How to Change Your Address at the California DMV

California DMV Address Change: Online, Mail, or In Person

You can change your California driver's license or ID card address through the California Department of Motor Vehicles in three ways: online through their website if you have a Real ID or standard license, by mail using Form DL 43, or in person at any DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your record updates within one business day. Mail takes 1 to 2 weeks, and in-person visits depend on wait times at your local office, which vary widely.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. The DMV will not mail you a new card unless you request one, so if you only need your record updated, you can use the free online or mail options and keep your current card.

Key Takeaways

The California DMV online address change portal is the fastest method and works for most driver's licenses and ID cards issued after 2014.
If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL 43 to the DMV address listed on the form, and your address will update in 1 to 2 weeks.
In-person visits at a DMV office are an option but typically take longer due to wait times unless you book an appointment through the DMV website.
You can request a replacement card with your new address for a fee, but updating your address alone costs nothing.
If your license or ID was issued before 2014 or you have a commercial license, you may need to visit in person or call the DMV to confirm your options.

Online Address Change Through the DMV Website

The California DMV online portal at dmv.ca.gov lets you change your address without leaving home. Go to the "Address Change" section under "Online Services" and select "Change Address Online." You will need your driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new address.

This method works for most standard and Real ID driver's licenses and ID cards. It does not work for commercial licenses, provisional licenses, or cards issued before 2014. If the online system rejects your request, you will see a message telling you to use the mail or in-person method instead.

After you submit your change online, the DMV updates your record within one business day. You do not receive a confirmation email, but you can log back into the portal to verify your new address appears in your record. Your current card remains valid — the DMV does not automatically mail a new one.

Mailing Form DL 43 to the DMV

If you prefer to mail your address change, read or print Form DL 43 from the DMV website. Fill in your name, driver's license or ID number, current address, and new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address printed on the form itself — this address changes based on your county, so check the form before you send it.

Include only the form; you do not need to send your card, a copy of your ID, or proof of your new address. The DMV processes mail requests in the order they arrive, and your address typically updates within 1 to 2 weeks. If you want to track your request, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 after two weeks and provide your driver's license number.

Like the online method, mailing Form DL 43 updates your address record but does not automatically send you a new card. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you must request one and pay the replacement fee when you mail the form.

In-Person Address Changes at a DMV Office

You can change your address at any California DMV office by bringing your driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment, but booking one online through the DMV website will reduce your wait time significantly.

To book an appointment, visit dmv.ca.gov, select "Make an Appointment," and choose "Address Change" as your service. The system shows available times at offices near you. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary — some offices have waits of 30 minutes to several hours depending on the time of day and location.

The DMV staff member will update your record on the spot, and your address change takes effect when ready. If you want a replacement card with your new address, you can request one at the same visit and pay the fee. The new card arrives by mail in 1 to 2 weeks.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowners insurance documents, and government mail such as tax forms or benefit statements. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count.

If you do not have a document in your name yet, you can bring a lease or purchase agreement signed by you and the landlord or seller, even if it is older than 60 days. Some offices also accept a notarized letter from someone who lives with you confirming your new address, though this is less common — call your local DMV office first if you plan to use this option.

You do not need proof of address for online or mail address changes — only for in-person visits. This is one reason the online method is popular for people who have moved but do not yet have bills or mail in their new name.

Replacing Your Card With Your New Address

If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can request a replacement at any time. The fee for a replacement driver's license is $35, and for an ID card it is $30. You can request a replacement when you change your address online (the system will prompt you), by mail (check the box on Form DL 43), or in person at a DMV office.

A replacement card takes 1 to 2 weeks to arrive by mail. Your current card remains valid during this time. If you need a card with your new address urgently, an in-person visit is your only option — the DMV does not issue cards on the spot, but you will have a receipt showing your updated information.

You do not have to replace your card to update your address. Many people update their address record online or by mail and keep their current card, since the DMV record is what matters for most purposes — police, insurance companies, and government agencies check the DMV database, not the card itself.

Special Cases: Commercial Licenses and Older Cards

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot change your address online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of your new address. The DMV staff will update your record and can issue a replacement card if you request one.

If your license or ID was issued before 2014, the online system may not recognize it. Try the online method first — if it does not work, you will see an error message. If that happens, use the mail method with Form DL 43 or visit an office in person. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 if you are unsure whether your card is may be able to access for online changes.

Provisional licenses and instruction permits also require in-person or mail updates. The online system will tell you if your license type is not may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address with the California DMV?

Online changes update within one business day. Mail takes 1 to 2 weeks. In-person changes update when ready, but you may wait 30 minutes to several hours at the office unless you book an appointment. If you request a replacement card, add 1 to 2 weeks for it to arrive by mail.

Do I need to bring my old card when I change my address in person?

Yes, bring your current driver's license or ID card to an in-person visit. You also need proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.

What if I moved out of state but still have a California license?

You can change your address online or by mail to an out-of-state address. The DMV does not require you to get a new state's license when ready. However, most states require you to get a license there within 30 to 60 days of moving, so check your new state's rules.

Will the DMV send me a new card automatically after I change my address?

No. Changing your address updates your DMV record, but you keep your current card. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you must request a replacement and pay the fee.

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

Yes. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person even if your license is suspended or expired. The address change does not affect your license status.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.