The California DMV does not accept address change requests by email

The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not have a general email address where you can submit an address change request. If you search for "CA DMV email address," you will find contact emails for specific departments — media inquiries, legal questions, or complaints — but none of them process address changes.

Address changes must go through one of three routes: online through your DMV account, in person at a DMV office, or by mail using the official form. Email is not a valid channel for this transaction, even if you find an email address listed on the DMV website.

If you have a question about your address change — such as whether it went through, or what to do if you made a mistake — you can contact the DMV through their phone line or live chat, but the actual change itself must be submitted through one of the approved methods.

Key Takeaways

  • The California DMV does not process address changes through email, even though contact email addresses exist for other purposes.
  • You can change your address online through your DMV account, in person at any DMV office, or by mail using Form DL 43 or Form REG 14.
  • If you need to ask a question about an address change you have already submitted, you can reach the DMV by phone at 1-800-777-0133 or through their online chat.
  • The DMV's general inquiry email addresses are for media, legal, and complaint matters, not for transactions like address changes.

How to change your address online instead

The fastest way to change your address is through your DMV online account. You will need to create an account at dmv.ca.gov if you do not already have one, then log in and select the option to update your driver's license or vehicle registration address.

The online process takes about 10 minutes and requires your driver's license or ID number, your current address, and your new address. Once you submit the change, the DMV processes it within a few business days. You will receive a confirmation email at the address you have on file with the DMV.

This method works for both driver's license and vehicle registration address changes. If you have both, you can update them in the same session or separately.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer to mail in your address change, you will need to use the correct form depending on what you are changing. For a driver's license address change, use Form DL 43. For a vehicle registration address change, use Form REG 14.

You can read both forms from dmv.ca.gov or pick them up at any DMV office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.

Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — along with your form. The DMV will not process the change without proof of your new address.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

You can walk into any California DMV office and request an address change at the counter. Bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and be prepared to wait. Address changes at the office are processed on the spot, though you may need to take a new photo if your license is being reissued.

If you are changing a vehicle registration address only, you do not need to bring your license — just your vehicle registration and proof of your new address. The DMV will update your registration and mail you a new one within a few business days.

To avoid a long wait, you can reserve an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov before you go. This does not may provide a short visit, but it reduces the time you spend in the waiting area.

What to do if you have a question about your address change

If you submitted an address change and want to check on its status, or if you made a mistake and need to correct it, contact the DMV directly. The fastest way is through their online chat at dmv.ca.gov — you can usually reach someone within a few minutes during business hours.

You can also call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. This line handles general questions and status checks. Have your driver's license number or vehicle registration number ready when you call.

Do not email a general DMV inbox expecting a response about your address change. If you find an email address on the DMV website, it is likely for a specific department that does not handle routine transactions.

Common mistakes when changing your address

The most common mistake is forgetting to bring proof of your new address. The DMV will not process your change without it, whether you are doing it online, by mail, or in person. A utility bill in your name, a signed lease, or a recent bank statement all work. A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address also counts.

Another frequent error is changing only your driver's license address and forgetting your vehicle registration, or vice versa. These are separate records. If you own a vehicle, you need to update both. Changing one does not automatically change the other.

If you are moving out of state, you will need to surrender your California license and register your vehicle in your new state. An address change within California is different from leaving the state entirely.

How long an address change takes

Online changes usually process within one to three business days. You will receive a confirmation email. Your new license or registration card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Mail-in changes take two to three weeks from the day the DMV receives your form. Mail delivery itself can add several days on each end, so plan for up to a month total.

In-person changes at a DMV office are processed when ready if you are only updating your address. If your license needs to be reissued with a new photo, you will receive the new card by mail within one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I email the DMV to ask if my address change went through?

No. Use the online chat at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status of an address change. Email is not monitored for routine questions. The online chat is usually faster and available during most business hours.

What if I submitted my address change online but never got a confirmation email?

Log back into your DMV account and check the status of your request. If it shows as submitted, the change is in the system even if the confirmation email did not arrive. If you cannot see it in your account, call the DMV to confirm they received it.

Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I just moved?

Yes. California law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of moving. This applies to both your driver's license and your vehicle registration if you own a vehicle.

Can I change my address at the same time I renew my license?

Yes. When you renew online, by mail, or in person, you can update your address as part of the renewal. You do not need to do them separately.

What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease to prove it?

Other documents work as proof of address: a bank statement, credit card statement, government check, insurance policy, or a letter from your employer. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.