The fastest way to change your address in Washington
You can change your address on your Washington driver's license or ID card online through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You do not need to renew your license early or take a new photo — the address change alone is free and does not affect your license expiration date.
Washington processes address changes within one to two business days if you use the online system. If you mail the form, allow 7 to 10 business days. In-person changes are when ready. Your new address will appear on your license when it arrives in the mail (for online requests) or when ready (for in-person visits).
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Washington DOL website is free, takes 10 minutes, and requires only your license number and new address.
- You do not need to visit an office, pay a fee, or take a new photo to change your address on an existing license.
- A new physical card with your updated address arrives by mail within one to two weeks after you submit the online request.
- If you need the address changed when ready (for proof of residency), visit a licensing office in person and bring your license and proof of your new address.
- Mailing the form takes longer but works if you cannot go online or visit an office.
Changing your address online through the DOL website
Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and select "Change Address" under the driver's license section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on a piece of mail or utility bill from your new location.
After you submit the form, the DOL sends a new license card to your new address. The card itself will show the updated address. You should receive it within 7 to 14 business days. Your old license remains valid until it expires — you do not need to destroy it or turn it in.
If the online system does not recognize your information, it may mean your record in the DOL database does not match what you entered. Call the DOL at 1-360-902-3900 to verify your details before trying again.
Changing your address in person at a licensing office
Visit any Washington licensing office with your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency dated within the last 60 days.
Tell the staff member you need an address change. They will update your record on the spot, and you will receive a new card by mail within 7 to 14 days. If you need proof of your new address when ready for a bank account, apartment lease, or other purpose, ask the licensing office to print a temporary address verification letter while you wait.
In-person visits are useful if you need the change recorded right away or if you are uncomfortable using the online system. Licensing offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours. Check the DOL website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go.
Mailing the address change form to the DOL
read the "Change of Address" form from the Washington DOL website or request one by phone at 1-360-902-3900. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or similar proof dated within 60 days).
Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DOL receives it, plus mail delivery time in both directions. A new card will be mailed to your new address once the change is processed.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you do not receive your new card within three weeks, call the DOL to confirm they received your form.
What documents prove your new address
Washington accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease or rental agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowner's or renter's insurance statements, and letters from government agencies (Social Security, IRS, unemployment office, or court documents).
Bank statements and credit card statements are not accepted as proof of address. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date.
Timeline and what to expect after you request the change
If you change your address online, the DOL processes the request within one to two business days. Your new card is then printed and mailed to your new address, arriving within 7 to 14 business days total from the date you submit the form.
If you change your address in person, the update happens when ready in the DOL system, but the physical card still takes 7 to 14 days to arrive by mail. If you change your address by mail, add 5 to 10 days for postal delivery before the DOL even receives your form, then another 7 to 10 days for processing.
Your old license remains valid and legal to use until it expires. You do not need to wait for the new card to arrive before using your license for identification. The address on your old card will not match your actual residence, but that is not a problem for most purposes. If you need proof of your current address for a bank account, apartment, or job, bring the document you used to prove your address to the DOL (utility bill, lease, etc.) rather than your license.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common error is entering your address differently than it appears on your proof document. If your utility bill says "123 Main Street" but you type "123 Main St." online, the system may reject it or process it incorrectly. Copy your address word-for-word from the document you are using as proof.
Another mistake is submitting a proof document that is older than 60 days. The DOL will reject mail-in requests if the utility bill or lease is dated too far in the past. Check the date on your proof before you mail it or bring it to an office.
Do not assume your address has changed in the DOL system just because you submitted the form. If you need the change for a specific important date (opening a bank account, starting a job, etc.), change your address in person at a licensing office so it is recorded when ready, or call the DOL a few days after submitting an online or mail request to confirm it was processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address on my Washington license?
No. Changing your address is free. You do not pay anything whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. The only cost is the postage if you mail the form yourself.
Will I get a new license number when I change my address?
No. Your license number stays the same. Only the address on the card changes. Your expiration date also does not change — you do not have to renew early.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Washington license?
You can change your address to an out-of-state address online or by mail. However, Washington law requires you to get a license in your new state within a certain timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the state). Check your new state's DMV rules about when you must switch. You can keep your Washington license as a second ID if you still own property or have other ties to Washington, but you cannot legally use it as your primary ID in another state.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
You can change your address on an expired license. If your license is suspended, you should still update your address so the DOL has your current contact information, but you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DOL about lifting the suspension before or at the same time you change your address.
How long does it take to get my new card in the mail?
After the DOL processes your address change (1 to 2 days for online, 7 to 10 days for mail), your new card is printed and mailed to your new address. Delivery takes 5 to 10 business days depending on where you live in Washington. Total time is usually 7 to 14 days from the date you submit the request.