What the California DMV is and where to find it

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the state agency that issues driver's licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registrations. It also handles address changes for all three. The DMV operates about 170 field offices across the state, plus an online portal where you can handle some transactions without visiting in person.

The official website is dmv.ca.gov. You can search for your nearest office there, check wait times, and see which services each location offers. Not every office handles every transaction — some smaller locations only handle renewals and basic services.

If you have moved within California or are moving to California, you will need to update your address with the DMV. The state requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving. This applies whether you hold a driver's license, an identification card, or vehicle registration.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through dmv.ca.gov for a driver's license or ID card without visiting an office or paying a fee.
  • Vehicle registration address changes can be done online, by mail, or in person, and the method depends on whether your registration is current.
  • California law requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving, though the DMV does not actively enforce this for individuals.
  • If you change your address online, bring proof of residency to your next in-person DMV visit, as the system flags your account for verification.
  • Mail-in address changes take two to three weeks; online changes are processed when ready but require later verification.

Changing your driver's license or ID card address online

The fastest way to change your address is through the DMV's online system. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Online Services," and log in with your driver's license or ID number and date of birth. You will need to answer security questions based on your DMV record. Once logged in, select "Change Address" and enter your new address.

There is no fee for an online address change. The system processes your change when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. However, the DMV flags your account for verification — you will need to bring proof of residency to your next in-person visit, whether that is for a renewal, a new license, or any other transaction. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system, you can change your address by mail or in person. Both methods take longer but do not require later verification if you provide the right documents upfront.

Changing your address by mail

To change your address by mail, read the Address Change form (DL 43) from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your current information and new address, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of residency — the same documents accepted online work here.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail; instead, your new address will appear in the DMV system once processed. If you need to confirm the change went through, you can log into your online DMV account or call the DMV's customer service line.

Do not send original documents — always send copies. The DMV does not return mail-in documents, so keep your originals for your records.

Changing your vehicle registration address

Vehicle registration address changes follow different rules than driver's licenses. If your registration is current and not expired, you can change the address online through dmv.ca.gov using the same login process as a license change. You can also mail in the Address Change form (DL 43) with a copy of your registration and proof of residency.

If your registration has expired, you cannot change the address online — you must renew it first. You can do this by mail, online, or in person. Once renewed, you can then change the address using either method above.

Some people use a mail forwarding service through the U.S. Postal Service instead of updating the DMV. However, this does not update your official DMV record. The DMV will still have your old address on file, which can cause problems if you receive a notice about a ticket, registration renewal, or vehicle recall.

What to bring if you change your address in person

If you visit a DMV office to change your address, bring your current driver's license or ID card and proof of residency. Proof of residency must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail.

If you changed your address online and are now visiting in person for another reason, bring the same proof of residency. The DMV will verify your online change and update your account. If you do not have proof of residency at that visit, you can bring it at any future visit — the flag on your account does not expire.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. You will also need to know your current address as it appears in the DMV system.

Address changes after moving out of state

If you have moved out of California, you should surrender your California driver's license or ID card to the DMV in the state where you now live. You do not need to notify the California DMV of an out-of-state move. However, if you still own a vehicle registered in California, you will need to handle that registration separately — contact the California DMV or check dmv.ca.gov for instructions on out-of-state vehicle registration.

If you are moving to California from another state, you will need to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days of establishing residency. You cannot straightforward change your address in the DMV system; you must explore for a new California license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of California residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name if it has changed.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

The most common mistake is changing your address online and then not bringing proof of residency to a later DMV visit. Your account will remain flagged, and you may be asked to provide the proof again. Bring it the first time you visit in person after an online change.

Another mistake is assuming a U.S. Postal Service mail forward updates your DMV record. It does not. You must update the DMV directly, either online, by mail, or in person.

Do not send original documents by mail. The DMV does not return them, and you may need them for other purposes. Always send copies and keep the originals.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), address changes follow the same process as a regular license, but some offices handle CDL transactions on specific days. Check dmv.ca.gov or call ahead before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address at the DMV?

Online changes are processed when ready. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes are completed the same day. However, if you change your address online, you will need to bring proof of residency to a later in-person visit for verification.

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

California law requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving. The DMV does not actively pursue individuals who do not report, but having an outdated address on file can cause problems with vehicle registration renewals, ticket notices, and recall notifications.

What counts as proof of residency?

Proof of residency must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, and government mail all work. A piece of mail from a business or utility company with your name and address is usually sufficient.

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

Yes. You can change your address online or by mail even if your license or ID is expired. However, if you visit in person, you may be asked to renew at the same time. Check dmv.ca.gov or call ahead to confirm what your local office requires.

What if I moved and did not update my address for several months?

You can still change your address at any time using any of the three methods. There is no penalty for a late change. However, if you received any DMV notices at your old address, you may not have seen them. Contact the DMV to check whether you have any outstanding tickets, registration issues, or other matters that need attention.