How to Change Your Address at the California DMV

California DMV Address Changes: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can change your address at the California DMV through three routes: online using the DMV website, by mail with a form, or in person at a local office. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready. By mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits work the same day but require a trip to your local field office and a wait.

Which route you use depends on what documents you hold and whether you need to renew your license or ID at the same time. If your license or ID is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it during the address change rather than handling both separately later.

Key Takeaways

The California DMV online portal lets you change your address in minutes without visiting an office, and the change is active right away.
You can mail Form DL 43 (Change of Address) to the DMV address listed on the form, and the change takes one to two weeks to process.
In-person address changes at a local DMV office take the same day, but you will need to bring proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days.
If your license or ID expires soon, you can renew it at the same time you change your address, either online or in person.
The online method requires you to log into your DMV account or create one, and works only if your current address is already on file with the DMV.

Changing Your Address Online Through the DMV Portal

The California DMV website allows you to change your address without visiting an office. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Address Change" under the Online Services section, and log in with your driver license or ID number and date of birth. If you do not have an account, you can create one during this process.

The online form asks for your new address and confirms your current information. Once you submit, the change is recorded when ready and your updated address appears on your digital record. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license or ID remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DMV's records show your new location. If you need a card with the new address printed on it, you must renew your license or ID separately.

This method works only if the DMV already has an address on file for you. If you have never had a California license or ID, or if the DMV has no address record, you must use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing Form DL 43 to the DMV

You can request Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the DMV website, pick one up at any field office, or have one mailed to you. Fill in your current driver license or ID number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address printed on the form — this address changes depending on which DMV region you live in, so check the form itself rather than using a general DMV address.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. You do not need to include any documents with the form, and there is no fee. Like the online method, mailing the form updates your address in the DMV database but does not change the address printed on your physical card.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you do not hear back within three weeks, contact your local DMV office to confirm they received it.

Changing Your Address In Person at a DMV Office

Walk into any California DMV field office with proof of your new address and your current driver license or ID. Proof of residency must be dated within 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. Bring the original document — copies are not accepted.

Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot, and you can request a replacement card with the new address printed on it. A replacement card costs $20 and arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you do not request a replacement, your current card stays valid but shows the old address.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait than mid-morning or Friday afternoons. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DMV website.

When You Need a Replacement Card With Your New Address

Your driver license or ID remains valid even if the printed address is outdated. However, if you want a card that shows your new address, you have two options: request a replacement card during an in-person visit (costs $20), or renew your license or ID online or in person (costs $36 for a standard renewal).

A replacement card takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. A renewal takes the same time. The difference is that a renewal extends your expiration date, while a replacement keeps your current expiration date. If your license or ID expires within the next year, renewing at the same time you change your address may be more practical than paying twice.

You can renew your license or ID online through the DMV website if you meet certain requirements: your license or ID must not be expired for more than five years, you must have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and you must not have changed your name. If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew in person.

Address Changes for Commercial Driver Licenses and Identification Cards

If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), you cannot change your address online. You must visit a DMV office in person or mail Form DL 43. The process is the same as for a standard license, but the online portal does not support CDL address changes.

If you hold a state ID card (not a driver license), you can change your address using any of the three methods: online, by mail, or in person. The steps are identical to a driver license address change.

What Happens After You Change Your Address

Once your address is updated, the DMV sends future notices and renewal reminders to your new location. If you change your address online or by mail, your physical card still shows the old address until you request a replacement or renew. Law enforcement and other officials can see your updated address in the DMV system, even if your card does not reflect it yet.

If you are registering a vehicle or renewing vehicle registration, you must also update your address with the California Department of Motor Vehicles' vehicle registration system. An address change for your driver license does not automatically update your vehicle registration address. You can change your vehicle registration address online, by mail, or in person at the same time you change your driver license address, or separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person changes are recorded the same day. If you request a replacement card with your new address during an in-person visit, the card itself arrives in one to two weeks.

Do I need to bring documents to change my address online?

No. The online method requires only your driver license or ID number and date of birth to log in. You do not upload or send any documents. In-person visits require proof of residency dated within 60 days.

Will my driver license card show my new address right away?

No. The printed address on your card does not change unless you request a replacement card or renew your license. The DMV's records update when ready (online) or within one to two weeks (mail or in person), but your physical card keeps the old address until you get a new one.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license does not prevent you from changing your address. However, you cannot renew your license online if it has been expired for more than five years. If your license is expired and you want to renew it, you must do so in person.

Do I need to change my vehicle registration address separately?

Yes. Changing your driver license address does not update your vehicle registration address. You must change your vehicle registration address through a separate process, either online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

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.