Updating Your Georgia License and Registration

Georgia law gives drivers 60 days to notify the Department of Driver Services of an address change, and the change has to be reflected separately on the driver's license (DDS) and the vehicle registration (MVD). The two agencies don't share address-change data automatically — you'll handle each side once.

Address change with DDS (driver's license)

Online

The fastest channel. Sign in to DDS Online Services with your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and date of birth. The system updates the DDS record immediately. The first address change in a year is free; later changes cost $5. A new card is mailed in 5-10 business days only if you specifically request a replacement; otherwise the existing card is updated electronically and the next renewal will reflect the new address.

By mail

Send Form DDS-DCS-1 (Address Change) to the DDS Records Section, Conyers, GA. Allow 4-6 weeks for the update to appear in the system. Most drivers don't need this option since the online channel covers nearly every change.

In person

Visit any DDS Customer Service Center with photo ID and proof of the new Georgia address (utility bill, bank statement, lease). The clerk updates the record and issues a sticker for the back of your existing license. A new card with the corrected address is mailed in 7-10 business days for $5.

Address change with MVD (vehicle registration)

The DDS update doesn't carry over to MVD automatically. To change the address on your vehicle registration:

Online (DRIVES e-Services)

Sign in to DRIVES with your tag number, last 6 digits of VIN, and county. Update the address — free. The change takes effect immediately, but the existing registration card isn't reissued; the next renewal decal arrives at the new address.

In person at the county tag office

Visit your new county Tag and Title Office. The clerk updates the registration and prints a new registration card. If you've moved to a new county, the old county tag office releases the registration to the new county; the registration fee is prorated for the remainder of the year. Specialty plates may need to be re-issued depending on the county's plate inventory.

Name change after marriage, divorce, or court order

Georgia requires an in-person visit to a DDS Customer Service Center for any name change. Bring:

• Your current Georgia driver's license or state ID.
• A certified copy of the legal name-change document — marriage certificate, divorce decree, court-issued name change order, or naturalization certificate.
• Your Social Security card showing the new name (DDS confirms the name change with the SSA database in real time).
• Two proofs of Georgia residency in your new name, dated within the last 6 months.
• Payment for the corrected license fee (typically $5).

The clerk takes a new photo and signature, prints a temporary paper license, and mails the permanent card in 7-10 business days. The new card carries the same expiration date as the old one — a name change isn't a renewal.

Important: update SSA first

Georgia DDS verifies your name and SSN with the Social Security Administration in real time during the in-person visit. If the SSA hasn't yet updated your record (it typically takes 2-4 weeks after you submit Form SS-5), the DDS visit will fail. Always update with the SSA first — it's free and can be done by mail or in person at a local SSA office.

Vehicle title address

The address on your vehicle title is set when the title was issued. Georgia doesn't automatically update the title address when you update the registration; you'd need a corrected title via Form MV-1 ($8) only if the title address matters for an upcoming sale or loan refinance. Most drivers leave the title address as-is and let the registration update reflect their current address.

What if you don't update?

An out-of-date address on file can cost you in several ways:

• Missed renewal notices for license, registration, and emissions, leading to expired credentials and late fees.
• Missed jury-duty notices, which are mailed to the address on file with DDS.
• Court summons and ticket notices not delivered, which can result in default convictions and a license suspension.
• Insurance verification mismatches that trigger a GEICO Plus letter from MVD.

For a national overview, see our DMV services hub.