The California DMV mailing address for address changes
Mail your California DMV address change to the address listed on your driver's license renewal notice or the back of your current license. The main processing center is located in Sacramento, but the DMV operates multiple regional mail processing facilities. The specific address you use depends on which facility serves your region — using the wrong address adds weeks to processing time.
The safest approach is to check your renewal notice first. It includes the correct mailing address for your area. If you no longer have that notice, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm the address for your county before you mail anything. The DMV does not accept address changes at local field offices by mail — you must use the regional processing center assigned to your area.
Key Takeaways
- Your renewal notice contains the correct mailing address for your region; check it before mailing anything.
- The DMV operates separate mail processing facilities by region, and using the wrong address delays your change by several weeks.
- Call 1-800-777-0133 to confirm your region's mailing address if you do not have your renewal notice.
- Mail processing typically takes four to six weeks after the DMV receives your documents, not including postal delivery time.
- You can also change your address online through the DMV website or in person at any field office if mail is not convenient.
Regional mail processing centers and their service areas
California divides address change mail into regional processing centers rather than sending everything to one location. The DMV's main mail facility in Sacramento handles some counties, but Northern California, Southern California, and the Central Valley each have their own processing hubs. The region you mail to is determined by your county of residence, not where you currently live.
The most common regional addresses are Sacramento (for much of Northern California and the Central Valley), Los Angeles (for Southern California), and San Francisco (for the Bay Area). However, the exact assignment changes periodically, and some counties may be served by more than one facility. This is why your renewal notice is the most reliable source — it already has the correct address printed on it.
If you have moved out of state or your renewal notice is too old to trust, the DMV website lists current regional addresses under "Mailing Addresses" in the contact section. You can also call 1-800-777-0133 and provide your county name; the representative will give you the exact address and confirm it is still current.
What documents to include with your mailed address change
Include your current driver's license or identification card, a completed Form DL 43 (process for Replacement Driver's License or Identification Card), and proof of your new address. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days as proof of address.
Do not send original documents unless the DMV specifically requests them. Make copies of your license and proof of address, and keep the originals. Write your name and driver's license number on the back of each copy so the DMV can match them to your file. Include a note with your old address and new address written clearly, even though you are filling out Form DL 43.
If you are changing your address because you moved, the DMV does not require you to update your license photo or signature — only the address changes. However, if your license is expiring within the next few months, consider renewing it at the same time to avoid a second mailing later.
Processing time and what to expect
Mail processing at California DMV regional centers typically takes four to six weeks after they receive your documents. This does not include the time for your envelope to travel through the postal system, which can add another week or two depending on distance. If you mail from Northern California to Sacramento, expect the total time to be four to six weeks. If you mail from San Diego to Los Angeles, it may be slightly faster.
The DMV does not send confirmation that your address change was received. You will not hear anything unless there is a problem with your documents. If six weeks have passed and you have not received your updated license or ID card, call 1-800-777-0133 with your driver's license number and ask them to check the status of your mailed request.
During peak times — typically after the holidays or in summer — processing can take longer. If you need your address changed urgently, visiting a field office in person or changing it online through the DMV website are faster options.
Online and in-person alternatives to mailing
You can change your address online through the California DMV website without mailing anything. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Address Change," and follow the prompts. Online changes are processed when ready, and you do not need to pay a fee. This is the fastest option if your license or ID card is not expiring soon.
You can also visit any DMV field office in person and change your address at the counter. Bring your current license or ID card and proof of your new address. In-person changes are processed the same day, though you may wait in line. No appointment is required for an address change, but you can make one online to reduce wait time.
If you prefer to mail but want to track your documents, use certified mail with return receipt requested. This costs a few dollars extra but gives you proof that the DMV received your envelope. Keep the receipt until your updated license arrives.
Common mistakes that delay mailed address changes
The most common error is mailing to the wrong regional address. If your envelope goes to a facility that does not serve your county, it will be forwarded — adding two to four weeks to processing time. Always verify the address on your renewal notice or by calling 1-800-777-0133 before you mail.
Incomplete or illegible forms also cause delays. Fill out Form DL 43 in black or blue ink, print clearly, and sign it. If the DMV cannot read your new address or your driver's license number, they will set your request aside and may contact you by mail — which takes another week or two. Double-check that your new address is written the same way on both Form DL 43 and your proof of address document.
Sending original documents instead of copies is another common problem. If your original license gets lost in the mail, you will have to replace it at a field office. The DMV asks for copies for this reason. Also, do not forget to include proof of your new address — without it, your request cannot be processed, even if everything else is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mail my address change to a local DMV field office instead of the regional center?
No. Local field offices do not process mail. You must mail to the regional processing center assigned to your county. Using the address from your renewal notice or calling 1-800-777-0133 ensures you send it to the correct facility.
What if I moved and my renewal notice went to my old address?
Call 1-800-777-0133 and provide your county name. The representative will give you the current mailing address for your region. You can also check the DMV website under "Mailing Addresses" in the contact section, though calling is faster if you are unsure which county you lived in when you got your license.
Do I need to include a check or money order with my mailed address change?
No. Address changes are free. Do not send cash or payment. If the DMV receives money with your request, they will return it or hold it in your account. Online and in-person address changes are also free.
How do I know if my mailed address change was received?
The DMV does not send confirmation. If six weeks have passed since you mailed your documents and you have not received your updated license, call 1-800-777-0133 with your driver's license number. They can check whether your request was processed or if there was a problem.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address by mail. However, if your license expired more than a few years ago, the DMV may ask you to renew it at the same time. Mailing both requests together takes about the same time as mailing an address change alone.