How to Change Your Address With the California DMV

California DMV address changes happen online, by mail, or in person — and the fastest route depends on what document you hold

If you have a California driver's license or ID card, you can change your address through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website without visiting an office. The online system takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person, you can mail a form or walk into a DMV office — both take longer but work just as well.

The method you choose depends on what you own: a current driver's license, an ID card, a commercial license, or a vehicle registration. Each has a slightly different path, and some have timing rules you need to know about before you move.

Key Takeaways

California law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of moving, though the penalty for missing this important date is usually a fine rather than license suspension.
Online address changes through the DMV website work only if your license or ID is current and you have a California address to move to — not a P.O. box.
If you are moving out of state or to a P.O. box, you must use the paper form (DL 43) or visit a DMV office in person.
Address changes for vehicle registrations are separate from driver's license changes and must be reported to the DMV within 10 days as well.
The DMV does not mail a new physical card when you change your address online — your current license remains valid, and your new address appears in the system when ready.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

The California DMV's online system is the fastest option if you have a current driver's license or ID card and you are moving within California. Go to the DMV website, select "Address Change," and log in with your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask for your new California street address and a phone number or email where the DMV can reach you.

The change takes effect when ready in the DMV's system, and you will see a confirmation page before you finish. You do not need to pay a fee, and you do not receive a new physical card in the mail — your existing license remains valid with your old address printed on it until it expires or you renew it. Law enforcement and the DMV can see your current address in their system, so you are legally covered.

The online system will reject your request if your license is expired, if you are moving to a P.O. box instead of a street address, or if you are moving out of California. In those cases, use the paper form or visit an office.

Mailing a form to the DMV

If you cannot use the online system, read and print the Address Change form (DL 43) from the DMV website. Fill in your current license or ID number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the DMV office listed on the form — the address depends on which county you are moving to, and the DMV website shows the correct mailing address for your situation.

Include your current license or ID card with the form if it is expired or if you are moving out of state. If your license is current and you are staying in California, you can mail just the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your mail, so send it as soon as you know your new address.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. The DMV does not send a confirmation letter, but your address will be updated in their system once they process the form.

Visiting a DMV office in person

Walk-in address changes at a California DMV office take about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it will work. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though you can reserve a time slot on the DMV website to reduce wait time.

The DMV staff member will update your address in the system while you wait. If your license or ID is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time, though that requires a new photo and costs the renewal fee. An address change alone is free.

Find your nearest DMV office on the California DMV website and check the office hours before you go. Some offices have reduced hours or close on certain days.

Changing your vehicle registration address

Your vehicle registration address is separate from your driver's license address. If you own a car, truck, or motorcycle registered in California, you must report the address change to the DMV within 10 days of moving. You can do this online through the DMV website if your registration is current, or by mailing the process for Title or Registration (REG 343) form.

Online registration changes work the same way as license changes: log in with your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and date of birth, then enter your new address. The change takes effect when ready. If you mail the form, include your current registration card and send it to the DMV address for your new county. Processing takes two to three weeks.

Unlike a license address change, the DMV will mail you a new registration card with your updated address. You do not need to pay a fee for the address change itself.

What happens if you miss the 10-day important date

California law says you must notify the DMV within 10 days of moving, but missing this important date does not automatically suspend your license. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement and your address on file does not match where you actually live, you may receive a citation for failing to report an address change. The fine is typically $20 to $100, depending on the officer's discretion and local court policy.

More importantly, if you do not update your address, you may miss important mail from the DMV — renewal notices, registration notices, or court documents related to traffic violations. If a renewal notice goes to your old address and you do not receive it, your license or registration can expire without you knowing.

Update your address as soon as you move, even if you are a few days past the important date. The DMV does not charge extra for late changes, and updating when ready prevents future problems.

Moving out of state or to a P.O. box

If you are moving out of California, you cannot use the online address change system. Instead, mail the DL 43 form with your current license or ID card to the DMV. Include a note with your out-of-state address so the DMV knows where to send any future correspondence. Your California license remains valid in most other states, but some states require you to get a new license within a certain time frame — check the rules for your new state.

If you are moving to a P.O. box temporarily but keeping a California street address on file, use the street address for your DMV records. The DMV system requires a street address, not a P.O. box, for driver's licenses and ID cards. You can list the P.O. box as a mailing address if you want mail sent there, but your official address on file must be a physical location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new physical card when I change my address online?

No. Your current license or ID card remains valid even though your address has changed in the DMV system. You will receive a new card with your updated address only when you renew your license or ID at the end of its validity period. Until then, the card in your wallet still shows your old address, but law enforcement can see your current address when they scan it.

How long does it take for an address change to show up in the system?

Online changes take effect when ready — you will see a confirmation page before you finish. Mailed forms take two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives them. If you are unsure whether your change has been processed, call the DMV customer service line or check the online system with your license number.

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

If you cannot bring a utility bill, lease, or other official document with your new address, visit a DMV office and explain your situation. Staff may be able to work with you if you have a signed lease or a letter from your landlord. Online and mail options require you to enter your new address, so you will need to use an in-person visit if you cannot document it yet.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

The online system will not allow an address change if your license is expired. Use the paper form (DL 43) or visit a DMV office instead. If you are renewing your license anyway, you can do both the renewal and the address change at the same time, either online or in person.

Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I only moved within the same city?

Yes. California law requires an address change notification within 10 days of moving, regardless of whether you moved across town or across the state. The DMV needs your current address on file for legal and safety reasons, even if you stayed in the same city.

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.