How to Notify the Washington DMV of an Address Change?

I’m moving within Washington: How to change my address with the Washington DMV?

When you’re moving within your state, you are required to change your address with the department of motor vehicles (DMV) as soon as possible. Every state has their own rules and policies. If you’re moving within Washington, you are required to update your address with the DMV within 10 days of your move.

Because updating your address is so crucial, many states have narrowed the process significantly. To update your address on your license and on other documents, you should be aware of the steps that are to be followed in your state.

So how can you apply for a Washington DMV change of address?

 

1. Online

In Washington, you can complete the driver’s license change of address request online, just with a few clicks. It is one of the most convenient options available, considering that you have your Washington driver’s license, ID, date of birth and a social security number (SSN).

Step by step process

1. Log in to the Washington State Department of Licensing. Create an account if you don’t have one.
2. Fill in your credentials and follow through the process to update your address.
3. Complete the application and double-check for any errors.
4. You can also request a new card when you change your address online.
5. There is no fee for updating your address online, however, you will have to pay a $20 fee for getting a new card with your updated address on it.
6. You will be required to provide your social security number, driver’s license or ID card number. If any additional documents are needed, scan and upload them.

 

2. In person

If you are not eligible for the online address change or just want to do it the old-fashioned way, you can visit your local driver license office and submit the address change form. You can also apply for replacement documents when you’re at the office.

Following are some of the major DMV office and their address in Washington:

Olympia

Department of Motor Vehicles

1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA

Lynnwood

Department of Motor Vehicles

18023 Highway 99 Ste E, Lynnwood, WA 

Kent

Department of Motor Vehicles

25410 74th Ave S, Kent, WA

Find your local DMV field office

Step by step process

1. Locate your nearest DMV office.
2. Submit a completed change of address form (Form DR-500-039)
3. Provide the requested information.
4. Pay the fee required to change your Washington Address.

Documents required

• Proof of signature
• Washington driver’s license, Washington ID card (any one document from the two)
• Proof of residency
• Deed/Title, Mortgage, Rental/Lease agreement
• Bank statement
• Proof of social security number
• Date of birth

 

3. By mail

In Washington, you can also change your address by mail. It’s quite an effortless process and can be completed conveniently without any effort. The Washington DMV only requests you to fill out the address change application and send it over to their mailing address.

Following are the steps required to update your address via mail in Washington.

Step by step process

1. Fill in the change of address form (Form DR-500-039).
2. Mail the form to:

Driver Records, Washington Department of Licensing,
P.O. Box 9030,
Olympia, WA 98507

 

I’m moving from another State to Washington: How to change my address with the Washington DMV?

If you are moving from another state to Washington, you need to get a new driver’s license from the Washington DMV. You have to apply for a new license within 30 days of your move and also register within 30 days of establishing residency, considering you have a valid, unexpired driver’s license from another U.S. state.

Sorry to break it to you but you will have to visit the Washington DMV in person to apply for a new driver’s license. You can visit the office addresses mentioned in the moving within Washington part.

Steps to get a new driver’s license from the Washington DMV:

1. Locate your nearest Washington DMV office.
2. Ask for the application for the driver’s license form.
3. Vehicle Title Application (Form 420001)
4. You’ll be required to surrender your current out-of-state license.
5. You’ll need your ID number, date of birth, and SSN for it.
6. Pass the vision exam and pay the $45 fee.
7. If you have a valid driver’s license, your written and driving tests will be waived.

Documents/Information required

• Proof of signature
• Washington driver’s license, Washington ID Card (any one document from the two)
• Proof of residency
• Deed/Title, Mortgage, Rental/Lease agreement
• Bank statement
• Proof of social security number
• Date of birth

Note: You cannot apply for a license or register your vehicle online or by mail when moving to Washington.

 

I’m moving from Washington to another State: How to change my address with the Washington DMV?

You don’t need to update the Washington DMV if you are moving from Washington to another state. Your Washington’s driver’s license will be canceled as soon as you receive a new one from the state you’re moving to. The same goes for your vehicle registration. You will not be required to surrender your plates to the Washington DMV. However, you will be required to surrender the specialty plates at your local vehicle licensing office.

Things to do when moving out of Washington:

• Apply for a new driver’s license, the time-limit for the process varies from state to state. However, most states require this to be completed within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. 
• Apply for a vehicle registration, the time-limit for this process also varies from state to state. 
• You will have to apply for the driver’s license and vehicle registration by visiting the DMV office of the state you have moved to. Note that the requirements will vary according to the state you’ve moved to.

 

What are the documents required?

Here are the documents you need to update your address with the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles:

• Change of address form (Form DR-500-039).
• Your new and old address
• Vehicle Title Application (Form 420001)
• License plate number
• Last four digits of your VIN and SSN
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence.
• SSN and I.D.
• Proof of Washington residency
• Current vehicle registration
• Proof of liability insurance 
• Proof of inspection
• Proof of ownership

 

Frequently asked questions about DMV change of address

When should I notify the Washington DMV of my move?

You must notify the DMV within 10 days of your move.

Do I need to take a driving test?

No, you will not be required to take the driving test. 

Will filling out an official U.S. postal service change of address form update my vehicle registration records?

No, filling out an official U.S. postal service change of address form will not update the information on your DMV records. 

After moving to another state, do I need to return the license plates?

You are not required to surrender your license plates to the Washington DMV.

Can I change my name and address on my driving licence at the same time?

You can only change your name and address simultaneously if you’re applying for a new license or ID. Otherwise, both the processes require separate procedures.