How to Change Your Address at the DMV in California

Keeping your address up to date with the DMV is an important part of living and driving in California. Whether you just moved across town in Los Angeles, relocated to the Bay Area, or came into the state from somewhere else, updating your record helps make sure your license, vehicle registration, and official notices all reach you.

This guide walks through how the California DMV change of address process works, what you’ll need, and how to handle special situations.

Verify You’re in the Right Place (California State Verification Block)

In California, the motor vehicle agency is called the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

In California, this is typically handled by one statewide DMV system, which manages:

Driver’s licenses and ID cards
Vehicle registrations
Vehicle titles
Address changes for all of the above

You do not need to find a separate agency for licensing versus registration; they all go through the California DMV. However, you may need to submit separate address changes for:

Your driver’s license/ID record, and
Your vehicle registration record

They are connected in the same statewide system but are not always updated automatically together.

If you are unsure where to start, you can:

Use the official California DMV website (look for a .ca.gov address), and search for “change of address,” or
Visit a local DMV field office in your county in California and ask which forms or online services apply to your situation.

Why Updating Your Address with the California DMV Matters

In California, many drivers assume that changing their mailing address with the post office is enough. It isn’t. The DMV keeps its own address records, and those records control where critical state notices are sent.

Updating your address is important because it affects:

Driver’s license / ID card records
The DMV uses the address in its database for your license. Depending on the type of change, you might not automatically get a new physical card, but the record behind it is what matters for law enforcement and state notices.
Vehicle registration
Your registration card and stickers are mailed to the address on file. In California, this is typically handled by the same DMV system that processes your renewal reminders and smog-related notices.
Vehicle title
The DMV’s ownership record uses your address. If your title is ever mailed (for example, after paying off a loan), it will go to the address on file. Some people in California only realize their title address is wrong when they try to sell their car.
Official DMV notices
The DMV sends important mail about:
- Registration renewals
- Driver license renewal eligibility and requirements
- Suspension or revocation notices
- Corrective actions, fines, or other compliance issues

If the DMV sends a notice to an old address, you may still be considered legally notified, even if you never receive it. That can cause problems if you miss a deadline.

Many drivers in California find that updating their address as soon as they move helps avoid late fees, missed renewal windows, and confusion with law enforcement or insurance companies.

What You’ll Need to Change Your Address

Exact requirements can vary slightly depending on whether you’re changing your license/ID, your vehicle registration, or both. In California, the DMV generally asks you to provide basic identifying information that matches their records.

You will typically need:

Full legal name
California driver’s license or ID card number (if you have one)
Vehicle information (if updating registration), such as:
- License plate number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), often the last few digits
Old (previous) address on file with the DMV
New mailing address
New residence address (if different from mailing address)
Date of birth
Possibly a phone number or email for contact

Depending on your situation, you may be asked for:

Proof of new address (for certain in-person transactions or if other information is changing)
Information about whether the move is within California or from out of state

Depending on your county in California, you might see slightly different office practices (for example, some offices may be stricter about proof for certain updates), but the statewide rules come from the California DMV.

Why Address Change Requests Get Rejected

A California DMV change of address request can be delayed or rejected if:

Names don’t match DMV records (for example, you use a nickname or recently changed your name but haven’t updated it yet).
License or ID number is wrong or incomplete.
Vehicle information doesn’t match, especially plate or VIN details.
The form is incomplete, unsigned (if mailed), or missing key fields.
The address is invalid or written unclearly, especially with apartment numbers, rural routes, or directional indicators.
You are trying to combine other major changes (like name and address together) without using the correct process.

To reduce problems, use your exact legal name as it appears on your California license or registration, and double-check that all numbers and addresses are clearly written.

Step-by-Step Options for a DMV Change of Address in California

In California, the DMV usually provides several ways to update your address:

Online (if eligible)
By mail
In person at a DMV field office

Processes can change, so it’s wise to confirm current options on the official DMV site or by calling ahead.

In California, this is typically handled by different tools within the same website: one online path handles driver’s license/ID address changes, while another handles vehicle registration address changes. You may need to go through each path separately.

1. Change Your Address Online (If Eligible)

Many drivers in California find that the online address change option is the fastest and most convenient, especially for simple moves within the state.

To change your address online, you will generally:

Go to the official California DMV website
- Use a search engine to find the official site by typing: California DMV change of address.
- Make sure the URL ends in .ca.gov so you know it is an official state site.
Locate the “Change of Address” service
- The site typically has a dedicated “Change of Address” section for driver licenses/ID cards and vehicle registration.
Create or log in to your online DMV account (if required)
- Some services may require you to create an account; others allow a guest transaction.
Enter your identifying information
- Driver’s license or ID number
- Date of birth
- Old address on file
- Last digits of your VIN or license plate (for registration changes)
Enter your new address information
- Include apartment/unit number, rural route, or PO Box as needed.
- In California, this is typically handled by allowing you to enter a residence address and a separate mailing address if they differ.
Review and submit
- Confirm spelling, numbers, and that the city/ZIP code are correct.
Save or print your confirmation
- The California DMV online system may give you an on-screen confirmation or an email. Keep a copy for your records.

Online is usually best if:

You moved within California,
Your name and other personal information are staying the same, and
You do not need to make complex changes at the same time.

2. Change Your Address by Mail

If you prefer not to use the online system or are not eligible for it, you may be able to submit a California DMV change of address form by mail.

In California, this is typically handled by a single address change form or dedicated change-of-address process that can apply to both your license/ID record and your vehicle registration, depending on how you fill it out. To do it by mail:

Obtain the official address change form or instructions
- Go to the California DMV’s official website and search for “change of address form,” or
- Visit a DMV office to pick up the current paper form.
Fill out the form completely
- Provide your full name, driver’s license/ID number, date of birth.
- List each vehicle you want to update (plate and VIN details).
- Write both your old address and your new address.
- Indicate whether you’re changing your home address, mailing address, or both.
Sign and date the form
- Unsigned forms may be rejected.
Mail it to the address listed on the form
- Use the official mailing address printed on the form or given in recent DMV instructions.
- Consider using a trackable mail option if you want confirmation of delivery.

Because mail processing can take time, it’s a good idea to submit your change well before your next registration or license-related deadline.

3. Change Your Address in Person

Some situations still require an in-person visit at a California DMV field office, such as:

You’re combining an address change with a name change or certain other updates.
You’re renewing your license in person at the same time.
Your online or mailed request was rejected, and the DMV instructs you to come in.
You prefer to update multiple records and ask questions directly.

To change your address in person:

Find a local California DMV office
- From the official website’s home page, look for the “Office Locations” or “Field Offices” section, or search for “DMV office locator California.”
Check if an appointment is recommended
- In busy parts of CA (like the Los Angeles, San Diego, or Bay Area regions), appointments can significantly reduce your wait time.
Bring your identification and any relevant documents
- Your current California driver’s license or ID
- Registration card(s) for vehicles you want to update
- Any address-related documents the DMV suggests (for example, if you are also changing your name or status)
Request an address change for your records
- Clearly state that you want your license/ID address and/or vehicle registration address updated.
Review any updated documentation
- The DMV will tell you whether a new physical license or registration card will be issued or if the change is only in their electronic records.

Depending on your county in California, wait times at field offices can vary substantially. It can be helpful to go early in the day or avoid peak days if possible.

Do License and Registration Update Together?

In California, this is typically handled as two related but separate updates:

Driver’s license / ID record address
Vehicle registration record address

Some California DMV forms and online tools allow you to update both at once by checking certain boxes or listing your vehicles. Others require you to use distinct online paths: one for driver’s license/ID, another for vehicle registration.

When you complete any California DMV change of address process, read the instructions carefully to confirm:

Which records are being updated, and
Whether you need to take another step to update your other records.

If you have more than one vehicle, make sure each vehicle is included in your request if the form or system does not automatically list them.

What Happens After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you submit your address change, the DMV will update its internal records. What you see and receive can differ depending on what you changed and how.

Confirmation

After a successful online submission, you may:

See an on-screen confirmation
Receive a confirmation email, or
Be given a reference number

If you submit by mail, you may not receive the same type of instant confirmation. Your main sign that the address has been updated may be:

Future registration renewal notices arriving at your new address, or
Confirmation if you call or check your record online.

Will You Get a New License or Registration Card?

In California, many address changes update your DMV record without automatically issuing a brand-new physical license.

For driver’s licenses and IDs:

The electronic record is updated.
You might be allowed (or instructed) to print or carry a document noting your new address along with your current license, depending on current DMV rules.
If you want a new card printed with your current address, that often requires a separate transaction (such as ordering a replacement license and paying any standard replacement fee, if applicable).

For vehicle registration:

The DMV updates the address for mailing notices and future cards/stickers.
Whether you receive an updated registration card immediately can depend on when you change it relative to your renewal cycle and DMV procedures at that time.

Because DMV policies can change, check current guidance on the official California DMV site or by contacting the DMV directly.

Timing

Processing times vary. Online changes are often reflected more quickly than mailed forms, but the mailing of any physical documents still depends on DMV processing and the postal service.

If you have a registration or license renewal coming up soon, it’s smart to submit your address change well in advance and confirm that your new address is on file.

Special Situations for California Address Changes

Not every move is a straightforward “new apartment down the street.” In California, this is typically handled with some additional considerations for certain groups and scenarios.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Holders

If you hold a California commercial driver’s license:

Federal and state rules can be stricter.
You may be required to provide more documentation or to update your CDL in person, especially if other aspects of your license are changing.
If your employer’s address or your mailing address changes, confirm with the DMV whether any special procedures apply.

Because a CDL is closely tied to federal safety regulations, consider contacting the DMV or checking the CDL-specific information on the California DMV’s website before making changes.

Active-Duty Military

For active-duty military members:

Your legal residence may differ from your physical duty-station address in California.
You may still need to keep your California DMV records accurate if you are licensed or registered here.
If you are stationed out of state or overseas but maintain a California license or vehicle registration, check current DMV guidance on how to list mailing versus residence addresses.

In California, many service members find it useful to set a reliable mailing address (such as a spouse’s or family member’s stable address) for DMV notices while they are deployed or frequently moving.

College Students

If you are a student attending a university or college in California:

Decide whether your campus address or a permanent home address should be your primary mailing address for DMV purposes.
If you stay in California year-round and drive regularly here, updating your DMV address to your California residence can help avoid missed mail.

Be consistent: use the same address format whenever you update DMV, voter registration, and other official records, if possible.

New Residents Moving into California (Out-of-State License)

If you moved to California from another state:

Changing your address with your old state’s DMV is not enough.
You generally need to apply for a California driver’s license and register your vehicle in California according to state rules.
The address you use during those applications becomes your address of record here.

You would typically handle this as part of becoming a California driver and vehicle owner, rather than just doing a simple “change of address” transaction.

PO Boxes and Rural Routes

In some parts of CA, especially rural regions, home mail delivery may be limited. The DMV often distinguishes between:

Physical residence address (where you actually live), and
Mailing address (which may be a PO Box or rural route)

When completing any DMV change of address California process:

Provide your physical address where required.
List your PO Box or rural route as the mailing address if that’s how you receive mail.
Make sure the correct city, ZIP, and box or route numbers are clearly written.

Changing Your Name and Address Together

If you are changing both your name and your address:

In California, this is typically handled by requiring you to update your name first, with proper legal documentation (such as a certified marriage certificate or court order), and then update your address.
Name changes often require an in-person visit to verify documents.

Trying to combine both changes in a single simple online convenience form may not work, so check the DMV’s current instructions for name changes before updating your address.

Troubleshooting: When Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Sometimes, even a careful California DMV change of address request doesn’t work on the first try. Here are common issues and practical steps.

Online Address Change Rejected

If the online system won’t accept your information:

Check for typos in your license number, date of birth, or VIN.
Make sure you are using the exact name shown on your license or registration.
Confirm that you’re using the correct old address that the DMV has on file; if you’ve moved multiple times, the DMV may still have an older address.

If it still fails:

Look for any error message that explains the problem (for example, “not eligible online”).
The site may instruct you to use a different method, such as mailing a form or visiting in person.

In California, this is typically handled by routing more complex cases (name discrepancies, certain status issues, or out-of-range data) to in-person service.

Submitted but Not Updated

If you submitted your address change and nothing seems to have changed:

Wait a reasonable amount of time, especially if you used mail.
Check your status online, if the DMV offers a way to verify your current address or vehicle info.
If you still see your old address or keep receiving mail at the previous address, contact the DMV directly.

Steps to take:

Gather your confirmation number (if you have one), or a copy of your mailed form.
Call or visit a DMV office and ask them to verify the address in your record.
If needed, resubmit your address change using whichever method the DMV recommends.

Rejected Request (Mail or In Person)

If the DMV notifies you that your request was rejected:

Carefully review the reason they provide. Common reasons include missing signatures, incomplete fields, or unclear addresses.
Correct any errors on a fresh form if needed.
Re-submit the request, following the instructions given in the rejection notice.

If the reason isn’t clear, visiting a local office in California can help you resolve the issue quickly by speaking with a DMV representative.

License Address Updated but Registration Didn’t (or Vice Versa)

This is a frequent issue because license and registration records aren’t always updated automatically at the same time.

If your driver’s license/ID address is updated but your vehicle registration still shows the old address:

Go back to the DMV change of address California section online and look specifically for the vehicle registration update path.
Make sure each vehicle is listed and updated.
If you used a mailed form, confirm that you included all vehicles and filled out the part of the form that applies to registration.

If your vehicle registration is correct but your license/ID record isn’t:

Use the section or form that applies only to driver’s license/ID records.
If online changes don’t work, try the mail-in process or an in-person visit.

Moving Out of California

If you move out of California permanently:

You typically need to obtain a driver’s license and vehicle registration in your new state by that state’s deadlines.
It’s still a good idea to update or close out your California DMV records, especially if you still have vehicles previously registered here.

Steps often include:

Notifying the California DMV that you have moved out of state and no longer keep the vehicle in California, if applicable.
Returning California plates, if your new state requires or recommends it and the DMV instructs you to do so.

To find the most accurate instructions for out-of-state moves, search the official California DMV site for terms like “moving out of state vehicle registration” or call the DMV directly.

Helpful Official Resources

For reliable, up-to-date details, you can use these official resources:

California DMV main site (information, forms, online services):
https://www.dmv.ca.gov

From there, you can:

Search for “change of address” to access the current online service and any California DMV change of address form instructions.
Use the office locator to find a DMV field office near you if you need to handle your address change in person.

Keeping your address current with the California DMV is a straightforward step that can prevent missed notices, late fees, and confusion about your driving and registration status. As soon as you move within CA or into the state, decide which method—online, mail, or in person—fits your situation best, gather the information listed above, and submit your update through the official California DMV channels.