What You Need to Do to Change Your Address

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online is the fastest route — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. The process depends on what you hold: a driver's license, an ID card, a vehicle registration, or some combination of those.

You do not need to renew your license or ID to change your address. The DMV will mail you a new card with the updated address at no charge. If you change your address online, the new card typically arrives within two to three weeks. If you go in person or mail a form, the timeline is similar.

Your vehicle registration and your driver's license address do not have to match, but California law requires you to notify the DMV of a new address within 10 days of moving. Registrations must be updated before you renew them or sell the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your driver's license or ID address online at dmv.ca.gov without visiting an office or paying a fee.
  • California law requires you to report an address change to the DMV within 10 days of moving.
  • Vehicle registration and driver's license addresses are separate — you must update each one independently.
  • A new card with your updated address arrives by mail at no charge, usually within two to three weeks.
  • If you cannot go online, you can mail Form DL 43 or visit a DMV office in person.

Changing Your Driver's License or ID Address Online

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Change Address" from the main menu. 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 you to confirm your current address and then enter your new one.

After you submit, the DMV sends a confirmation email. Your new card is printed and mailed to the address you entered. Do not move again before the card arrives, or it may go to the wrong place. If you need to change your address a second time before the card reaches you, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to cancel the first order.

Online changes work for driver's licenses and ID cards only. If you also need to update a vehicle registration, you must do that separately through a different process.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration Address

Vehicle registration is tied to the vehicle, not to you personally. You can change the registration address online, by mail, or at a DMV office. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Vehicle Registration," and then "Change Address." You will need your vehicle's license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), your registration number, and your date of birth.

After you submit the change online, the DMV mails a new registration card to your new address. This usually takes two to three weeks. Your old registration card becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

If you own multiple vehicles, you must change the address for each registration separately. Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registrations.

Mailing a Form if You Cannot Go Online

If you do not have internet access or prefer to mail a form, use Form DL 43 (Change of Address) for a driver's license or ID card. read it from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your current address, your new address, and sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form. Include your driver's license or ID card if you want the DMV to update it faster. The DMV will return your card with the new address. Processing takes longer by mail — typically four to six weeks — so plan ahead if you need the card for a specific date.

For vehicle registration by mail, use Form REG 166 (process for Replacement Registration Card). The same mailing address and timeline explore.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

You can walk into any California DMV office and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

The DMV will take your information and print a temporary address change document on the spot. Your new card is mailed to your new address and arrives within two to three weeks. If you need the card when ready for travel or another reason, ask the DMV office whether they can issue a temporary ID valid for 30 days.

DMV offices are often busy. Check the wait times at dmv.ca.gov before you go, or make an appointment online to reduce your time in the office.

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. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone) is the most common form of proof. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill also work. Government mail — such as a tax return or voter registration card — counts if it is recent enough.

If you do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, some DMVs will accept a letter from your landlord or a notarized statement confirming your move. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to ask what they will accept in your situation.

If you are changing your address by mail or online, you do not need to submit proof. The DMV trusts the information you provide and mails the new card to the address you enter.

Updating Your Address if You Have a Commercial or Motorcycle License

The process is the same for commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and motorcycle endorsements. Use the same online form, the same Form DL 43, or visit a DMV office in person. Your new card arrives by mail at no charge.

If your CDL is about to expire, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address. This saves you a trip and a mailing. Ask the DMV office or check dmv.ca.gov for the renewal process and any documents you will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within a certain number of days?

California law requires you to notify the DMV of a new address within 10 days of moving. This applies to both driver's licenses and vehicle registrations. Failing to report a change can result in fines, though enforcement is uncommon unless you are stopped by law enforcement.

Will my old address still work if my new card hasn't arrived yet?

Your old card is still valid for identification purposes until the new one arrives. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement, you should tell them you have moved and provide your new address. Keep the confirmation email from your online change or the temporary document from the DMV office as proof you reported the change.

What if I move again before my new card arrives?

Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 as soon as you know you are moving again. They can cancel the first card order and issue a new one to your second address. If the first card arrives at the old address, you can mail it back to the DMV or destroy it.

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

Yes. You can change your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The DMV will update your records and mail a new card. However, you cannot drive legally until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

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

Yes. Any change to your street address, city, or ZIP code must be reported to the DMV within 10 days, even if you moved just a few blocks away. The DMV needs your current address on file for mail delivery and law enforcement records.