The California DMV's Mailing Address for Address Changes

The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not accept address changes by mail. You must change your address in person at a DMV field office, online through the DMV website, or by phone. If you want to submit documents by mail for other purposes — such as sending a corrected form or supporting paperwork — the mailing address depends on which DMV office handles your case.

The main DMV mailing address for general correspondence is DMV Headquarters, 2415 First Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818. However, this address is not the right destination for most individual transactions. Your documents may sit unprocessed for weeks if they arrive at the wrong location.

Before you put anything in the mail, confirm whether mailing is actually the fastest route for what you need to do. For address changes specifically, the online and phone options are faster and do not require you to visit an office or wait for mail processing.

Key Takeaways

  • California DMV does not accept address changes by mail — you must change your address online, by phone, or in person at a field office.
  • If you need to mail documents for other DMV matters, the general mailing address is DMV Headquarters at 2415 First Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818, but regional offices may be faster.
  • Online address changes through the DMV website are processed within one to two business days and require your driver's license or ID number and date of birth.
  • Phone address changes are completed when ready when you call the DMV customer service line, and you receive confirmation on the call.
  • Mailing documents to the DMV typically takes two to four weeks for processing, making it the slowest option for time-sensitive changes.

How to Change Your Address Online

The DMV website allows you to change your address for a driver's license or ID card without visiting an office. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Address Change" from the main menu, and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license or ID. The system will confirm your information and process the change. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change. Within one to two business days, your address will be updated in the DMV system, and you will receive a confirmation email if you provided one.

Your current license or ID remains valid at your old address during this time. If you need a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can order one through the same online system for a small fee, or wait until your next renewal.

Changing Your Address by Phone

Call the DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133 to change your address over the phone. Have your driver's license or ID number ready, along with your date of birth and new address. The representative will verify your identity and update your address in the system when ready.

You will receive verbal confirmation on the call that your address has been changed. No fee is charged for this service. This method is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone directly. The phone lines are typically busiest in the morning and early afternoon on weekdays.

When You Need to Mail Documents to the DMV

Mailing is necessary only if you are sending a corrected form, a notarized document, or paperwork that the DMV specifically requested. For these situations, you have two options: send to DMV Headquarters in Sacramento, or identify the regional processing center that handles your county.

The general address is DMV Headquarters, 2415 First Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818. However, if your county has a dedicated regional office, sending your documents there may result in faster processing. You can find your county's regional office address on the DMV website by searching "DMV office locations" and selecting your county.

Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and a brief description of what you are sending and why. Keep a copy for your records. Mail your documents using a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail or a carrier that offers delivery confirmation. Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope.

What Information to Include When Mailing

If you must mail documents to the DMV, include the following information to may support your package reaches the right department and is processed correctly:

  • Your full name as it appears on your driver's license or ID
  • Your driver's license or ID number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your current address on file with the DMV
  • Your phone number or email address
  • A description of what you are sending and why
  • Copies of any forms or documents (keep originals for yourself)

Do not send original documents unless the DMV specifically requested them. Photocopies are acceptable for most purposes. If you are sending a notarized document, send a copy of the notarized version, not the original.

Regional DMV Offices and Processing Centers

California has 15 regional DMV offices that handle mail-in documents for their service areas. If you know which region your county belongs to, you can send documents directly to that office instead of Sacramento headquarters. This often results in faster processing because the regional office handles fewer pieces of mail than the main office.

To find your regional office, visit dmv.ca.gov and search for "regional offices" or enter your county name in the office locator. The website will display the mailing address for your region. Some regions have multiple offices; the website will specify which one handles mail processing for your area.

Sending to the correct regional office can reduce processing time by one to two weeks compared to mailing to Sacramento. However, if you are uncertain which office serves your county, the Sacramento headquarters address will still reach you — it will straightforward take longer.

Tracking Your Mailed Documents

Once you mail documents to the DMV, use a tracking service to confirm delivery. USPS Certified Mail, FedEx, or UPS all provide tracking numbers that show when your envelope arrives at the DMV office. Write down the tracking number and keep it with your copy of the documents you sent.

After your documents are delivered, allow two to four weeks for the DMV to process them. If you do not hear back within that timeframe, call the DMV customer service line with your tracking number and ask for a status update. The representative can check whether your documents were received and where they are in the processing queue.

Do not assume your mail was lost if you do not receive a response within one week. The DMV does not send acknowledgment letters for most mail-in submissions. Processing time begins after the documents arrive, not after you send them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mail my address change form directly to the DMV?

No. California DMV does not process address changes by mail. You must change your address online at dmv.ca.gov, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or in person at a DMV field office. Mailing an address change form will delay your update by several weeks.

What is the fastest way to change my address with the DMV?

Changing your address by phone is the fastest method — your address is updated when ready and you receive confirmation on the call. Online changes are processed within one to two business days. In-person changes at a field office are completed the same day but require a visit during office hours.

Do I need to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address is free whether you do it online, by phone, or in person. You only pay a fee if you order a replacement card with your new address printed on it.

What if I need to mail a document but do not know which DMV office to send it to?

Send it to DMV Headquarters at 2415 First Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818. This address will reach the correct department, though it may take longer than sending to your regional office. Use tracking mail so you can confirm delivery.

How long does it take the DMV to process mailed documents?

Most mailed documents take two to four weeks to process from the date the DMV receives them. Processing time does not include mail delivery time. Use certified mail or a tracking service to know when your envelope arrives, then count forward from that date.