What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in California

You can change your California driver's license or ID card address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to your local office and a wait.

You do not need to renew your license or ID to change the address. The DMV will mail you a new card with the updated address at no charge. Your current license stays valid until its expiration date.

If you have both a driver's license and an ID card, you must change the address on each one separately — they are tracked as different documents in the system.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dmv.ca.gov takes about 10 minutes, costs nothing, and works for driver's licenses and ID cards.
  • You will need your driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change online.
  • If you change your address online or by mail, the DMV mails your new card to your new address within one to two weeks.
  • You can also change your address in person at any DMV office, and you will receive your new card when ready if you bring the required documents.
  • Changing your address does not renew your license — your current expiration date stays the same.

Changing Your Address Online

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Change Address" from the main menu. You will need your California driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new mailing address. The system will verify your identity using these details.

After you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email — you may need it if you have questions about your change. The DMV will mail your new card to your new address within one to two weeks. During this time, your old card is still valid.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the system rejects your information, it usually means the DMV's records do not match what you entered. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to verify your information before trying again.

Changing Your Address by Mail

Print the Address Change form (Form DL 43) from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your current license or ID number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — there is no fee.

Include a copy of a document that shows your new address. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license or ID card.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for three to four weeks total. Your new card will be mailed to your new address.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

Bring your current California driver's license or ID card and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment, but you can make one at dmv.ca.gov to reduce your wait time.

Tell the DMV representative you want to change your address. They will update your record and print a new card on the spot. You will pay no fee. The new card is valid when ready, though the DMV will also mail a duplicate to your new address as a backup.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. Check dmv.ca.gov for your local office's hours and current wait times before you go.

Documents That Prove Your New Address

The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, insurance policies, bank or credit card statements, and government mail.

If your name on the document does not match your name on your license or ID exactly, bring a second document that shows both names — for example, a marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed. If you do not have a document with your new address, you can bring a notarized statement from your landlord or a property manager confirming your residency.

Do not send original documents by mail. Make a copy and mail that instead. If you change your address in person, show the original to the DMV representative and they will return it to you.

What Happens After You Change Your Address

Your new card arrives by mail within one to two weeks if you changed your address online or by mail. If you changed it in person, you receive a new card when ready and the DMV also mails a duplicate to your new address.

Your license or ID number does not change. Your expiration date does not change. Only the address on the card is updated. If your card was set to expire soon, you can renew it at the same time you change your address, but this is not required.

Once your new card arrives, your old card is no longer valid for identification purposes, though you do not need to destroy it. If you move again, you can change your address again at any time — there is no limit to how many times you can update it.

Scams and Safety Alerts

Do not use third-party websites that claim to change your DMV address for you. These sites charge fees (often $50 to $150) for a service the DMV provides for free. They may also collect your personal information and sell it to data brokers. The only official DMV website is dmv.ca.gov.

Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the DMV asking you to verify your address or confirm your identity. The DMV does not send unsolicited emails or texts asking for personal information. If you receive one, do not click any links or reply with information. Report it to the California Attorney General's office at oag.ca.gov.

If someone calls claiming to be from the DMV and threatens to suspend your license, hang up. The DMV does not make threatening calls. If you have a genuine issue with your license, the DMV will send you a letter in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within California?

Yes. California law requires you to notify the DMV of any address change within 10 days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. There is no fee.

What if I move out of California?

If you move to another state, you should get a driver's license or ID from that state. You do not need to formally notify the California DMV, but you should not use your California license as your primary ID in another state. If you plan to return to California, you can keep your California license and update the address when you move back.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. You can still change your address online or by mail even if your license is suspended or revoked. The DMV needs to know where to send official notices about your license status. In person, you may be asked about the suspension or revocation, but you can still update your address.

How long does it take to receive my new card after I change my address online?

The DMV mails new cards within one to two weeks of processing your change. Mail delivery typically adds three to five business days, so expect your new card within two to three weeks total. If you do not receive it after three weeks, call 1-800-777-0133 with your confirmation number.

What if I made a mistake on my address change?

If you changed your address online or by mail and realize you made a mistake, change it again with the correct address. You can update your address as many times as you need. If you changed it in person and the representative made an error, return to the DMV office with your new card and ask them to correct it.