Send your address change to the DMV's Sacramento processing center

California DMV processes mailed address changes at a single location in Sacramento. The mailing address is:

California Department of Motor Vehicles Customer Service P.O. Box 942884 Sacramento, CA 94284-0884

Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach this address from most parts of California. Processing time after arrival is typically 2 to 4 weeks, though during high-volume periods it can extend to 6 weeks. You will not receive a confirmation that your change was processed — your new address becomes active in the DMV system without a separate notice.

If you need your address changed faster, the DMV also accepts changes online through its website and in person at any DMV field office. Online changes process within 24 hours in most cases. Mailing is the slowest option but works if you cannot visit an office or access the online system.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail your address change form to the Sacramento DMV processing center at P.O. Box 942884, Sacramento, CA 94284-0884.
  • Mailed changes take 7 to 10 days to arrive plus 2 to 4 weeks to process, so plan for a total of 3 to 5 weeks before your new address is active.
  • Include your driver's license number, current address, new address, and signature on the form you mail.
  • Online address changes through the DMV website process much faster — usually within 24 hours — if you have internet access.
  • You will not receive written confirmation of a mailed address change; the DMV updates your record without sending a separate notice.

What form to mail and what to include

Use Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Driver's License or Identification Card) or Form DL 44 (process for Driver's License or Identification Card) depending on whether you hold a driver's license or state ID card. Both forms have a section for address changes. You can read either form from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office.

On the form, print your current driver's license or ID number, your old address, and your new address in the spaces provided. Sign and date the form. Do not send your actual license or ID card — the DMV does not need it for an address change. Include only the completed form and a copy of proof of residence at your new address if this is your first time reporting that address to the DMV.

Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new address. It must show your name and the new address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you are moving to a new address but have not yet received mail there, a signed lease or purchase agreement works as well.

When to expect your address to be active

The DMV does not send a confirmation letter when a mailed address change is complete. Your new address becomes active in the system without notification. To check whether your change went through, you can create an account on the DMV website and view your record, or call the DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133 and provide your driver's license number.

If you are waiting for a renewal notice, vehicle registration documents, or other DMV mail, it will be sent to your new address once the change is processed. If you do not receive expected mail within 4 to 6 weeks of mailing your form, contact the DMV to confirm the change was received and processed.

Faster alternatives to mailing

The DMV website allows you to change your address online if you have a California driver's license or ID card and can verify your identity. Online changes process within 24 hours in most cases. You will need your driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

Any DMV field office can also process an address change in person while you wait. Bring your driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Processing takes about 15 minutes, and your new address is active when ready. Field offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the DMV website.

Address changes for vehicle registration

An address change for your driver's license or ID card is separate from an address change for vehicle registration. If you own a vehicle registered in California, you must also update your registration address with the DMV. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as a license address change.

For registration changes by mail, send your completed form to the same Sacramento address. Registration changes are processed at the same facility and take the same amount of time. If you change your driver's license address but not your registration address, the DMV will eventually align them, but it is faster to update both at the same time.

What happens if your mail gets lost

If you mail your form and do not see your address updated after 6 weeks, the form may have been lost in transit or misfiled at the DMV. Contact the DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133 with your driver's license number and ask them to check whether your form was received. If it was not, you can mail a new form or use the online system instead.

To reduce the risk of loss, consider using certified mail with return receipt. This costs a few dollars extra but gives you proof that the DMV received your envelope. Keep a copy of the form you mail and note the date you sent it. If you need to follow up, this information helps the DMV locate your submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to include a copy of my driver's license with my mailed form?

No. The DMV does not need your actual license or ID card for an address change. Send only the completed form and proof of residence if required. Sending your license through the mail risks it being lost or damaged.

Can I mail my address change form to a local DMV office instead of Sacramento?

No. All mailed address changes must go to the Sacramento processing center. Local DMV offices do not process mail; they handle only in-person transactions. If you want to change your address at a local office, you must visit in person.

Will the DMV send me a letter confirming my address change?

No. The DMV does not send confirmation letters for address changes. Your new address becomes active in the system without notification. You can verify the change by checking your record online or calling customer service.

How long does it take for mail to reach the Sacramento DMV?

Standard mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach Sacramento from most parts of California. Processing after arrival takes an additional 2 to 4 weeks. Plan for 3 to 5 weeks total before your address is active in the system.

What if I move before my mailed form arrives at the DMV?

If you move again before your form is processed, mail a new form with your current address. The DMV will process whichever form arrives last. To avoid confusion, use the online system or visit an office in person if you are moving multiple times in a short period.