Where to Report Your Address Change to the California DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles handles address changes through three main routes: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. Mail takes one to two weeks for processing. In-person visits at a DMV office work the same day, though you may wait in line.

You do not need to visit an office unless you are renewing your license or ID at the same time. If your address has changed but your license is still valid, the online or mail route will save you time. The DMV updates your record in their system, and your next renewal will show the new address.

Your vehicle registration and driver's license or ID are separate records. Changing one does not automatically change the other. You will need to report the address change to both if you own a vehicle and hold a driver's license or ID card.

Key Takeaways

  • You can report an address change online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at any DMV office without renewing your license.
  • The online method takes minutes and is available 24 hours a day, while mail processing takes one to two weeks.
  • Vehicle registration and driver's license address changes are separate transactions and must be reported separately.
  • You will need your driver's license or ID number, current address, and new address to report the change.
  • If you move out of state, you should report the address change before you leave California to avoid registration or license suspension.

Changing Your Address Online

Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Address Change" option under the "Online Services" section. You will need your California driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask whether you are changing your driver's license address, vehicle registration address, or both.

Enter your current address as it appears on your license or registration, then enter your new address. Double-check the spelling and zip code — errors here can delay mail from the DMV. The system will show you a confirmation page with a reference number. Save or print this number in case you need to follow up.

The address change takes effect when ready in the DMV system. However, if you have a vehicle registration, the new address will not appear on your registration card until it renews. Your driver's license or ID will show the new address when you renew it.

Changing Your Address by Mail

read the Address Change form (Form DL 43 for driver's license or ID, or Form REG 14 for vehicle registration) from dmv.ca.gov. Print the form and fill in your name, current address, new address, and the document number from your license or registration.

Mail the completed form to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. Do not send your original license or registration card.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your mail. The DMV does not send a confirmation letter for address changes, so keep your reference number or a copy of what you mailed. If you do not see the change reflected in your record after two weeks, contact the DMV to verify they received your form.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

Bring your current driver's license or ID and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Walk in to any DMV office during business hours — no appointment is needed for an address change alone.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to report an address change. They will update your record on the spot. If you are changing both your driver's license and vehicle registration address, let them know so they can process both at once.

The change takes effect when ready. You will not receive a new card in the mail — your current license or registration remains valid with the old address printed on it until you renew. The DMV system shows your new address, and that is what matters for official purposes.

What Documents You Need

For any address change method, you will need proof of your new address. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and government mail addressed to you at the new location. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and new address clearly.

You will also need your current driver's license, ID card, or vehicle registration number. If you are changing your address online, you will need your license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead of a physical document.

If you have moved to a new county or state, the process is the same — the DMV does not treat out-of-county or out-of-state moves differently. However, if you have moved out of California permanently, you should report the address change before you leave or shortly after, because maintaining a California address while living elsewhere can cause your registration or license to be suspended.

Timing and What to Expect

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail changes take one to two weeks. In-person changes take effect the same day. None of these methods will issue you a new physical card with the updated address — you will keep your current card until renewal.

The DMV will not send you a confirmation letter for an address change. If you need proof that you reported the change, print or save the confirmation page from the online method, or keep a copy of the form you mailed. You can also log into your DMV account online to verify your address is updated in their system.

If you are expecting mail from the DMV (a renewal notice, registration renewal, or a citation), it will be sent to the address on file in their system, not the address printed on your card. This means mail will go to your new address once the change is processed, even if your physical card still shows the old address.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not send your original license or registration card to the DMV by mail. The form and a copy of your proof of address are all they need. Sending your card can delay processing and leave you without it while the DMV processes your request.

Do not assume that changing your driver's license address also changes your vehicle registration address, or vice versa. These are separate records. If you own a vehicle and hold a license, you need to report the change for both if you want both updated.

Do not use a P.O. box as your new address for a driver's license or ID. The DMV requires a physical street address. You can use a P.O. box for vehicle registration if that is where you receive mail, but your license must have a residential or business street address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I just moved within California?

Yes. The DMV requires you to report any address change, whether you moved across town or across the state. You have 10 days to report the change after you move. Reporting it online or by mail is faster than waiting for a renewal notice.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to change my California address?

If you have moved permanently out of California, you should report the out-of-state address to the DMV or surrender your California license and register your vehicle in your new state. Keeping a California address while living elsewhere can result in your registration or license being suspended.

How long does it take to see the address change on my physical card?

Your physical card will not change until you renew your license or registration. The address change updates your record in the DMV system when ready, but the printed card you carry will still show the old address. This does not affect the validity of your license or registration.

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

Yes, you can report an address change even if your license or registration is expired. However, if your license is expired, you should renew it at the same time. If your registration is expired, renew it as well — driving with an expired registration is a violation.

What if the DMV says they never received my mail?

If you mailed a form and the change does not appear after two weeks, contact the DMV by phone or through their online account system to check the status. If the form was lost, you can resubmit it or report the change online or in person instead. Keep a copy of anything you mail for your records.