Where to Change Your DC Address

You can change your address on a DC driver's license in person at any DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles most situations. The mail route works only if you are renewing your license at the same time or if your license is still valid and you have no violations or suspensions on your record.

DC has one main DMV office at 65 K Street NE, plus several satellite locations in different wards. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the DC DMV website to reduce wait time. If you choose to mail in your change, you must include your current license, a completed process form, and proof of your new address.

The in-person method is recommended if your license is expired, suspended, or if you need to update your address urgently. You will receive your new license on the same day at the DMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address in person at any DC DMV location without an appointment, though scheduling one online reduces your wait time.
  • By mail, you need your current valid license, a completed process, and proof of your new address — but only if your license is not expired and has no violations.
  • Proof of address must be a recent document showing your name and new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you change your address in person, you receive your new license the same day; by mail, processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • You do not need to pass a test or provide new photos when changing your address only.

Documents You Need for an In-Person Address Change

Bring your current DC driver's license and one document that shows your new address. The address document must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and your new street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government notice addressed to you at the new address.

If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in a household member's name plus a signed statement from that person confirming you live at that address. This works for spouses, family members, or roommates. Bring the signed statement with you to the DMV.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or any other identity documents — your current license is sufficient. If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to report it and follow the replacement process instead of a straightforward address change.

How to Change Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, complete the process for a DC Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43). You can read this form from the DC DMV website or request it by phone. Fill in your new address on the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license and proof of your new address to the DC DMV at 65 K Street NE, Washington, DC 20001.

The mail-in method is only available if your license is valid (not expired) and you have no active suspensions or violations. If your license is expired or suspended, you must go in person. Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.

Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the form and proof of address, for your records. Consider using certified mail or a tracking service so you know when the DMV receives your documents.

What Happens at the DMV During an Address Change

When you arrive at the DMV office, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are changing your address. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When called, bring your current license and address proof to the counter.

The DMV staff will verify your documents, confirm your new address, and take a new photo if your current photo is more than eight years old (though this is not required for address-only changes). You will sign a new license process, pay the fee, and receive your new license printed on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter.

Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one. You do not need to destroy it, but you should not use it for identification after that day.

Fees and Processing Times

Changing your address on a DC driver's license costs $10 if you are only updating your address and your license is not expiring. If you are renewing your license at the same time, you pay the renewal fee instead (currently $70 for a four-year license or $140 for an eight-year license). No additional charge applies when you combine an address change with a renewal.

In-person address changes are processed the same day. You walk out with your new license in hand. By mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus mail delivery time to your new address. If you need your new license quickly, the in-person method is much faster.

Payment at the DMV is accepted in cash, debit card, or credit card. If mailing, include a check or money order payable to the DC Department of Motor Vehicles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not mail in your address change if your license is expired or suspended — the DMV will reject it and return your documents. You must go in person instead. Also, do not assume that changing your address with the US Postal Service or updating it with your bank automatically updates your driver's license. The DMV keeps its own records and requires a separate change.

Make sure your address proof document is dated within the last 60 days. Older utility bills or statements will not be accepted. If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your new name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your new address, or bring a lease signed by both you and the landlord.

Do not bring only a photo ID or passport as proof of address — the DMV needs a document that specifically shows your new street address. A driver's license from another state does not count as address proof either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online?

No, DC does not offer online address changes for driver's licenses. You must go in person or mail in your documents. However, you can schedule an in-person appointment online through the DC DMV website to reduce your wait time at the office.

What if I just moved and do not have a utility bill yet?

You can use a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or a signed letter from your landlord on company letterhead. If you are staying with a family member, bring a document in their name plus a signed statement from them confirming you live there. The document must show your new address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need a new photo when I change my address?

No, a new photo is not required for an address-only change. Your current photo will be used unless it is more than eight years old, in which case the DMV may take a new one. You will not be charged extra for a new photo.

How long does it take to get my new license by mail?

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your packet, plus mail delivery time to your new address. This is slower than the in-person method, which gives you your new license the same day. If you need it quickly, go in person.

What if my address change is rejected by mail?

The DMV will return your documents with a letter explaining why. Common reasons include an expired license, an address proof document that is too old, or missing information on the form. Once you fix the issue, you can remail your packet or go in person to the DMV office.