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) requires you to notify them of an address change within 10 days of moving. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is the fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you do not need to visit an office or pay a fee.

Your driver's license and vehicle registration are tied to your address in the DMV system. If you do not update it, renewal notices and registration documents will go to your old address, and you may miss important important date. Some insurance companies also check your DMV address against your policy, so mismatches can cause problems with coverage.

The method you choose depends on what documents you hold. If you have a California driver's license or ID card, you can change your address online. If you only need to update a vehicle registration, you can also do that online. If you hold an out-of-state license or have other complications, you may need to visit an office or mail in a form.

Key Takeaways

California law requires you to report an address change to the DMV within 10 days of moving.
The online method at dmv.ca.gov is free, takes about 10 minutes, and works for driver's licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registrations.
You will need your driver's license or ID number, your new address, and a way to verify your identity online.
If you cannot change your address online, you can mail Form DL 43 or visit a DMV office in person.
Vehicle registration address changes take effect when ready online, but mailed forms may take two to three weeks to process.

Changing Your Address Online

The online method is available at dmv.ca.gov under "Address Change" in the main menu. You will need your California driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need access to an email address and a phone number where the DMV can reach you if needed.

The process takes you through a series of screens where you enter your new address, confirm your identity, and review the changes before submitting. Once you submit, the DMV sends a confirmation email. Your new address takes effect when ready in the system, though physical documents (like a replacement license or registration card) will show the new address only when they are issued or renewed.

If you have both a driver's license and vehicle registration, you can change both addresses in a single online session. The system will ask whether you want to update your license, your registration, or both. You do not need to do them separately.

Changing Your Address by Mail

If you cannot change your address online, you can mail Form DL 43 (Statement Regarding Your process) to the DMV. You can read the form from dmv.ca.gov or request it by phone at 1-800-777-0133. Fill out the form with your current information, your new address, and sign it. Do not notarize it unless the form specifically instructs you to.

Mail the completed form to the DMV address listed on the form itself — the address varies by county. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV does not accept screenshots or digital images; send a photocopy or printed version.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. There is no fee for an address change. If you want to confirm receipt, you can call the DMV after two weeks and provide your driver's license number.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

You can walk into any California DMV office and request an address change. Bring your driver's license or ID card and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). The staff will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on dmv.ca.gov by entering your zip code. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You do not need an appointment for an address change — it is a walk-in service at most locations.

There is no fee for an in-person address change. If you also need to renew your license or registration while you are there, that will have a separate fee and may require an appointment.

What Happens If You Move Without Notifying the DMV

If you do not change your address within 10 days, you are technically in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 14600. However, the DMV does not actively search for people who have moved. The issue usually surfaces when you receive a notice at your old address that you ignore, or when you renew your license or registration and realize your address is wrong.

More practically, renewal notices and registration documents will go to your old address. If you miss a registration renewal important date because the notice went to the wrong place, you can face late fees or a lapsed registration. Some insurance companies will not cover a vehicle if the registered address does not match the policy address, which can leave you uninsured without knowing it.

If you have moved and realize your address is still wrong, change it as soon as you can. The DMV will not penalize you retroactively for the delay, but you should update it before any renewal notices are due.

Address Changes for Vehicle Registration Only

If you own a vehicle but hold an out-of-state driver's license, you can still change your vehicle registration address online or by mail. Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Address Change" — the system will let you update registration without a California license number. You will need your vehicle registration number and the last four digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which appears on your registration card and on the vehicle itself.

If you recently moved to California and registered a vehicle here, your registration address should already match your new California address. If you moved within California and only your registration address needs updating, the online method is the fastest option.

Address Changes for Duplicate or Replacement Documents

If you need a replacement driver's license or registration card after moving, the new document will automatically show your updated address. You do not need to change your address separately and then order a replacement. When you order a replacement license or registration card, the system uses your current address on file.

If your address is wrong in the system when you order a replacement, update it first using one of the methods above, then order the replacement. This ensures the new document arrives at your correct address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I only moved temporarily?

If you are moving back to your original address within a few weeks, you do not need to change your address with the DMV. However, if you are unsure how long you will be at the new location, it is safer to change it. You can always change it back later at no cost.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

The DMV requires proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and the move-in date. Some DMV offices will accept this in place of an official document.

Can I change my address if my license or registration is expired?

Yes. You can change your address online or by mail even if your license or registration is expired. The address change does not require renewal. However, if your license is expired, you should renew it separately before driving.

How long does it take for my new address to show up in the system?

Online changes take effect when ready. By-mail changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes take effect the same day. If you need proof of your address change right away, visit a DMV office or change it online and print the confirmation email.

What if I change my address but then move again before the first change is processed?

If you submitted a mailed form and moved again before it was processed, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 with your driver's license number and explain the situation. They can update your address to the second location. If you changed your address online, straightforward log back in and change it again — there is no limit to how many times you can update it.

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.