I’m moving within Washington DC: How to change my address with the Washington DC DMV?
According to Washington DC law, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about a change in your address within 60 days of your move. You will have to pay a $20 fee for your updated card.
Changing your address can either be done online, by mail or in person. However, if you don’t have a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose credential, you may have no choice but to change your address in person at a DC DMV office.
1. Online
You may change your address online with the DC DMV, if you currently have a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose credential. It is indeed a great option to avoid waiting in line. You can update your driving records during online transactions through this system.
You will need :
- Your driver’s license number
- Your social security number
- Your date of birth
- Your email address
- A proof of residency (to upload to the portal)
- A credit card to pay the $20 fee
Your new license will be mailed to you once received and reviewed.
2. By mail
You may change your address by mailing the necessary documents if you have a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose credential.
The documents and proofs you will need to update your address by mail with the DC DMV:
- Your completed DC DMV driver License Application form
- Two proofs of current DC residency
- Your payment of $20 fee
Complete your change of address by sending the required document at the following address:
DC DMV
Attn: Change of Address,
PO Box 90120,
Washington, DC 20090
Your change request will be processed within 7–10 business days from receipt. This option takes longer than the others, but you might consider it if you don’t want to spend time waiting at the DMV office.
3. In person
You can also change your address by visiting one of the DC DMV offices.
You will need:
- Your completed DC DMV driver License Application form
- Two proofs of current DC residency
- Your proof of Social Security number
- A proof of identity
- Your out-of-state driver’s license or a certified driving record (if moving to DC from another state)
- Your payment of the $20 fee
4. Vehicle registration
Updating your vehicle registration when moving within DC
If you own a vehicle and are moving within Washington DC, you will need to update your vehicle’s registration within 60 days of your move. You can update your vehicle registration and your driver’s license at the same time. You’ll just have to follow the above instructions according to the option you choose.
I’m moving from another state to Washington DC: How to change my address with the Washington DC DMV?
Changing your address in person is the only option when moving to Washington DC.
If moving from another state to Washington DC, you will need to get a new driver’s license. In order to acquire a Washington DC driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident, you must visit the nearest DC DMV service center location, where you will pass a vision screening test. You’ll find the list of required documents for the visit in the article below. If your license has expired for more than 90 days, you’ll also have to take a driving test.
Furthermore, if you own a car, you will need to change your vehicle’s registration within 60 days of your move.
Registering your vehicle when moving to DC
As a new Washington DC resident, you must register your car within 60 days of moving. You have to register your vehicle in person at a DC DMV office. For that, you should have already acquired the documents listed below:
- DC driver’s license
- DC vehicle insurance
- A vehicle inspection certificate
- A vehicle title
Once you have obtained those documents, you can complete the process by visiting a DMV service center.
You will need:
- A proof of ownership (e.g., a bill of sale, signed vehicle title, manufacturer’s certificate of origin)
- A proof of DC vehicle insurance
- Your Washington DC driver’s license or ID card
- A proof of vehicle inspection
The payment of registration fees (fees vary depending on the type of your vehicle and its weight)
I’m moving from Washington DC to another state: How to change my address with the Washington DC DMV?
If you’re moving from Washington DC to another state, you must also notify the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles of your relocation within 60 days of your move. You can do it in person or online.
1. Online
You may change your address online with the DC DMV, if you currently have a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose credential.
You will need :
- Your driver’s license number
- Your social security number
- Your date of birth
- Your email address
- A proof of residency (to upload to the portal)
- A credit card to pay the $20 fee
2. In person
You can also change your address by visiting one of the DC DMV offices.
You will need:
- Your completed DC DMV driver License Application form
- Two proofs of current DC residency
- Your proof of Social Security number
- A proof of identity
- Your out-of-state driver’s license or a certified driving record (if moving to DC from another state)
- Your payment of the $20 fee
3. Vehicle registration
Updating your vehicle registration when moving from DC to another state
If you own a vehicle and are moving out of Washington DC, you will need to update your vehicle’s registration within 60 days of your move. You can update your vehicle registration and your driver’s license at the same time. You’ll just have to follow the above instructions according to the option you choose.
Frequently asked questions about DMV change of address
When should I notify the Washington DC DMV of my move?
You should notify the Washington DC DMV about the change of your address within 60 days of your move.
Do I need to take a driving test?
As a new Washington DC resident, you must pass a vision test, not a driving test. You’ll only have to take a driving test if your license has been expired for more than 90 days.
Will filling out an official U.S. postal service change of address form update my vehicle registration records?
Changing your address with the USPS (U.S. postal service) does not update your DMV records. You must notify both USPS and Washington DC DMV of your new address.
After moving to another state, do I need to return the license plates?
Washington DC requires you to return your license plates. Once you’ve registered the vehicle in your new state, you will have to go to a DC DMV service center and hand over your DC registration and tags.
If you prefer, you can also mail the tags and registration to the following address:
D.C. DMV
P.O. Box 90120
Washington, D.C. 20090
Can I change my name and address on my driving licence at the same time?
If the name on your license and documents does not match, you will be notified that it cannot be changed. To update a driving license, place your address on a small piece of paper with your signature and date. Maintain touch with both your driving license and ID card.
