California requires you to notify the DMV within 10 days of moving to a new address
You must report an address change to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of moving. This applies whether you own a car, hold a motorcycle license, or have a commercial driver's license. The DMV uses your address on file for vehicle registration renewal notices, citation delivery, and license renewal mail.
California offers three ways to change your address: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV field office. Online is the fastest option if your license or ID is current and you have no outstanding violations or holds on your record. Mail and in-person visits work for most situations, including those with complications.
The address you provide becomes your official record with the state. If you move again, you will need to update it again within 10 days. Failing to report a change can result in renewal notices going to your old address, which may cause you to miss important date or receive citations at an address where you no longer live.
Key Takeaways
- California law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of moving, whether you drive or not.
- The online method through the DMV website is the fastest option if your license is current and you have no holds or violations.
- Mail and in-person visits at a DMV office both work, though mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for processing.
- Your new address will appear on your next renewal notice and any official DMV correspondence, so accuracy matters.
- If you miss the 10-day window, you can still update your address at any time, but the late notification may affect citation delivery or renewal timing.
Changing your address online through the DMV website
The California DMV website allows you to change your address in minutes if you meet certain conditions. Your driver's license or ID must be current (not expired), you cannot have any holds or violations on your record, and you must have a valid email address. You will need your driver's license or ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Address Change" from the online services menu, and follow the prompts to enter your new address. The system will confirm your identity and process the change when ready. You will receive an email confirmation, and your new address will be active in the DMV system right away. You do not need to pay a fee for an online address change.
If the online system rejects your request, it means you have a hold, an outstanding violation, or an expired license. In that case, use the mail or in-person method instead. The online tool will tell you why it cannot process your change, which helps you decide your next step.
Changing your address by mail
To change your address by mail, fill out Form DL 43 (Statement of Facts), which you can read from the DMV website or request by phone. Write your current address and your new address clearly on the form. Sign and date it, then mail it to the address listed on the form instructions—typically the DMV office that issued your license, though the form includes a statewide mailing address.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV uses this to verify you actually live at the new address. Do not send original documents; copies are sufficient and safer.
Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. There is no fee. Your address will be updated in the system once the form is processed, and you will not receive a confirmation letter—the change straightforward takes effect. If you need proof of the change sooner, visit a DMV office in person.
Changing your address in person at a DMV office
Walk into any California DMV field office with your current driver's license or ID and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Tell the staff member you need to change your address. They will update it on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready.
Bring your original address-verification document, not a copy—DMV staff will examine it but return it to you. If you do not have a document with your new address, you can bring two documents that together establish your identity and residency, such as a passport plus a lease agreement.
There is no fee for an in-person address change. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than afternoons or weekends. You can check current wait times for your local office on the DMV website before you go.
What happens if you miss the 10-day important date
Missing the 10-day window does not prevent you from changing your address later—you can update it at any time. However, the late notification may cause problems. If you receive a citation or traffic ticket before you update your address, it may be delivered to your old address, and you might miss the court date or payment important date.
Similarly, if your vehicle registration renewal notice goes to your old address and you do not receive it, you could accidentally let your registration lapse. Once you move, update your address as soon as you can, even if it is weeks or months later. The sooner you do, the sooner your renewal notices and official mail will reach you at the correct location.
If you believe you received a citation or notice at an old address and missed a important date because of it, contact the court or the issuing agency directly to explain the situation. Some courts will work with you to resolve the issue, especially if you can show you have since updated your address with the DMV.
Address changes for vehicle registration and commercial licenses
If you own a vehicle, changing your driver's license address does not automatically change your vehicle registration address. You must update both separately. You can change your vehicle registration address online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as your driver's license, or you can do it when you renew your registration.
For commercial driver's licenses (CDL), the address change process is the same as for regular licenses. However, if you hold a CDL and your address change affects your medical certification or hazmat endorsement status, contact the DMV to confirm no additional steps are needed.
If you have multiple vehicles registered in California, each registration can have a different address on file, though most people keep them the same. You can change each one individually through the online system, by mail, or at a DMV office.
Documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license or ID number; last four digits of Social Security number | when ready | None |
| By Mail | Form DL 43; copy of document showing new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement dated within 60 days) | 2 to 3 weeks | None |
| In Person | Current driver's license or ID; original document showing new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement dated within 60 days) | Same day | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I only moved temporarily?
If you moved temporarily but still consider your old address your permanent residence, you do not have to change it with the DMV. However, if you plan to stay at the new address for more than a few weeks, the DMV expects you to update it. When in doubt, update it—you can always change it back if you move again.
What if I moved out of state but still have a California license?
You should update your address with the California DMV to reflect your new out-of-state address. However, if you plan to move back to California or keep California as your home state, you may want to keep a California address on file. Contact the DMV directly if you are unsure about your situation.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
The online system will not let you change your address if your license is expired. You can still change it by mail or in person. If you are changing your address in person, you can renew your license at the same time, which requires a new photo and a fee.
How long does my new address take to show up in the system?
Online changes are when ready. Mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person changes take effect the same day. If you need proof of the change right away, the in-person method is fastest.
What if I do not have a document showing my new address?
You can bring two documents together that establish your identity and residency, such as a passport plus a signed lease, or a birth certificate plus a utility bill. The DMV website lists all acceptable documents. Call your local DMV office if you are unsure whether your documents will work.