What form you need and where to get it

The California DMV uses Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Driver License or Identification Card) to change your address on your driver license or ID card. You do not need a separate address-change form — this single form handles both new addresses and corrections to existing information.

You can get Form DL 43 three ways: read it from the official California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov), pick up a printed copy at any DMV office, or fill it out on a computer at the DMV office itself before you submit it. The form is free.

If you only need to update your address and nothing else on your license or ID, this is the fastest route. You do not need to renew your license early or pay a renewal fee — the address change itself costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 43 is the official California DMV form for address changes, and you can read it, pick it up in person, or fill it out at the DMV office.
  • Changing your address does not cost money and does not require you to renew your license early or take a new photo.
  • You can submit Form DL 43 by mail with a copy of your proof of residency, or in person at any DMV office.
  • Proof of residency must show your name and new address and be dated within 90 days — utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements all work.
  • Processing by mail takes two to three weeks; in-person submission is faster but varies by office location and current wait times.

How to fill out Form DL 43 correctly

Form DL 43 has sections for your personal information, your current license or ID number, and the changes you want to make. At the top, select the box that says you are requesting a corrected or duplicate card due to an address change. Fill in your full legal name exactly as it appears on your current license.

In the address section, write your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check the spelling and numbers — mail sent to a wrong address will delay your new card. Leave the old address blank unless the form specifically asks you to fill it in.

Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. An unsigned form will be rejected. If you are mailing it, make a copy for your records before you send it.

Proof of residency you can use

California requires proof that you actually live at the address you are claiming. The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A cell phone bill, insurance policy, or government benefit letter also counts.

Do not send the original document — send a copy. The DMV will not return it. If you do not have a document in your name, you can use a document in a household member's name plus a signed statement from that person saying you live there, though this takes longer to process.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a 90-day-old document at your new address, call your local DMV office before you submit your form. Some offices will accept a lease agreement or a signed letter from a landlord as temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill to arrive.

Submitting by mail versus in person

You can mail Form DL 43 with a copy of your proof of residency to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current driver license or ID card front and back. Mail processing takes two to three weeks in most cases, though it can take longer during busy periods.

Submitting in person at a DMV office is usually faster. You bring the completed form, your current license or ID, and your proof of residency. The staff will verify your information on the spot and issue you a temporary paper license while your new card is printed and mailed to you. The new card arrives within one to two weeks.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Many offices now let you reserve an appointment online through the California DMV website, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check your local office's hours and appointment availability before you go.

What happens after you submit

Once the DMV receives your form and proof of residency, they verify the information and print your new card with the updated address. Your old card becomes invalid once the new one is issued, even though you will still have it in your wallet.

If you submitted by mail, your new card will be mailed to your new address. If you submitted in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready and the card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Do not throw away the temporary paper license until your new card arrives — it is valid for driving.

If the DMV needs more information or finds a problem with your form, they will mail you a notice. Check your mail regularly during the processing period. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call your local DMV office to check the status.

Common mistakes that slow things down

The most common error is submitting a proof of residency document that is older than 90 days. The DMV will reject it and send your form back, which adds another two to three weeks to the process. Check the date on your document before you mail it.

Another frequent problem is a mismatch between the name on your proof of residency and the name on your license. If your name has changed, you need to update it separately before you change your address — or submit both changes on the same form with documents proving the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).

Unsigned forms are automatically rejected. Make sure you sign and date Form DL 43 before you submit it. If you are mailing it, sign it in pen, not pencil.

Scam alert: Fake DMV websites and forms

Several websites that look like the official California DMV site offer to "help" you change your address for a fee. These are not affiliated with the state. The real California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov, and Form DL 43 is always free to read and use.

Do not enter your license number, Social Security number, or payment information into any website that is not dmv.ca.gov. Scammers use fake forms to steal identity information. If you are unsure whether a website is real, type dmv.ca.gov directly into your browser instead of clicking a link.

The DMV will never contact you by email or text message asking you to verify your information or pay a fee. If you receive such a message, it is a scam. Delete it and do not click any links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new photo when I change my address?

No. An address change does not require a new photo. You keep the same photo from your current license or ID card. The only change on your new card will be the address.

Can I change my address online?

The California DMV does not currently offer online address changes. You must submit Form DL 43 by mail or in person at a DMV office. Some states offer online changes, but California does not.

What if I move again before my new card arrives?

Contact the DMV as soon as you know your next address. You can call your local office or submit a new Form DL 43 with your updated address. The DMV can reissue your card to the new address if you catch it before the first card is mailed.

Do I have to change my address on my ID card if I have one instead of a driver license?

No, but it is a good idea. Your ID card is a valid form of identification, and an outdated address can cause problems when you use it for banking, voting, or other purposes. The process is the same — use Form DL 43 and submit it with proof of residency.

What if my proof of residency is in my spouse's name?

You can use a document in someone else's name if you live with them and they sign a statement saying so. Include a copy of that person's document plus a signed letter from them confirming you live at that address. The DMV will process it, but it may take longer than a document in your own name.