How to Update Your Address With the California DMV

Where to Update Your Address and What You'll Need

The California DMV lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a field office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address to receive confirmation.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to the DMV or walk into any field office with your current ID and proof of your new address. Proof of address means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new street address.

You do not need to bring your physical ID card to update online. The DMV will mail you a replacement card with your new address at no extra charge — it arrives in about two weeks.

Key Takeaways

Online address changes take 10 minutes and require your driver's license number, Social Security number, and email address.
The DMV mails a replacement card with your new address for free, arriving in roughly two weeks.
If you mail or visit in person, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
Address changes do not affect your license expiration date or require a new photo or fee.

Updating Your Address Online

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Change Address" from the main menu. You will be taken to a login page where you enter your driver's license or ID number and your date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV record.

Once verified, enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check the spelling and numbers — the DMV uses this address to mail your replacement card and to send renewal notices. You will receive an email confirmation when ready after you submit. Save this confirmation or take a screenshot; you do not need to print it, but it shows the change was received.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you run into trouble logging in, the DMV website has a troubleshooting section, or you can call the DMV's automated phone line at 1-800-777-0133 to verify your information before trying again online.

Mailing a Form to the DMV

read or print the process for California Identification Card (Form DL 44) or the Driver's License or Identification Card Change of Address form from dmv.ca.gov. The address-change form is shorter and faster if you only need to update where mail goes — you do not need to renew your photo or pay a fee.

Fill in your current license or ID number, your new address, and sign and date the form. Attach a copy of your proof of address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government document showing your name and new street address. Mail the form and proof to the DMV address listed on the form or on the DMV website.

Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks. Your replacement card will arrive separately after the address change is recorded. If you need to confirm the change was received, you can call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and provide your license number.

Updating Your Address in Person at a Field Office

Find your nearest DMV field office on dmv.ca.gov by entering your ZIP code. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and official government mail.

Walk up to the counter or check in using the kiosk if your office has one. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will verify your identity, update your record in the system, and order a replacement card on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing the change was processed.

Replacement cards ordered in person arrive by mail in about two weeks. Some field offices are busier than others — calling ahead or checking the DMV website for current wait times can help you choose when to visit. Many offices now let you reserve a time slot online to skip the walk-in line.

What Happens After You Update Your Address

Once your address change is processed, the DMV updates its records when ready. Your replacement card ships within a few business days and arrives by mail in 10 to 14 days. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives — you do not need to destroy it or turn it in.

The DMV will use your new address for all future mail, including renewal notices, replacement cards, and any official correspondence. If you move again before your new card arrives, you can update your address a second time online or in person. The replacement card will reflect your most recent address.

Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address. If your license expires in three years, it will still expire in three years, regardless of when you moved. Address changes are free — the DMV does not charge a fee for mailing a replacement card.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is entering your address incorrectly online. Typos in street names, apartment numbers, or ZIP codes cause the replacement card to be mailed to the wrong place. If this happens, you can update your address again when ready — there is no limit to how many times you can change it. The second replacement card will go to the correct address.

If you are moving out of state, updating your California address will not automatically transfer your license to another state. Each state has its own licensing system. You will need to contact the DMV in your new state separately to get a license there. California will keep your record active until your license expires.

Do not assume your insurance company or employer automatically knows about your address change. The DMV only updates its own records. You will need to notify your insurance company, bank, employer, and any other organizations separately if they need your new address for their records.

If Your Replacement Card Does Not Arrive

Replacement cards typically arrive within 14 days of processing. If yours does not arrive after three weeks, check your spam or junk email folder for the DMV confirmation message — sometimes it gets filtered. If you did not receive a confirmation email at all, your address change may not have gone through.

Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 with your driver's license number and date of birth. The automated system can tell you whether your address change was recorded and when your replacement card was mailed. If the card was mailed but lost in transit, the DMV can order a second replacement, though this may take an additional two weeks.

While you wait for your replacement card, your old card is still valid for driving and identification. You can show either card until the new one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address with the DMV if I move?

California law requires you to notify the DMV of a new address within 10 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address on file can result in a citation, though it is rarely enforced during routine traffic stops. More importantly, the DMV uses your address to mail renewal notices — if you do not update it, you may miss the important date to renew your license.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person even if your license has expired. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew it in addition to changing your address. Renewal requires a new photo and a visit to a field office or an appointment at a DMV-authorized vendor.

What if I do not have proof of my new address?

The DMV requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Some field offices accept this in place of an official document.

Will updating my address affect my license expiration date or require me to retake the test?

No. Changing your address does not change your expiration date, require a new photo, or require you to retake any test. It is a straightforward record update. Your license remains valid until its original expiration date.

Can I update my address for someone else, like a family member?

No. The DMV only allows the person whose name is on the license to update the address. If you are helping a family member, they must complete the online form themselves, sign the paper form, or visit the field office in person with their ID and proof of address.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.