How to Change the Address on Your Drivers License in Washington
The procedure of changing drivers license address in Washington is necessary for licensees who move to another place of residence. An address change updates driver records and helps residents avoid any penalties for driving with an out-of-date credential.
Motorists can update their credentials by following the directions set by the state Department of Licensing (DOL). Drivers have the option to apply for a change of address online, by mail or in person at a DOL office. Licensees who wish to learn how to change the address on drivers license in WA can do so by reading the following sections.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your Washington Drivers License
Applying to change drivers license address in WA is necessary for motorists who move to a new place of residence in WA or change mailing address information. Completing a change of address procedure is also necessary for licensees who move to Washington from out of the state and need to transfer driving credentials.
Residents need to complete a drivers license address change in WA if they have an error on their current DOL license. The Washington DOL offers enhanced drivers licenses (EDL) and standard drivers licenses for all eligible residents. An EDL is a type of identification that residents may use as a passport for certain countries.
Washington Drivers License Address Change Time Limits
You must complete a WA DMV license change of address a certain number of days after your move or change of mailing address. If you fail to update records within the mandated timeframe, you may face consequences regarding your driving privileges. Not completing your Washington driving license address change can result in not receiving important correspondence regarding driving license renewal or other vehicle services.
Online Drivers License Address Changes in Washington
An online drivers license change of address in WA is one available method residents may use to update their DOL information. Motorists who are able to apply for a driving license change of address online may utilize their License eXpress account or the online service tool available on the official DOL website. EDL license holders cannot use the License eXpress option.
Motorists using the online system to update any information must submit their WA driver’s license number and the last four digits of their Social Security Number and follow the prompts. The DOL will process the WA drivers license change of address request and update their records. Motorists applying for an address change on their physical card must order a replacement license online or in person and pay the applicable fees.
How to Change Your Address on Your Washington Drivers License in Person
Another option to apply for a Washington driving license change of address is through an in-person visit to a local DOL office. You can update records by filling out the address change form and submitting it to a DOL representative.
If you are changing any of your information for an EDL, you must also bring proof of new residence, your current EDL and payment for the fee. If you are changing WA drivers license address information for a standard license, you only need to bring payment if you are applying for a replacement license.
How to Change Your Address on Your Washington Drivers License by Mail
If you are changing driving license addresses in Washington, you may complete the process by mail. You may not change your records by mail if you hold an EDL address.
To submit a request, you must fill out an address change form with your personal information and your new address of residence and/or mailing address. You may update drivers license address records by sending the application to the address listed on the form.
How to Transfer Your Drivers License as a New Washington Resident
Motorists who move to Washington and need to perform a WA drivers license change of address transaction can do so by purchasing a new WA driving license. Drivers must update their addresses credentials by transferring their out-of-state driving licenses no more than a month after establishing WA residency.
In order to change driving license addresses in WA, motorists must follow the guidelines to obtain a standard or enhanced drivers license. Motorists must got to a DOL branch and submit proof of identity, the out-of-state license and payment for the necessary fees. Applicants updating their information by transferring out-of-state credentials must:
- Provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or proof of Washington residency.
- Pass a vision screening.
- Take a written and a drive test, if applicable.
Testing requirements may vary based on the age of the driver, the type of out-of-state license held and the expiration status of the out-of-state license.
Washington DMV Address Change Fees
Drivers applying for a Washington drivers license change of address do not need to pay any fees to change DOL records. Motorists who want to update the information on the physical license must order a new card and provide payment for the applicable prices, depending on the chosen method of replacement.
New state residents who apply for a driving license change of address by transferring out-of-state credentials must pay new license fees. A replacement driver’s license costs $20.
Sources
- Change your address: Driver license and ID Card from WA.gov