How to Change Your Address with the California DMV

What you need to do to change your address in California

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — you can do it in minutes from home if you have a valid California driver's license or ID card and a debit or credit card. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate or Amended Driver License or Identification Card) to the DMV, or walk into any DMV office with the same form and your current license.

You must update your address within 10 days of moving in California. The DMV will not charge you a fee to change your address alone, but if you also need to renew your license or ID card at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee. Your new address takes effect when ready online or at the office; by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your form.

Key Takeaways

California law requires you to notify the DMV of a new address within 10 days of moving.
The online method through the DMV website is the fastest option and requires only your license number, date of birth, and a payment card.
If you mail Form DL 43, include your current license and send it to the address listed on the form; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address alone costs nothing, but renewing your license or ID card at the same time will include a renewal fee.
You can also change your address in person at any DMV office without an appointment in most locations.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Change Address" under the "Driver License and ID" section. You will need your current California driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask for your new address and confirm your email address. You can pay the small processing fee with a debit or credit card.

The online system works only if your license or ID is current (not expired) and you have not changed your name since you got it. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online method and must visit an office or mail in a form. The change shows up in the DMV system right away, though your physical card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it.

Keep the confirmation number the system gives you. If you need proof of your new address later — for a bank account, voter registration, or insurance — you can print the confirmation page or log back into your DMV account to show it.

Mailing Form DL 43 to the DMV

read or print Form DL 43 from dmv.ca.gov. Fill in your new address, sign and date the form, and include a copy of your current driver's license or ID card (front and back). Do not send the original license. Mail the form and copy to the address printed on the form itself — the address changes depending on which county you are moving to, so check the form before you mail it.

The DMV will process your form within 7 to 10 business days of receiving it. Mail can take several days to arrive, so send it as soon as you move. You do not need to include payment for a straightforward address change. If you want to renew your license or ID at the same time, include the renewal fee (check dmv.ca.gov for the current amount) and mark the renewal box on the form.

Keep a copy of the form and the mailing receipt for your records. If you do not hear back within two weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received it.

Changing your address at a DMV office

Walk into any California DMV office with your current driver's license or ID card and a completed Form DL 43. Most offices do not require an appointment for address changes. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will process the change on the spot, and you can leave with a confirmation.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check dmv.ca.gov to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go. Some offices are busier in the morning or on certain days of the week. If you go during lunch or late afternoon, you may wait less time.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you have one, though the DMV can look it up if you do not have it with you. You do not need to pay anything for an address change alone.

Proof of your new address

If you change your address in person at a DMV office, bring a document showing your new address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners or renters insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. The document must have your name and your new address on it.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and the utility company has not sent a bill in your name — bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating your name, the property address, and the move-in date. Some DMV offices will also accept a notarized statement from someone who lives with you and can confirm your address.

You do not need proof of address if you change your address online or by mail. The online system and the mailed form rely on your identity information instead.

What happens if you do not change your address on time

California law says you must notify the DMV within 10 days of moving. If you do not, you can be cited for failing to notify the DMV of a change of address, which carries a fine. More importantly, if you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, a police officer may question whether you actually live where you say you do, which can complicate traffic stops or other interactions.

An outdated address can also cause problems with vehicle registration renewal notices, insurance correspondence, and court documents. If the DMV tries to reach you at your old address and you do not respond, your license or registration can be suspended without you knowing. Update your address as soon as you move to avoid these issues.

Scams and safety alerts

Do not use third-party websites that claim to change your DMV address for you. Websites with names like "dmv-address-change.com" or "california-dmv-services.com" are not run by the California DMV. They charge fees (sometimes $50 or more) to do something you can do free on dmv.ca.gov. Some of these sites may also collect your personal information and sell it or use it for identity theft.

The only official California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov. If you are unsure whether a website is real, type dmv.ca.gov directly into your browser instead of clicking a link in an email or search result. Never give your Social Security number, license number, or payment information to anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the DMV — the DMV does not call or email people to ask for this information.

If you receive a text message or email saying your DMV address change failed or asking you to "verify" your information, do not click the link. These are phishing attempts. Report them to the California DMV by forwarding the message to spam@dmv.ca.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address with the DMV if I already changed it with the post office?

Yes. The post office's mail forwarding service and the DMV are separate systems. Changing your address with the post office does not update the DMV's records. You must notify the DMV separately, even if you have already filed a change of address with the post office.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to notify the California DMV?

If you moved out of California permanently, you should surrender your California driver's license and get a license in your new state instead. If you are keeping your California license (for example, if you moved temporarily for work), you can update your out-of-state address with the California DMV using the same methods — online, by mail, or in person.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still change your address online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew it at the same time you change your address. You can do this by mail with Form DL 43 or in person at a DMV office. You will pay the renewal fee in addition to any processing fees.

How long does it take to get my new address card in the mail?

If you change your address online or by mail, your physical card will still show your old address until your license or ID expires and you renew it. The DMV does not send you a new card just for an address change. If you need proof of your new address right away, print the confirmation from the online system or bring the mailed confirmation to a DMV office.

What if I made a mistake on my address change form?

If you made a mistake online, log back into your DMV account and submit a new change. If you mailed in Form DL 43 with an error, contact the DMV to report it before they process the form, or submit a new form with the correct address. You can also visit a DMV office in person to correct the address right away.

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.