Change of Address in Washington DC
Change of Address in Washington DC
Changing your address with Washington DC isn't optional after a move. The steps below cover your license, registration, and any title address update Washington DC requires—including deadlines, online vs. office routes, and fees when Washington DC publishes them. Start there, then work the rest-of-your-move checklist.
How to change your address in Washington DC
How to Change Your Address in Washington, D.C.
Changing your address with the D.C. DMV can be done either in person, by mail, or online, depending on the type of driver's license/ID card you have. You will need to pay a fee for your updated card. If you'd like replacement motor vehicle documents, you'll need to apply for duplicates and pay a fee.
Continue reading this page to learn how to change your address with the Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (D.C. DMV).
How to Change Your Address with the D.C. DMV
If you move to a different address in Washington, D.C., you must notify the D.C. DMV within 60 calendar days. Your options to change your address will depend on whether you have a REAL ID/limited purpose driver's license or ID card, or a standard card.
Once you've changed your address with the D.C. DMV, your driver's license and motor vehicle records will both be updated and you will receive an updated driver's license/ID card.
If you'd like updated motor vehicle documents showing your new address, you'll need to apply for replacements.
Standard Driver's License/ID Card
If your D.C. driver's license/ID card isn't REAL ID-compliant or a limited purpose card, you will need to change your address in person at a D.C. DMV office. You will need:
- Proof of your name and date of birth, such as your:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- Valid foreign passport (with visa), I-94 print out, and I-20.
- U.S. citizenship certificate.
- Proof of your Social Security number (SSN), such as your:
- Social Security card.
- W-2 statement.
- Pay statement.
- Proof of your lawful presence in the U.S., such as your:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- Work authorization.
- U.S. passport.
- Proof of your Washington, D.C. residency, such as your:
- Utility bill (dated within the last 60 days).
- Telephone bill (issued within the last 60 days).
- Rental agreement.
- Payment for the $20 fee.
Once you've updated your information, the DMV will issue you a REAL ID or limited purpose card.
For more information about the REAL ID Act, read our article.
REAL ID or Limited Purpose Driver's License/ID Card
If you already have a REAL ID or limited purpose driver's license or ID card, you can update your address either:
- Online using the D.C. DMV's Address Change Request service.
- By visiting at your local D.C. DMV office.
- By mailing the required documents and payment to:
Attn: Change of Address
P.O. Box 90120
Washington, D.C. 20090
If changing your address by mail or in person, you will need to submit:
- 2 documents proving your new D.C. address, such as your:
- Recent utility bill.
- Recent phone bill.
- Rental agreement.
- Payment for the $20 fee.
Vehicle Registration & Title Address Change
Once you've changed your address with the D.C. DMV ( see above), your motor vehicle records will automatically updated. If you'd like replacement documents that show your new address, you'll need to order duplicates for a fee.
Complete instructions can be found on our following pages:
Fees to Change Your D.C. Address
Changing your address on your D.C. DMV documents will cost you the following fees:
- Driver's license/ID card: $20 fee.
- Vehicle registration replacement: $20 per year.
- Duplicate certificate of title: $26.
New Washington, D.C. Residents
If you will be living in D.C. for 60 days or longer, you must obtain a D.C. driver's license to operate a vehicle in the state.
If you own your own vehicle, you'll also need to have it registered with the D.C. DMV in order to continue operating it legally in the district.
More information, including application instructions and applicable fees, can be found on these pages:
- Car Registration
- Applying for a New License (Drivers 18+)
- Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers)
- Applying for a CDL
Change Your Name
If you've had a name change, you'll need to notify the D.C. DMV, regardless of the reason for the change.
This must be done in person at a D.C. DMV office where you'll need to show proof of your name change and pay the required fee for updated documents.
For more information and a complete list of items you'll need to bring, visit our Name Change in Washington, D.C. page.
The rest of your move
Updating the DMV is step one. Here's everything else your old address is hiding on—we've linked our full guides where we have them.
A few more to knock out—no DMV required:
✓USPS mail forwarding—set up a forward at moversguide.usps.com (lasts up to 12 months).
✓Banks & credit cards—statements, replacement cards, and fraud alerts.
✓Employer & IRS—update HR for your tax forms; file IRS Form 8822.
✓Subscriptions & deliveries—prescriptions, memberships, and auto-ship orders.
