Between packing boxes and setting up utilities, updating your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is usually the last thing on your mind when you move. Unfortunately, forgetting to do it can cost you. If you miss a license renewal notice, a vehicle registration bill, or an unpaid toll ticket because it went to your old address, you could face hefty late fees or even a suspended license.
Every state has strict, legally mandated deadlines for reporting an address change. While some states give you 60 days, others demand an update within 48 hours. Use our comprehensive guide below to find out your deadline and exactly how to update your driver’s license and vehicle records.
Things to Know Before You Update
Before you start filling out forms, keep these three important rules in mind:
Voter Registration: The DMV is closely tied to state voter rolls. When you update your address, you usually have the option to update your voter registration at the same time. Checking this box saves you an extra step before the next election.
USPS Forwarding Does Not Notify the DMV: This is the most common mistake drivers make. Setting up mail forwarding with the United States Postal Service (USPS) does not automatically update your address with the DMV or your state government. You must notify the motor vehicle department directly.
License vs. Vehicle Registration: Updating the address on your driver’s license does not always automatically update the address attached to your vehicle’s registration or title. In most states, you need to make sure you update both records to ensure your license plates remain valid.
Steps To Change of Address State Wise List
The timeline to notify the DMV depends entirely on where you live and whether you moved within the same state (In-State) or moved from a completely different state (Out-of-State). Find your state below to see your legal deadline.
| State Wise Change of Address Guide | Time to Update Address In-State | Time to Update Address if Moved to the State |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 30 days | 30 days |
| Alaska | Immediately | 90 days |
| Arizona | 10 days | Immediately |
| Arkansas | 10 days | 30 days |
| California | 10 days | 10 days |
| Colorado | 30 days | 30 days |
| Connecticut | 48 hours | 30 days |
| Delaware | 30 days | 60 days |
| Florida | 30 days | 30 days |
| Georgia | 60 days | 30 days |
| Hawaii | 30 days | 30 days |
| Idaho | 30 days | 90 days |
| Illinois | 10 days | 90 days |
| Indiana | 30 days | 60 days |
| Iowa | 30 days | 30 days |
| Kansas | 10 days | 90 days |
| Kentucky | 10 days | 30 days |
| Louisiana | 10 days | 30 days |
| Maine | 10 days | 30 days |
| Maryland | 30 days | 60 days |
| Massachusetts | 30 days | Upon establishing residency |
| Michigan | Immediately | Immediately |
| Minnesota | 30 days | 60 days |
| Mississippi | 30 days | 30 days |
| Missouri | Immediately | Upon establishing residency |
| Montana | 10 days | 60 days |
| Nebraska | 60 days | 30 days |
| Nevada | 30 days | 30 days |
| New Hampshire | 30 days | 60 days |
| New Jersey | Immediately | 60 days |
| New Mexico | 10 days | Upon establishing residency |
| New York | 10 days | 30 days |
| North Carolina | 60 days | 60 days |
| North Dakota | 10 days | 150 days |
| Ohio | 7 to 10 days | 30 days |
| Oklahoma | 10 days | 30 days |
| Oregon | 30 days | 30 days |
| Pennsylvania | 15 days | 60 days |
| Rhode Island | 10 days | 30 days |
| South Carolina | 10 days | 45 days |
| South Dakota | No time limit | 90 days |
| Tennessee | 10 days | 30 days |
| Texas | 30 days | 90 days |
| Utah | 10 days | 60 days |
| Vermont | 30 days | 60 days |
| Virginia | 30 days | 60 days |
| Washington | 10 days | 30 days |
| Washington, D.C. | 60 days | 30 days |
| West Virginia | 20 days | 30 days |
| Wisconsin | 10 days | 60 days |
| Wyoming | 10 days | 1 year |
How To Update or Change Drivers License Address
The process to change your address is generally straightforward and can usually be completed in one of three ways:
1. Online (The Fastest Method)
Updating your address online is the most convenient option for drivers moving within the same state.
- Visit your state’s official DMV, BMV, or DPS website.
- Log in to your online account or enter your current driver’s license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- Input your new residential and mailing addresses.
- If you want a new physical card reflecting the new address, you can usually pay a small replacement fee via credit card. Otherwise, your digital file will be updated for free.
2. In Person
If you have moved from out of state, or if your state requires new photos for an address change, you will need to visit a branch in person.
- Schedule an Appointment: Always book an appointment online first to skip the walk-in lines.
- Bring the Right Form: Download and fill out your state’s official Change of Address application before you arrive.
- Gather Your Documents: You will need to bring proof of identity (like a Passport), your Social Security card, and two proofs of your new residency (such as a utility bill and a lease agreement).
- Pay the Fee: Be prepared to pay a standard processing or replacement fee to have a new card printed.
3. By Mail
If you are unable to go online or visit a branch, most states allow you to update your records via the postal service.
- Download and print the official Change of Address form from your DMV’s website.
- Fill it out completely with your old and new addresses.
- Mail the completed form (and payment, if requesting a new physical card) to the specific mailing address listed on the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
While requirements vary slightly by state, you typically need to provide three types of documents: Proof of Identity (Passport or Birth Certificate), Proof of Social Security Number (SSN card or W-2), and Proof of Residency (utility bills, bank statements, or mortgage/lease agreements showing your new address).
It depends on your state and your specific move. If you move in-state, many DMVs simply update your file electronically, and you keep your old card. Other states might ask you to write your new address on the back of the card, issue you a sticker to place on the back, or allow you to pay a small fee for a newly printed card. If you move out-of-state, you are legally required to surrender your old license and get a brand-new physical card issued by your new state.
The easiest way to verify your new address is to log into your state’s official online DMV portal and check your driver profile. If you submitted the change by mail or in person and do not have an online account, you can call your local DMV customer service line to confirm the update has been processed.
Conclusion
Staying on the right side of the law after a move doesn’t have to be a headache. By acting quickly within your state’s required timeframe and using the online portal whenever possible, you can get your address updated in a matter of minutes. Just remember to gather your proofs of residency and ensure you update both your license and your vehicle registration so you never miss a vital notice.