California DMV address changes happen online, by mail, or in person — and the fastest route depends on your document type

The California Department of Motor Vehicles lets you change your address for a driver's license or ID card through three channels: the online system (fastest for most people), mail, or a visit to a field office. Which one you use depends on whether you hold a REAL ID-compliant license, a standard license, or an ID card, and whether your address change is routine or tied to a name change or other document update.

If you have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card — marked with a gold or gold-colored star in the upper right corner — you can change your address online through the DMV website in about five minutes. If you have a standard (non-REAL ID) license or card, you must use mail or visit an office in person. The online system does not accept standard licenses.

Mail takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your form. In-person visits at a field office are when ready but require an appointment, which you book through the DMV website; wait times for appointments vary by location and season, from same-day to several weeks out.

Key Takeaways

  • REAL ID-compliant licenses (marked with a star) can change address online in minutes; standard licenses must go by mail or in-person visit.
  • The online system is at dmv.ca.gov and requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Mail-in changes use form DL 43 or ID 43, cost nothing, and take 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
  • In-person visits require an appointment booked through the DMV website and are processed when ready, but appointment availability varies by office and season.
  • Address changes do not require a new photo or fee, and your current license remains valid at your old address until the new one arrives.

Online address changes for REAL ID licenses and ID cards

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Change Address" under the "Online Services" menu. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new address; you can enter a California address or an out-of-state address if you are moving away.

After you submit, the DMV sends a confirmation email and begins processing. You do not receive a new card when ready — your current card remains valid and will expire on its original date. A confirmation letter arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and the DMV's records update right away, so law enforcement and other agencies see your new address when ready even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It does not work for standard (non-REAL ID) licenses, commercial driver's licenses, or if your address change is part of a larger transaction like a name change or license renewal.

Mail-in address changes using form DL 43 or ID 43

If you have a standard license, an ID card, or prefer not to use the online system, read form DL 43 (for driver's licenses) or form ID 43 (for ID cards) from dmv.ca.gov. Fill in your current license or ID number, your name, your new address, and sign and date the form. You do not need to include a copy of your license, proof of residency, or any other documents — the form alone is enough.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the back of the form or on the DMV website. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives it. You will receive a confirmation letter by mail, and your current card remains valid until it expires. There is no fee for an address change.

If you are moving out of state or to a new county and want to update your address before your license expires, the mail route works fine. If you need the change processed faster, visit a field office in person.

In-person address changes at a DMV field office

Visit dmv.ca.gov, select "Appointments," and choose your county and the service "Change Address." The system shows available appointment times at nearby offices. Book the appointment that works for you — availability ranges from same-day to several weeks depending on the office and the season.

Bring your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to fill out a form beforehand; the DMV staff will handle that at your appointment.

Your address updates when ready, and you receive a confirmation letter on the spot. Your current card remains valid and will expire on its original date. If you need a replacement card with your new address printed on it before your current card expires, you can request one at the appointment, but there is a fee (currently $15 for a replacement license or $13 for a replacement ID card).

What happens if you move before updating your address

Your driver's license or ID card remains valid at your old address until it expires. You are not required to update your address when ready, but the DMV recommends doing so within a reasonable time so that renewal notices and other mail reach you. If you move and do not update your address, renewal notices will go to your old address, and you may miss the important date to renew.

If you receive a ticket or are pulled over before you update your address, the officer will see your old address in the system. This is not a violation, but it can cause confusion. Updating your address online or by mail takes only a few minutes and prevents this issue.

If your license or ID card is lost or stolen after you move, report it to the DMV right away. You can report a lost or stolen card online, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or in person at a field office.

Address changes tied to name changes, renewals, or other updates

If you are changing your name at the same time you change your address, you cannot use the online system. Instead, visit a DMV field office in person with your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your new address. The DMV will process both changes together and issue a new card with your updated name and address.

If your license is expiring soon and you want to renew it at the same time you change your address, you can do all three things in one visit to a field office or through the online renewal system (if you have a REAL ID license). The online renewal system also allows you to change your address during the renewal process.

If you are explore for a REAL ID upgrade or converting a standard license to a REAL ID license, you must visit a field office in person and bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of California residency. You can update your address as part of that visit.

Timing and what to expect after you submit

Online changes are processed when ready, and your address updates in the DMV system right away. A confirmation letter arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person changes are processed on the spot. Mail-in changes take 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your form.

Your current driver's license or ID card remains valid and does not need to be replaced unless you request a new one (which costs a fee). Law enforcement and other agencies that check your license will see your new address in the DMV system when ready, even if your physical card still shows your old address.

If you do not receive a confirmation letter within two weeks of submitting your change online or by mail, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm the change was received and processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my old license when I change my address online?

No. The online system only needs your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You do not need to mail in your old card or provide any documents.

What counts as proof of residency for an in-person address change?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (such as a tax document or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and your new address.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address online, by mail, or in person. However, if your license is more than five years expired, you may need to renew it instead, which requires an in-person visit and a new photo.

Will I get a new card with my new address printed on it?

No, unless you request a replacement card at a field office visit. Your current card remains valid and does not need to be replaced. If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you can request one in person, but there is a replacement fee.

What if I change my address but then move again before my confirmation letter arrives?

Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and provide your new address. The DMV can update your mailing address so that your confirmation letter and future mail reach you. You can also submit another address change online or by mail once you have settled in your new location.