What do i need to change my address on my drivers license

If I forget to change my address on my driver’s license, will I get in trouble? Can I leave it the way it is? What are the consequences if I don’t change the address on my driver’s license? Read to know more. 

Importance of an address in a driver’s license 

Even though moving is fun, the process can feel like a nightmare. When you want to start over in a new city, you might forget to do important things before you move. However, there’s a lot to remember between hiring movers, going over expenses, packing, calling credit card companies, and stopping utility services. 

Changing your address on your driver’s license is one of the most common things people forget to do. Even though some organizations ask you to let them know when you move, many of them don’t have the same penalties as a license that isn’t up to date. 

It is the law to keep your address up to date 

When you change where you live legally or where you send mail, it makes it harder to find you. If you break a traffic law, get in an accident, or run a red light with a camera, the government may try to find you at the address on your license or send you a letter. In fact, some traffic tickets and other notices from the DMV or your local court are sent by mail. Not only could you end up with a lot of traffic ticket fines, but you could also lose your license or have it taken away. It goes without saying that driving with an old address on your license could be more dangerous than you think. 

Luckily, it’s not too hard to make changes to your driver’s license. But remember that your driver’s license and vehicle registration must have the same information. So, if you want to change your address on your driver’s license, don’t forget to call the DMV and let them know. 

Do I need a new driver’s license if I move in-state? 

Different states have different rules about when you need to get a new driver’s licence when you move within the same state. At the very least, you have to tell the DMV about a change of address, which may or may not result in a new driver’s license.  

This lets the DMV register your car at the right address and makes sure that important mail, like reminders to re-register your car, gets sent to your new home. What’s good? Most DMVs let you change your address online. 

Do I need a new driver’s license if I moved to a new state? 

If you moved to a different state, things would be very different. You might be wondering, “Can you live in one state and have a driver’s license from another?” to save yourself some trouble before you move. 

Most of the time, the answer is no, but there are some exceptions (college students, for example, might be off the hook). In most cases, the DMV of your new state will require you to get a local license and re-register your car with them within a certain amount of time (usually 30, 60, or 90 days). 

Whether you moved across the street or to a different state, you need to find the closest DMV and find out how much time you have to change your license.  

How to update your address in your driver’s license 

Contact your local DMV 

Every state has a government agency called the DMV, RMV, BMV, or DOT. In Hawaii, there are no state-wide DMVs. Instead, each county has its own DMV. The local DMV is in charge of giving out driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations and making sure they are up to date.  

Get the right paperwork and personal information 

 If you just moved within your state, go to the DMV website for your state to see if you can change your address online. Usually, you have to fill out an online form to do this. But if you need to go to the DMV, you’ll want to make sure you have all the right paperwork with you. Bring the following to make sure your visit goes well: 

• Documents that prove who you are: Bring your Social Security card and passport to make the process easier for you. If the name on your driver’s license is different from the name on your card (for example, if you’re married and took your partner’s last name), bring your legal name change document (like your married license) with you. 
• Residency documents: Usually, you have to show that you live in the state with at least two pieces of paper. Bills or statements from companies you know and trust are your best bet (e.g., auto insurance bills, mortgage statements). Make sure that your full name and current address are on these things. 
• Insurance proof: Before giving you a new license, some states want to make sure that your car is insured for the state-required amount. Bring your insurance cards or something else that shows you are covered. 

Different states have different rules about what you need to show. Doing a quick search on the Internet before you go to the DMV can help you make sure you have all the right paperwork with you. You might have to fill out more forms at the DMV, like an application for a driver’s license or a form to change your address. You shouldn’t have any trouble filling in the required fields if you have the above documents. 

Wrap it up with the DMV 

The process and efficiency of the DMV have come a long way. Visits to the DMV take less time now that more services are available online and appointments can be made. 

If you don’t want to have to wait too long, you should make an appointment. This way, you can skip the “first-come, first-served” part of the process and spend less time waiting. Even if you have an appointment, you should still get there a few minutes early. Some DMVs have specific areas for certain transactions, and you want to make sure you’re standing or sitting in the right place for your appointment. 

 Most of the time, you have to pay a fee to get a new license. Most states charge between $20 and $40 for a new license, but this can change. Find out how much your new license will cost by doing a quick search online or calling your local DMV. Pay attention to the types of payments your DMV will accept. 

Get on a call with your insurance provider 

The last thing you need to do is call your auto insurance company. Remember that we said you might have to show proof of insurance at the DMV? To make that happen, you will need to talk to your insurance company.  

If you call your insurance company, they should be able to change your policy to reflect your new address. If you moved within the same state, this should be an easy change, but it might have a small effect on your rate. Else if you moved to a different state, ask your insurance company if they can move your policy to the state where you now live. If they can’t, you’ll have to find a new insurance company and get a policy that covers your car in your new state of residence. If you have to go to the DMV in person to get a new license, make sure you have proof of insurance with you. 

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