What You Need to Do

You can change your address with the California DMV in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest and works if you have a valid California driver's license or ID card and a recent mailing address on file. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form or visit a local office.

The address change itself takes effect when ready when you complete it online, or within one to two weeks if you mail the form. You do not need to renew your license or ID card to change your address — the DMV will update your record without reissuing your document.

Key Takeaways

  • The California DMV online address change system is available 24/7 and requires only your driver's license or ID number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • If you use the mail method, send Form DL 43 or Form REG 14 (depending on whether you hold a license, ID card, or vehicle registration) to the address listed on the form itself.
  • You can change your address in person at any DMV office, but you will need to bring your current license or ID card and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address.
  • If you have moved out of state or your license has expired, you cannot use the online system and must visit a DMV office or mail your form.

Changing Your Address Online

Go to the California DMV website and select the address change option. You will need your California driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using this information.

Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your record. Double-check the spelling and apartment or unit number if you have one. Once you submit, the change is complete and takes effect when ready. You will receive a confirmation on screen, and the DMV recommends saving or printing it for your records.

The online system is available every day, including weekends and holidays. There is no fee for changing your address through any method.

Changing Your Address by Mail

read and print Form DL 43 if you hold a driver's license or ID card. If you only need to change the address on your vehicle registration, use Form REG 14 instead. Both forms are available on the California DMV website.

Fill out the form with your current information and your new address. Sign and date it. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. Do not send your original license or ID card.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address printed on the form itself. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Keep a copy for your records.

Changing Your Address In Person

Visit any California DMV office with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Bring the same documents you would mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to change your address. They will update your record on the spot. The change takes effect when ready, and you will receive a confirmation receipt. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can reserve a time slot online to avoid waiting.

DMV office hours vary by location. Check the office locator on the California DMV website to find the nearest office and its hours before you go.

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 a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card.

The document must show your full name and complete new address. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address.

When You Cannot Use the Online System

You cannot change your address online if your California driver's license or ID card has expired, if you have moved out of state, or if the DMV does not have a recent mailing address on file. In these cases, you must mail Form DL 43 or visit a DMV office in person.

If your license has expired, you will need to renew it at the same time you change your address. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to a DMV office. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain requirements — check the DMV website for the renewal process.

What Happens After You Change Your Address

Once your address is updated, the DMV will mail any future documents to your new address. This includes renewal notices, vehicle registration documents, and any correspondence from the DMV. If you changed your address online or in person, the change is effective when ready. If you mailed the form, allow one to two weeks for processing.

Your current driver's license or ID card will still show your old address until it expires and you renew it. The DMV does not reissue licenses or ID cards solely for an address change. When you renew your license or ID card in the future, it will show your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I already changed it with the post office?

No. The post office and the DMV are separate systems. Changing your address with the post office forwards your mail but does not update the DMV's records. You must contact the DMV separately to update your driver's license or ID card address.

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

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

How long does it take to receive mail at my new address from the DMV?

If you changed your address online or in person, the DMV will mail documents to your new address when ready. Standard mail delivery takes five to seven business days. If you mailed Form DL 43, allow one to two weeks for the DMV to process it, then five to seven business days for mail delivery.

What if I made a mistake on my address change?

You can correct it by submitting another address change using any of the three methods. Go online again, mail a new form, or visit a DMV office. There is no fee, and the correction takes effect as soon as you submit it.

Can I change my address if I do not have proof of residency yet?

If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. The DMV will accept this as proof of residency.