What you need to do to change your address with the California DMV

The California DMV lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a field office. The online method is fastest — you can update your driver's license or ID card address in about 10 minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes. If you prefer mail or in-person service, both work, but mail takes 1 to 2 weeks and in-person visits require a trip to a local office during business hours.

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, and it arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your current card remains valid until its expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the DMV website are the fastest option and take effect when ready, though your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days.
  • You can change your address by mail or in person, but both methods take longer than the online route and do not speed up card delivery.
  • Your current driver's license or ID remains valid after you change your address — you do not need to renew it.
  • The DMV sends your new card to your updated address automatically, so make sure the address you enter is correct before you submit.
  • If you moved out of state or your card is lost or stolen, you cannot use the online method and must visit a field office or mail in a form.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Address Change" from the main menu. You will need your driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new California address and confirm it. Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number on screen — save this for your records.

The online system works only if your current address on file with the DMV is correct. If you moved and the DMV still has your old address, the online tool will reject you. In that case, you must use the mail or in-person method instead.

Online changes take effect right away in the DMV system, which matters if you need to show proof of your new address to a bank, employer, or government office. Your physical card with the new address arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Changing your address by mail

read form DL 43 (Change of Address) from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at any DMV field office. Fill in your current driver's license or ID number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the DMV office that serves your county.

Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. You do not need to include your current card or any other documents. The DMV will send your new card to your updated address once the change is processed.

Keep a copy of the form and the mailing receipt for your records. If you need proof of your address change before the new card arrives, contact the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133 to ask whether they can provide a letter confirming the change.

Changing your address in person at a DMV field office

Visit any California DMV field office with your current driver's license or ID card. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update your information on the spot, and you will receive a temporary proof of address on paper. Your new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person visits are useful if your current address on file is wrong (which blocks the online method) or if you need when ready proof of your new address for a time-sensitive reason. Bring your current license or ID and be prepared to wait — DMV offices can have long lines, especially on weekdays.

You can check wait times and book an appointment at dmv.ca.gov before you go. Appointments are not required but can save you time.

When you cannot use the online method

The DMV online system will not let you change your address if you moved out of California, if your card is lost or stolen, or if the address currently on file is so far out of date that the system cannot verify you. In these cases, use the mail or in-person method instead.

If your card is lost or stolen, you will need to report it to the DMV and order a replacement at the same time. This requires visiting a field office or mailing in form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) along with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Scams and safety alerts

Do not use third-party websites that claim to process DMV address changes for you. Many charge fees ($20 to $100 or more) to do something you can do free on dmv.ca.gov or by mail. Some are outright scams that collect your personal information and never submit anything to the DMV.

The only official California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov. If a site has a different URL or asks you to pay for an address change, it is not the DMV. Be especially cautious of sites that appear at the top of search results but have URLs like "dmv-california.com" or "california-dmv-online.com" — these are not government sites.

Never give your Social Security number, driver's license number, or date of birth to anyone who contacts you by phone or email claiming to be from the DMV. The DMV does not call or email to ask for personal information.

What happens after you change your address

Your new card arrives at your updated address within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after two weeks, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 with your confirmation number (if you changed your address online) or the date you mailed the form.

Your current card stays valid until it expires, even though it shows your old address. You can use it for identification purposes. However, if you need to show proof of your current address — for a bank account, apartment lease, or government office — bring the new card once it arrives, or ask the DMV for a temporary address verification letter.

If you change your address with the DMV, that change does not automatically update your address with your insurance company, voter registration, or other agencies. You will need to contact each one separately if you want your records updated with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new card after I change my address online?

Your address change takes effect in the DMV system right away, but your physical card with the new address arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need proof of your new address before the card arrives, contact the DMV to ask for a temporary letter.

Do I have to renew my license if I change my address?

No. Changing your address does not require renewal. Your current license or ID stays valid until its expiration date, and the DMV sends you a new card with the updated address at no cost.

What if the DMV still has my old address and the online tool rejects me?

Use the mail or in-person method instead. Mail form DL 43 to your county DMV office, or visit a field office in person. Both methods work even if your current address on file is outdated.

Can I change my address if I just moved to California from another state?

You cannot change your address online if your license is from another state. You must visit a California DMV field office to get a California driver's license, which includes providing your new California address. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.

What if I moved but do not have a permanent address yet?

You can use a temporary address, such as a friend's or family member's address, as long as you can receive mail there. Once you have a permanent address, you can change it again using the same method. There is no limit to how many times you can update your address with the DMV.