handled by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).

However, not everything is done in one place:

  • Driver licenses and ID cards – handled directly by the Department of Licensing (DOL).
  • Vehicle registrations and titles – administered by DOL, but many transactions are processed through local vehicle licensing offices, often located in businesses that contract with the state (such as agent or subagent offices).

In Washington, this split means:

  • You’ll usually change your driver license/ID address through DOL (online or at a driver licensing office).
  • You’ll update your vehicle registration/title address through the vehicle licensing system, often online or at a local licensing office.

Depending on your county in Washington, the closest place to update your vehicle record may not be the same office where you’d take a driving test. Before you go in person, it’s wise to:

  • Look up “WA DOL offices” or “WA vehicle licensing office locator” on a search engine, and
  • Confirm whether the location handles driver licensing, vehicle licensing, or both, so you don’t end up at the wrong type of office.

Why Updating Your Address Matters in Washington

When you complete a DMV change of address Washington–style (through the DOL and licensing offices), you’re ensuring the state has the right place to reach you for:

  • Driver license and ID card records
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Vehicle titles
  • Official notices and renewals

Many drivers in Washington find that address issues show up at the worst times: during a traffic stop, while renewing tabs, or when trying to sell a car. Keeping your address current helps avoid problems such as:

  • Missing renewal notices for your driver license or tabs
  • Not receiving a replacement license or new ID sent to an old address
  • Delays in getting a title when you buy or sell a vehicle
  • Confusion about residency if your license and registration show different addresses

In Washington, this is typically handled by linking your updated address to your main DOL driver record and your vehicle records, but these do not always update each other automatically. In practice, you may need to update your driver license/ID and your vehicle registration separately to keep everything consistent.

What You’ll Need for a Washington DMV Change of Address

You usually do not need a long list of documents just to update an address in Washington, especially if you’re using online services. But having the right information ready makes the process faster and less frustrating.

Basic information to have on hand

For a driver license or ID card address change in Washington, you’ll typically need:

  • Your full legal name
  • Washington driver license or ID card number
  • Date of birth
  • Last four digits of your Social Security number (if requested for identity verification)
  • Your new Washington address, including:
    • House or apartment number
    • Street name
    • City
    • State (WA)
    • ZIP code
  • Mailing address, if different from your physical address
    (In many parts of Washington, especially rural areas, people use a PO box for mail but must still list a physical residential address.)

For a vehicle registration or title address change, plan to have:

  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (often requested, especially if you have multiple vehicles)
  • Registered owner’s name and driver license number
  • New address for registration and mailing

When you may need documents

While a simple address change often does not require documents, there are situations where you may be asked to provide or bring:

  • Proof of identity (such as your current Washington driver license or ID card)
  • Proof of Washington residence (for some transactions by new residents or if you are reissuing a card)
  • Documentation of a name change (if you are updating your name and address at the same time)

In Washington, this is typically handled by DOL staff checking your existing record to see if anything else needs updating. If you are unsure, it can help to bring:

  • A piece of recent mail with your new address
  • Any relevant court or legal documents (for name changes, guardianship, etc.)

Why address change requests get rejected

Address change requests in Washington can be delayed or rejected for reasons like:

  • Entering an address that doesn’t match USPS format or can’t be validated
  • Typos in your driver license number or plate number
  • Using a PO box as your only address when a physical residence is required
  • Trying to change the address for someone else’s record without legal authority
  • Incomplete forms or missing fields (especially on a paper or PDF Washington DMV change of address form, if that’s how you submit it)

Double‑check all information before you submit, and make sure your new address is accurate and deliverable.

Step-by-Step Options: How to Change Your Address in Washington

In Washington, you often have several ways to handle a DMV change of address: online, in person, or sometimes by mail. Not every method is available in every situation, so you may need to choose the one that fits your status and what you’re updating.

Do driver license and registration update together?

In Washington, your driver license/ID address and your vehicle registration/title address are related but managed through separate systems:

  • Updating your driver license/ID address does not always automatically update your vehicle registration address.
  • Updating your vehicle record may not change the address shown on your driver license card.

To keep everything consistent, many drivers in Washington find it easiest to complete both updates around the same time, especially after moving.

Changing Your Driver License or ID Address in Washington

Option 1: Change your address online (if eligible)

Most Washington residents with a valid WA driver license or ID card can update their address online.

In Washington, this is typically handled by the DOL’s online services portal. To use it:

  1. Go to the official Washington Department of Licensing website.
    • Use a search engine to look for “Washington DOL change of address driver license” or visit the main state site at:
      https://www.dol.wa.gov/
  2. Sign in or create an online account, if required.
  3. Locate the driver license/ID address change feature under driver licensing or online services.
  4. Enter your identifying information, such as:
    • Driver license/ID number
    • Date of birth
    • Last four digits of your SSN (if requested)
  5. Type in your new physical and mailing address carefully.
  6. Review and confirm the information before submitting.

Many drivers in Washington find that online updating is the fastest option, especially if they do not need a replacement card right away. In some cases, you may be able to request a replacement card with your new address during the same online session, though a replacement card may involve an additional fee.

Option 2: Change your address in person

You can also change your address by visiting a Washington DOL driver licensing office:

  1. Find a nearby driver licensing office using the office locator on the DOL website.
    • Look for an official page like “Driver licensing office locations” linked from https://www.dol.wa.gov/
  2. Bring your current license or ID.
  3. Request an address change at the counter and provide your new address information.
  4. If desired or required, apply for a replacement license or ID card that shows your new address.

Depending on your county in Washington, some offices may require or strongly recommend an appointment, especially in high‑population areas near Seattle, Tacoma, or Spokane. Check the DOL site for current procedures before you go.

An in‑person visit is commonly needed if:

  • Your license is expired or close to expiring
  • Your name has changed and you are updating both name and address
  • There is an issue with your record that prevents online changes
  • You are converting from another state’s license at the same time

Option 3: Changing address by mail for driver records

Washington may allow certain driver record updates by mail, particularly when using official forms provided directly by the DOL. However, mail‑only processing can change over time.

If you are specifically looking for a Washington DMV change of address form for drivers:

  • Search the official DOL site for “driver license change of address form PDF” or a similar phrase.
  • Follow any instructions on where and how to mail the completed form.

Because mailing information and forms can change, do not assume old addresses or instructions you find elsewhere are still valid—always check the current instructions on the Washington DOL website.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration or Title Address in Washington

In Washington, vehicle registrations and titles are also under the Department of Licensing, but the actual service is often handled by local vehicle licensing offices.

Option 1: Change your vehicle address online

Many Washington vehicle owners can update their vehicle registration mailing address online:

  1. Go to the official DOL website:
    https://www.dol.wa.gov/
  2. Look for vehicle services, tabs and registration, or “change your address for vehicle registration”.
  3. Access your vehicle record by providing:
    • License plate number
    • VIN (if requested)
    • Your identifying information
  4. Enter your new address and confirm whether it applies to:
    • Registration and mailing address
    • Title address (if that option is offered online)
  5. Submit and save or print your confirmation, if available.

In Washington, this is typically handled through the same online system you might use to renew tabs or check registration status, so you may see other services listed alongside change‑of‑address options.

Option 2: Change your vehicle address in person

If online is not an option or your situation is more complex, you can update your vehicle record at a local vehicle licensing office:

  1. Use the DOL website to find a vehicle licensing office near you.
  2. Bring:
    • Your current registration or renewal notice
    • License plate number
    • Your Washington driver license/ID
    • Your new address
  3. Ask the clerk to update your address for:
    • Registration and mailing
    • Title record (if appropriate)

Depending on your county in Washington, some vehicle licensing offices may be run by subagents (such as in local businesses). Their hours and services can vary, so checking ahead can save you a wasted trip.

Option 3: Change your vehicle address by mail

In some cases, Washington may allow vehicle address changes by mail, especially if:

  • You received a renewal notice that includes an address update section, or
  • You obtained a Washington DMV change of address form specifically for vehicle records directly from the DOL.

If you plan to submit by mail:

  1. Use only the current mailing address and instructions listed on the DOL site or on your renewal notice.
  2. Fill out all required fields clearly, including:
    • Plate number
    • VIN (if requested)
    • New address information
  3. Mail it well ahead of any renewal deadline to avoid delays in getting your tabs or new documents.

Because mail processing times and addresses can change, always verify up‑to‑date instructions on the official Washington DOL website rather than relying on older printed materials.

After You Submit Your Address Change in Washington

Once you’ve completed a Washington DMV change of address for your driver license/ID or vehicle, a few things typically happen.

For driver license and ID records

When you change your address on your driver license or ID:

  • Your DOL driver record is updated with your new address.
  • If you requested a replacement card, it will be mailed to the address on file.
  • If you did not request a new card, your record will still show your correct address, but your physical license/ID may still show the old one.

In Washington, this is typically handled by using your updated record for future mailings and official notices, even if your plastic card has not yet been changed. Some people choose to update the physical card right away; others wait until renewal to get a new card that reflects the address.

For vehicle registration and titles

After you change your vehicle registration address:

  • Future tab renewal notices and other mailings should go to the new address.
  • If your title address is also updated, any future title document (for example, after a lien is released or a duplicate is issued) should use the new address.

Many vehicle owners in Washington find it useful to watch for the next piece of mail from DOL, such as a renewal notice or confirmation letter, to verify that it is arriving at the correct address.

How long it can take

Processing times can vary based on:

  • Whether you updated online, in person, or by mail
  • Seasonal volumes (for example, around major moving seasons)
  • Any holds or issues on your record

To avoid relying on exact timelines, it’s best to:

  • Submit your address change as soon as you move or know your new address.
  • Allow extra time if you need a new physical card or title sent to the new address.

Special Situations for Washington Address Changes

Certain groups and situations in Washington have additional considerations when changing address.

Commercial driver license (CDL) holders

If you have a Washington CDL:

  • You generally must follow stricter rules for keeping your address and driving record current.
  • In Washington, this is typically handled by the DOL’s commercial licensing section, and you may need to appear in person for some changes.
  • Federal regulations may affect how quickly you’re required to report an address change.

CDL drivers in Washington should always verify current DOL and, if applicable, employer requirements before changing their address.

Active duty military and their families

If you are active duty military stationed in Washington (or a Washington resident stationed elsewhere):

  • You may be able to maintain a Washington license with an out‑of‑state mailing address, or vice versa, depending on your situation.
  • In Washington, this is typically handled with some flexibility for service members, but you still need to keep your mailing address accurate so documents reach you.
  • Check the DOL site for any military‑specific guidance, as rules can differ for deployed individuals or those stationed overseas.

College and university students

If you are a student attending school in Washington but your family home is elsewhere:

  • Decide whether your primary residence for licensing should remain in another state or be updated to Washington, following residency rules.
  • If you already have a Washington license and registration, keep your mailing address up to date where you can reliably receive mail (campus mailbox, apartment, etc.).
  • Many students in Washington find it useful to set a stable mailing address, such as a PO box or long‑term apartment, to avoid missed mail during breaks.

New Washington residents

If you’ve just moved to Washington from another state:

  • You generally need to apply for a Washington driver license and register your vehicles in Washington under state law and timelines.
  • The address change process is bundled into getting your first WA license and WA registration, not as a simple address update.
  • Start by searching for “new Washington resident driver license” on the DOL site and follow the residency and documentation requirements.

PO boxes and rural routes

In many rural areas of Washington, residents rely on PO boxes or rural route mailboxes:

  • Washington DOL often requires a physical residential address for your driver record, even if your mail is delivered to a PO box.
  • You may need to list:
    • Physical address – where you actually live
    • Mailing address – PO box or rural route where you receive mail
  • If you’re unsure, ask at a DOL office or vehicle licensing office how to correctly format both addresses on your record.

Changing your name and address together

If you have had a name change (for example, due to marriage, divorce, or court order) and you’re also changing your address:

  • This is generally not something you can fully complete online in Washington.
  • Plan for an in‑person visit with:
    • Legal proof of your name change
    • Your current WA driver license or ID
    • Your new address information
  • You’ll typically complete a license or ID update that incorporates both name and address, and you may choose or be required to obtain a replacement card.

For vehicles, you may also need to update your name on the title and registration, which can involve additional forms and, in some cases, lienholder involvement if the vehicle is financed.

Troubleshooting: If Your Washington Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Even when you follow the steps correctly, issues can arise. Here’s how to handle common problems with a Washington DMV change of address.

Online address change rejected

If your online attempt is rejected:

  • Verify your information:
    • Check your driver license/ID or plate number for typos.
    • Confirm your date of birth and SSN (if used) are correct.
  • Check your address format:
    • Use the format recognized by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
    • Avoid unusual abbreviations or missing apartment numbers.
  • Confirm eligibility:
    • Some records (such as those with certain flags, holds, or CDL designations) might not be eligible for online address changes.

If it still doesn’t work, many drivers in Washington find the next best step is to call or visit a DOL driver licensing office or vehicle licensing office and request an in‑person update.

Your record doesn’t show the new address after you submitted

If you submitted an address change but your record still shows the old address after a reasonable time:

  • Log back into the online system (if you used it) and check:
    • Saved profile settings
    • Confirmation messages or emails
  • Contact DOL or your local vehicle licensing office with:
    • The date you submitted the change
    • Any confirmation number you received
  • Ask them to:
    • Verify whether the address change went through
    • Update manually if necessary

In Washington, this is typically handled by staff pulling up your record and confirming what address is currently on file.

You received a rejection notice

If you get a letter or email indicating your address change request was rejected:

  • Read the reason carefully – common issues include:
    • Missing information
    • Inconsistent data (for example, mismatched name and license number)
    • Illegible handwriting on mailed forms
  • Correct the issue and resubmit using the method suggested in the notice.

If the reason is unclear, you may need to call or visit a DOL office and bring any documents mentioned in the notice.

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

Because driver records and vehicle records are maintained separately:

  • Updating your driver license/ID address may not change your vehicle registration address.
  • Updating your vehicle registration may not update your driver license address.

If one updated and the other didn’t:

  1. Check both systems separately:
    • Use the driver license lookup or your DOL online account.
    • Use any online vehicle registration lookup tool (if available), or call/visit a vehicle licensing office.
  2. Submit a second address change for the record that still shows the old address.

Many drivers in Washington find it easiest to set a reminder to verify both driver and vehicle records after moving, to make sure they match.

You moved out of Washington

If you’ve moved out of Washington State:

  • You will typically need to:
    • Obtain a new driver license in your new state of residence.
    • Register and title your vehicle in the new state, following their rules.
  • Once you become a resident of the new state, your Washington license and registration will eventually become outdated under Washington and the new state’s laws.

Some people wonder if they must file a separate Washington DMV change of address after leaving. In practice:

  • Your main focus should be on meeting your new state’s requirements promptly.
  • Washington records may eventually show your Washington license as expired or superseded by another state’s license, and your old WA address will no longer be used for new renewals.

If you have any active matters in Washington (such as pending title paperwork or unpaid tickets), you may still want to update your mailing address with the DOL so that any important notices reach you, even after you move.

Staying on top of your Washington address changes keeps your driver license, ID, and vehicle records aligned and prevents missed notices. To move forward:

  1. Update your Washington driver license/ID address through the DOL (online or in person).
  2. Update your vehicle registration and title address through online vehicle services or a local licensing office.
  3. Verify both records after a short time to make sure the changes stuck.

Using the official Washington State Department of Licensing website at https://www.dol.wa.gov/ and, when needed, a local office visit will help ensure your information is accurate, current, and ready for your next renewal, move, or vehicle transaction.