How To Do a Washington DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the beautiful state of Washington then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your Washington DMV Change of Address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.

It’s always good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since Washington requires you to file your change of address paperwork within 30 days of becoming a new resident (and just 10 days if you were already a resident), there really isn’t a ton of time to waste.

Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to know in order to complete your Washington DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to a Washington Department of Licensing office to get started.

If You’re Moving to Washington from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to Washington from another state?

How do you get one?

To get a Washington driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to a Washington Department of Licensing office in person to apply (find one near you here). Unfortunately you can’t do a Washington DMV change of address online or over the phone, however, you may be eligible to pre-apply online. You can apply for a standard Washington driver’s license or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL), which serves as a valid U.S. passport when traveling to or from certain countries, including Mexico and Canada.

Per the rules in most states, expect that Washington driver’s licenses for new residents to the state are only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the WA DMV or an outside court.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit the WA DMV:

    • Proof of identity (examples include your passport, military I.D. card, etc.)
    • Your current out of state driver’s license
    • Your social security card

    Specific documentation requirements vary by age. Head here to see exactly what you need to bring for your age group.

    Note that if your name on your proof of identity does not match the name on your current driver’s license you will also have to bring along proof of name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change.

    Is there a fee?

    Yes. The fee for a non-commercial Washington driver’s license is $45.

    Does a Washington DMV change of address require a driving test?

    No, just a vision test.

    How long do you have to get a Washington driver’s license or ID card?

    Washington requires new residents to get a state driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency, which can go by quickly, so act fast!

    How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

    Within 30 days of becoming a resident.

    How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Washington?

    You’ll need to head to a Washington DMV office in person to update your vehicle’s registration. Make sure to bring along the following required documents:

      • Vehicle Title Application (Form 420001)
      • Your current out of state title

      What is the registration fee?

      The fee to register a standard non-commercial vehicle in Washington is $30.

      If You’re Moving Within Washington

      You have just 10 days after your move to update your Washington driver’s license with your new address when moving within the state (and no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it).

      You have three options for updating your address on your Washington driver’s license:

      1. Fill out a Washington DMV change of address form online. You can do so here through Washington’s License eXpress online change of address system. Be sure to have your current Washington driver’s license number handy, as well as the last four digits of your social security number.

      2. Go to a Washington Department of Licensing office in person. Find a Washington driver’s license office near you and fill out a Washington DMV change of address form in person.

      3. Mail it in. Print and fill out a Washington Address Change Request Form (Form 500039) and mail it to Driver Records, Washington Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507.

      Will Washington issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

      Not unless you request one.

      How much does a Washington change of address cost?

      An update to your Washington address with the DMV is free, but you’ll need to pay a fee of $20 if you want them to send you an updated driver’s license.

      What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?

      To change your address on your Washington driver’s license or identification card, you will need to provide:

        • Change of Address Request Form
        • Your current and valid Washington driver’s license number
        • The last four digits of your social security number

        What information do you need to provide to update your vehicle registration?

        As for updating your vehicle’s registration, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

          • Your license plate number
          • Your VIN number

          You can change the address on your vehicle’s registration online or in person at a Washington Department of Licensing office. Do keep in mind that you will need to complete this within 10 days of your move, so time is of the essence.

          If You’re Moving From Washington to Another State

          Do you need to notify the Washington Department of Licensing if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

          No. When you get your new license Washington will automatically cancel your existing one.

          Do you need to notify the Washington Department of Licensing if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

          Do you need to return your Washington license plates?

          No, you can go ahead and keep them.

          Have any questions?

          If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Washington, contact the Washington Department of Licensing directly at (360) 902-3900 weekdays from 8am to 5pm. The DOL’s customer service line is not open on the weekends. You can also send an email to [email protected].

          Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within the state of Washington?

          We can help you out with that! Use Moving.com to quickly and easily search reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Washington move will cost.