What a Change of Address Does at the California DMV

A Change of Address (COA) at the California DMV updates your mailing address on your driver's license, identification card, vehicle registration, and other DMV records. When you submit a COA, the DMV sends your new address to the Department of Insurance, the California Highway Patrol, and other state agencies that use your DMV file. This matters because traffic tickets, registration renewal notices, and insurance correspondence will go to the address you register — not to your old one.

You do not need to renew your license or ID card to change your address. A COA is a separate transaction that takes effect when ready once the DMV processes it. The address change applies to all your active DMV records at once, so you only file once even if you own multiple vehicles or hold both a license and an ID card.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office without renewing your license or ID card.
  • The online method is the fastest and requires your driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.
  • A mail-in COA takes two to three weeks to process and requires a completed form and proof of your new address.
  • Your new address updates across all your DMV records — license, ID card, vehicle registration, and records shared with other state agencies — in a single transaction.
  • If you move out of state or your license expires within 30 days, you may need to renew your license instead of filing a COA.

Changing Your Address Online

The fastest way to change your address is through the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. Go to the "Address Change" section and select "Change Address Online." You will need your driver's license or ID card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new California address. The system will verify your identity and process the change when ready.

Once you submit the form, you receive a confirmation number on screen. The DMV does not mail a paper confirmation, so write down or screenshot the confirmation number for your records. Your new address takes effect right away in the DMV system, though it may take a few days for the change to reach other agencies like the Department of Insurance.

Online COA works only if you are changing to a California address and your license or ID card is not expired. If your card expired more than six months ago, you must renew it instead of filing a COA.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read and print the Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the DMV website or request it by phone at 1-800-777-0133. Fill in your name, driver's license or ID number, old address, and new address. You must sign and date the form.

Attach proof of your new address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form and proof to the DMV address listed on the form — it varies by region, so check the form itself for the correct location.

Processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail; the DMV straightforward updates your record. If you need proof that you filed a COA, keep a copy of the form and your mailing receipt.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

You can walk into any California DMV office and file a COA on the spot. Bring your driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 60 days). Tell the staff member at the counter that you need a Change of Address.

The transaction takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a paper receipt showing your new address and a confirmation number. The change takes effect when ready. However, visiting an office means waiting in line, so the online method is usually faster unless you need to handle other DMV business at the same time.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

The DMV accepts these documents as proof of your new address: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card). The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.

A piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant" does not count. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address. Some DMV offices will accept this if it is dated and signed.

When You Cannot Use a Change of Address

You cannot file a COA if you are moving out of California. If you are relocating to another state, you must get a driver's license or ID card from that state. You can keep your California license until it expires, but you cannot update the address to an out-of-state location through a COA.

You also cannot file a COA if your license or ID card expires within 30 days. In that case, you must renew your license or ID card instead, which includes updating your address as part of the renewal process. If your card expired more than six months ago, renewal is required — a COA will not work.

If you need to change your address on your vehicle registration separately from your license, you can do that through a different form (Form REG 14), but most address changes update both at once.

Scams and Safety Alerts

Do not use third-party websites that claim to file a COA for you. Websites with names like "dmv-address-change.com" or "california-dmv-online.net" are not run by the DMV. They charge fees (often $50 to $150) to submit a form you can file yourself for free. The only official DMV website is dmv.ca.gov.

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV asking you to "verify your address" or "confirm your information." The DMV does not contact you by email or text to request personal information. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or reply with your details. Go directly to dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 to verify whether the DMV actually needs anything from you.

If you change your address online, you will receive a confirmation number on the screen at the time of filing. The DMV will not email you a confirmation later. If you receive an email claiming to confirm your COA, it is likely a phishing attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my new address to show up on my license?

Your address updates in the DMV system when ready if you file online, or within two to three weeks if you mail the form. However, your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew it. The DMV record is what matters for tickets, registration renewals, and insurance — not the address printed on the card itself.

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

Yes. Even if you moved to a different city in the same county, you should file a COA so that registration renewals, tickets, and other DMV mail reach you at the correct location. It takes only a few minutes online.

What if I filed a COA but the DMV is still sending mail to my old address?

If you filed online, wait three to five business days for the change to reach all DMV systems. If you mailed the form, wait two to three weeks. If mail still arrives at your old address after that time, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 with your confirmation number and ask them to verify the address in their system.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. A suspended or revoked license does not prevent you from filing a COA. However, if your license is suspended, you should not be driving. Contact the DMV to understand why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Do I need to notify my insurance company after I file a COA?

The DMV shares your new address with the Department of Insurance, but your insurance company may not receive the update when ready. It is a good idea to contact your insurance agent directly and provide your new address to make sure your policy records are current.