How to Change Your Address With the California DMV

Where to Report Your Address Change in California

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles address changes for your driver's license, identification card, and vehicle registration. You can report a new address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV field office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home — but it works only if you have a valid California driver's license or ID card and access to a computer.

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form or visit a DMV office. Mail takes longer (typically two to three weeks for processing), and in-person visits require a trip to your local office, but both are options if online does not work for your situation.

Key Takeaways

The fastest way to change your address is through the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov, which processes changes in minutes if you have a valid license or ID.
You must report address changes for your driver's license, ID card, and vehicle registration separately — changing one does not automatically update the others.
If you move, California law requires you to report your new address within 10 days for a vehicle and within 10 days for a driver's license or ID.
Mailing a form takes two to three weeks, while in-person visits at a DMV office are processed the same day but may involve a wait.
You do not need to renew your license or registration early when you move — your current documents remain valid at your new address.

Changing Your Driver's License or ID Card Address Online

Visit dmv.ca.gov and select "Change Address" under the driver's license or ID card section. You will need your California driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address and confirm it matches your records. The system will show you a confirmation page when ready — you do not receive a new card in the mail, but your address is updated in the DMV database right away.

This online process works only if your current license or ID is valid (not expired). If your document has expired, you must renew it before you can change the address online, or you can mail a form instead.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration Address Online

Vehicle registration changes also happen on dmv.ca.gov under the registration section. You will need your vehicle's license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN), your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address and submit. Like the driver's license change, this takes effect when ready in the DMV system, and you do not receive a new registration card unless yours is expiring soon.

If you own the vehicle jointly with another person, both owners can change the address online using their own credentials, or one owner can mail a form signed by both. If the vehicle is registered to a business, you must mail a form or visit an office in person.

Mailing a Form to the DMV

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL 43 (for driver's license or ID address changes) or Form REG 14 (for vehicle registration address changes) to the DMV. Both forms are free and available on dmv.ca.gov or at any DMV office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form — different regions have different mailing addresses, so check the form before you send it.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You do not need to include any documents with the form unless the DMV has asked you to. Once processed, your address is updated in the system, and you will not receive a new card unless your current one is expiring within the next few months.

Visiting a DMV Office in Person

You can walk into any California DMV field office and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license, ID card, or vehicle registration (whichever you are changing), and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

Processing at an office is same-day, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait than midday or Friday. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though you can reserve a time slot on dmv.ca.gov to reduce your wait.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

California accepts several documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within 60 days works. So does a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax form or voter registration card) with your name and new address. If you are staying with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, a notarized letter from the property owner or a lease signed by both of you can work, though policies vary by office.

If you are changing your address online, you do not need to submit proof — the system trusts your identity based on your license or ID number and personal information. Proof is required only if you are mailing a form or visiting an office.

Timeline and When Your Address Takes Effect

Online changes take effect when ready. Your address is updated in the DMV database as soon as you submit, and law enforcement can see the new address if they run your license. Mailed forms take two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives them (not from the date you mail them). In-person changes at an office take effect the same day.

California law requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving for both your driver's license and your vehicle registration. This is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation, though the DMV does not actively enforce it. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your address on file does not match where you are living, you could face a citation, so it is worth doing promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within California?

Yes. California law requires you to report any address change within 10 days, whether you move across town or across the state. This applies to your driver's license, ID card, and vehicle registration.

Will I get a new license or registration card when I change my address?

No. Your current card remains valid with your old address printed on it. The DMV updates your address in their system, and that is what law enforcement sees when they check your license. You will receive a new card only when your current one expires and you renew it.

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

Not online. If your license or ID has expired, you must renew it before you can change the address through the website. You can still mail a form or visit an office in person with proof of your new address.

What if I move out of California?

If you are moving to another state, you do not need to notify the California DMV. You will need to get a driver's license or ID in your new state. Some states allow you to keep your California registration for a vehicle if you are moving temporarily, but rules vary — contact your new state's DMV for details.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

The DMV typically processes mailed forms within two to three weeks of receiving them. This does not include mail delivery time, so allow extra time for your form to reach the DMV office. If you need the change done faster, visiting an office in person is same-day.

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.