California uses Form DL 43 to change your driver's license or ID card address

The California Department of Motor Vehicles calls their address change form Form DL 43, officially titled "process for Duplicate or Amended Driver's License or Identification Card." You fill it out, sign it, and submit it either in person at a DMV office or by mail. California does not offer online address changes through their website, so one of those two methods is required.

The form itself is straightforward — it asks for your current license number, your new address, and your signature. You do not need to bring your current license with you if you submit in person, though having it makes the process faster. If you mail the form, include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Processing time varies depending on how you submit. In-person submissions at a DMV office are usually processed the same day, and you walk out with an updated license or ID. Mail submissions typically take two to three weeks, though during high-volume periods it can stretch longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 43 is the official California DMV form for address changes on driver's licenses and ID cards.
  • You can submit in person at any DMV office or mail the completed form with proof of your new address.
  • In-person submissions are processed same-day; mailed forms take two to three weeks.
  • You do not need to bring your current license to an office visit, but proof of your new address is required for mail submissions.
  • California does not offer address changes online through the DMV website.

Where to get Form DL 43

You can read Form DL 43 directly from the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. Search for "DL 43" in their forms section and print it at home. The form is also available at any DMV office — you can pick one up when you arrive, or call ahead and ask them to have one ready.

If you do not have access to a printer, you can request the form by mail from the DMV. Call 1-800-777-0133 and provide your mailing address. The DMV will send it to you, though this adds several days to the overall timeline.

Submitting in person at a DMV office

Walk into any California DMV office with your completed Form DL 43, your current driver's license or ID card, and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — anything dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Bring the original document, not a copy.

You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Check the DMV website before you go — it shows real-time wait times for each office. Early morning on a weekday is typically faster than afternoon or weekend visits.

The fee for an address change is $0 if you are only updating your address. If you also need a replacement card because yours is damaged or lost, there is a small fee (currently $10 for a driver's license or $6 for an ID card, though these amounts can change). The DMV will issue your new card on the spot, and you can use it when ready.

Submitting by mail

Print and complete Form DL 43, then mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar document dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license or ID card; the DMV does not need it for an address change.

Mail your packet to the DMV office that serves your county. The form itself lists the correct mailing address for your region. Use certified mail or regular mail with tracking if you want confirmation it arrived. Processing takes two to three weeks under normal conditions.

Your new license or ID card will arrive by mail at your new address. If you need to drive before it arrives, your old license remains valid for driving purposes even though the address is outdated — you just cannot use it as proof of your current residence.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

California law does not require you to update your driver's license address within a specific timeframe, but there are practical consequences. If you are pulled over, an officer may question why your license shows a different address than where you claim to live. It is not illegal, but it can create confusion.

More importantly, if you receive a traffic ticket or citation, the DMV and courts will mail notices to the address on your license. If you do not update it, you may miss court dates or payment important date without realizing it. Vehicle registration renewal notices will also go to the old address.

For voter registration, vehicle registration, and other state records, updating your DMV address does not automatically update those systems. You will need to contact those agencies separately if you want your address changed across all your records.

Changing your address without a new physical card

If you submit your address change by mail and do not request a replacement card, the DMV will update your address in their system, but you will not receive a new physical card in the mail. Your old card remains valid for driving, and your record is updated. This is useful if your current card is not damaged and you do not need a new one right away.

However, if you need proof of your new address on your actual card — for example, to show an employer or landlord — you will need to request a replacement card. You can do this by checking the box on Form DL 43 that says you want a duplicate card, or by submitting a separate request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my DMV address if I move?

California does not legally require it within a specific timeframe, but it is strongly recommended. If you receive a traffic ticket or court notice, it will be mailed to the address on your license. Missing those notices can result in additional penalties.

Can I change my address online through the California DMV website?

No. California does not offer online address changes. You must submit in person at a DMV office or mail Form DL 43 to the DMV. Some states offer online changes, but California does not currently provide this option.

What counts as proof of my new address?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address all work. Bring the original document if submitting in person; include a copy if mailing.

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

In-person submissions are processed same-day. Mail submissions take two to three weeks. Your new card will be mailed to your new address once it is processed.

Can I drive with an outdated address on my license?

Yes, your license remains valid for driving even if the address is outdated. However, if you are pulled over, the officer may question the discrepancy. More importantly, any official mail from the DMV or courts will go to the old address on your license.