How to Change Your Address With the California DMV

Where to Change Your California DMV Address

You can change your address with the California DMV through three routes: online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — you can update your driver's license or ID card address without visiting an office or paying a fee. If you cannot use the online system, mail is the next quickest option. In-person visits work but require you to take time off and wait in line.

The online system works only if your driver's license or ID card is current and not suspended. If your license is expired by more than one year, or if you have an active suspension, you must go in person or use mail. The state does not charge a fee for an address change on its own — you pay only if you also renew your license or request a replacement card.

Key Takeaways

Online address changes take five to ten minutes and are free if your license is current and not suspended.
You need your driver's license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
Mail-in address changes require a completed form and proof of your new address, and take two to four weeks to process.
In-person visits at a DMV office let you change your address the same day but require you to bring documents and wait.
A change of address does not automatically update your vehicle registration — you must handle that separately.

Changing Your Address Online

Go to the California DMV website and select "Change Address" from the main menu. You will be taken to a login page where you enter your driver's license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current record and ask you to enter your new address.

After you submit your new address, the DMV sends a confirmation to your email address on file. Your address change takes effect when ready in the DMV system. You do not receive a new card in the mail — your current license or ID remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires or you renew it. When you do renew, the new card will show your updated address.

If the online system tells you that you cannot change your address this way, it means your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. In that case, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Changing Your Address by Mail

read and print the Address Change form (DL 43) from the California DMV website. Fill in your current license or ID number, your name, your new address, and sign the form. You do not need to notarize it.

Include one document that proves your new address. The DMV accepts utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and your new street address. A PO box does not count as a residential address for this purpose.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the DMV address listed on the form — it varies by region. Include a copy of your driver's license or ID card front and back. Mail processing takes two to four weeks. You can track your request on the DMV website using your license number if you want to check status, though the system does not always update in real time.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

Visit any California DMV office with your current driver's license or ID card and one document that proves your new address (same documents accepted by mail: utility bill, bank statement, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment, but you can reserve a time slot on the DMV website to reduce wait time.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to change your address. They will update your record in the system while you wait. Your address change takes effect when ready. You will not receive a new card unless you also renew your license or request a replacement — the address change alone does not trigger a new card.

If your license is expired by more than one year, you cannot change your address at the counter. You must renew your license at the same time, which costs money and requires you to pass a vision test and written test. Ask the DMV staff whether you can use mail instead if you want to avoid the test.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

The DMV requires a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your new street address. Accepted documents include: utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone, or internet), bank or credit card statements, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowners insurance policies, and government mail (tax forms, voter registration, court documents).

A PO box, mailbox store address, or virtual mailbox does not count. If you just moved and have not yet received mail at your new address, ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on their letterhead stating your name and new address. Some will provide this for free. A handwritten note does not work — the document must come from an official source.

If you are homeless or living in a shelter, you can use the shelter's address. Bring a letter from the shelter on their letterhead that confirms you are a resident there.

Updating Your Vehicle Registration Separately

Changing your DMV address does not automatically change your vehicle registration address. You must update your vehicle registration with the California DMV as a separate step. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same three methods as your driver's license address change.

Go to the DMV website and select "Change Registration Address" or read the process for Title or Registration (REG 343) form. If you change your address online, you will need your vehicle's license plate number or VIN. By mail, send the form with proof of your new address to the address listed on the form. In person, bring your vehicle registration card and proof of your new address to any DMV office.

Your vehicle registration address must match your current residence. If you move and do not update it within a certain time, you may receive notices at your old address and miss renewal important date. Update it as soon as you move.

Timeline and What to Expect

Online changes take effect when ready and are the fastest option. You will see your new address in the DMV system right away, though it may take a few hours for the confirmation email to arrive. In-person changes also take effect the same day — you walk out with your address updated in the system.

Mail-in changes take two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. If you mail it on a Monday, it may not arrive at the DMV until Wednesday or Thursday, so add mail time on both ends. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call the DMV customer service line to check the status of your request.

None of these methods result in a new card being mailed to you unless you also renew your license or request a replacement card. Your current card remains valid even though it shows your old address. When your license expires and you renew it, the new card will print with your updated address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I moved out of state?

Yes, you should change your California address to your new out-of-state address if you still hold a California license. However, if you have moved permanently to another state, you should get a driver's license in that state instead. Once you have a valid license in your new state, you can let your California license expire without renewing it.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you just moved and have not received mail at your new address, ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your name and address. Some provide this free. A utility company can sometimes issue a letter the same day you call. If you are in a temporary situation, you can use a shelter address or a friend's address if you are actually living there.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or points?

No. Changing your address does not affect your driving record, traffic violations, or any points on your license. It only updates where the DMV sends mail to you.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

No, you cannot change your address online or at the counter if your license is suspended. You must use mail. If your license is suspended, contact the DMV to find out why and what you need to do to lift the suspension.

How long does my old address stay in the DMV system after I change it?

The DMV replaces your old address with your new one when ready. Your old address is not kept in an active file, though the DMV may retain historical records for internal purposes. Law enforcement and other agencies that query the DMV will see only your current address.

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.