Moving day — it's always a mixture of excitement and hassle. You're starting over in a new place with new neighbors, possibly a new job or school. You might love the new digs. But we're guessing you could do without all the change of address paperwork.
Although it might not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, changing your address on your Georgia driver's license is a necessary task. Fortunately, it's fairly easy. We'll walk you through the process.
How Much Does It Cost?
Let's talk money. Every licensed driver in Georgia is allowed one free address or name change during the original eight-year term of their driver's license, as long as their license is not due to expire in the next 150 days. So if you haven't changed your name or address on your Georgia driver's license since your last renewal, and your license isn't going to expire within the next five months, you can change your address for free.
If this doesn't apply to you, you'll have to renew your license when you change your address. "The fee is $32," says D. Kirk Bressette, CEO and Co-Founder of Drive Smart Georgia. "However, the applicant will receive a $5 discount if you submit the change online."
Where Can You Go to Change Your Address?
Here, you have two options, according to Bressette. "Simply go to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and submit your address change. You can also change your address over the internet if you are a resident of the state and a U.S. citizen."
Changing Your Address in Person
If you choose to do it the old fashioned way, we strongly recommend that you download the application from the DDS website ahead of time. This will make your trip to DDS a lot shorter — and who wants to stand in long lines?
In addition to the application, you'll need to bring proof of identification and residency.
Proof of identification can include a current driver's license, passport, birth certificate, State Department-issued consular report of birth abroad, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. For your proof of residency, you can choose from a number of documents. "Bring your bank Statement, utility or phone bill," says Bressette. "If you are a student, bring documentation from your school."
You can find a comprehensive list of acceptable proofs of identification and residency on the DDS Secure ID checklist page.
Changing Your Address Online or Via Mobile App
Like many things in life, DDS is online now too. It's simple and easy to change your address online, so if this is an option for you, we recommend you try it. And bonus, you'll save $5 off the renewal fee if you do it online.
Like we mentioned above, you must be a Georgia state resident and a U.S. citizen to use this option. You must also have previously passed the vision exam. This option is available for regular class driver's licenses only, and not commercial driver's licenses.
Finally, there is a DDS mobile app available that will allow you to change your address. It is available in the App Store or on Google Play. The same rules apply as for changing your address via the DDS website.