Where to Change Your California Address

You can change your address at the California DMV online, by mail, or in person at a field office. The online option through the DMV website is the fastest route — you can update your driver's license or ID card address without visiting an office or paying a fee. If you prefer to handle it by mail, send a completed form DL 43 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Driver's License or Identification Card) with proof of your new address to the DMV. In-person visits work if you need to update your address the same day or have documents that require verification.

California does not require you to get a new physical card when you change your address — the DMV updates your record in their system, and your current card remains valid. Your new address will appear on your next renewal or replacement card. If you are moving out of state or need your card reissued when ready for work or legal reasons, you can request a replacement card in person at a field office for a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The California DMV online portal lets you change your address for free without visiting an office, and the change takes effect when ready in their system.
  • You do not need a new physical card when you change your address — your current card stays valid, and the new address appears on your next renewal.
  • By mail, send form DL 43 with proof of your new address; processing takes about two weeks.
  • In-person changes at a field office are processed the same day, but you may wait several hours depending on location and time of day.
  • Vehicle registration address changes are handled separately through the DMV's online system or by mail with form REG 14.

Changing Your Address Online

Go to the California DMV website and select "Change Address" under the driver's license or ID card section. You will need your 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. The system will show you a confirmation screen with your updated information. No fee is charged, and the change is recorded in the DMV's database when ready.

Online changes work for driver's licenses and ID cards only. If you also own a vehicle registered in California, you must change your vehicle registration address separately through the same DMV website or by mailing form REG 14 (process for Title or Registration). The two systems do not automatically sync, so updating one does not update the other.

Changing Your Address by Mail

read or request form DL 43 from the California DMV website. Fill in your current driver's license or ID information and your new address. Include one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Mail the form and proof of address to the DMV address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes approximately two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You do not need to include payment. Your current card remains valid during this time. If you need confirmation that your address change was received, you can call the DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133, though wait times are often long during business hours.

Changing Your Address in Person

Visit any California DMV field office with your current driver's license or ID card and one document showing your new address. Bring the same proof documents you would mail — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement. Check the DMV website for your nearest office and its current wait times before you go. Many offices publish estimated wait times online so you can choose a less busy time.

In-person changes are processed while you wait, usually within 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a receipt confirming your address change. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can request one at the counter for a fee (currently $15 for a duplicate driver's license or $13 for an ID card). Without requesting a replacement, your current card stays valid with your old address printed on it, but your record in the system shows the new address.

What Documents Prove Your New Address

The California DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements all work. If a document shows only your name without your address, or only your address without your name, it will not be accepted on its own — you will need to bring a second document.

If you do not have any of these documents yet because you just moved, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your tenancy and move-in date. Some DMV offices will accept this in place of a utility bill. Call ahead to your local office to confirm what they will accept in your situation before you make the trip.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration Address

Your vehicle registration address is separate from your driver's license address in California. To change it, go to the DMV website and use the online registration services, or mail form REG 14 (process for Title or Registration) with proof of your new address. You can also change your registration address in person at any DMV field office.

If you have a vehicle loan or lease, your lienholder or leasing company may need to approve the address change. Check your loan or lease documents to see if there are restrictions. The registration renewal notice will be mailed to whatever address you have on file, so updating this promptly ensures you receive your renewal reminder on time.

Timeline and What to Expect

Online changes take effect when ready and require no follow-up. By mail, expect two to three weeks for processing. In-person changes are completed the same day. If you are moving across state lines, California will not transfer your license to another state — you will need to get a new license from your new state's DMV once you establish residency there. Some states require you to do this within 30 days of moving.

After you change your address, check your DMV record online using the DMV website to confirm the change went through. If you do not see your new address reflected within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV customer service line. Keep any receipt or confirmation email you receive as proof of the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new driver's license card when I move?

No. Your current card remains valid even after you change your address. The new address will appear on your next renewal or replacement card. You only need a new card when ready if you request one in person at a field office, which costs $15 for a driver's license.

Can I change my address online if I have a commercial driver's license?

Yes, the online process works for commercial driver's licenses the same way it does for regular licenses. Use the same DMV website portal and enter your CDL information. The address change applies to your CDL record.

What if my address change was rejected?

The most common reason for rejection is that your proof of address document does not meet the 60-day requirement or does not show both your name and address clearly. If you submitted by mail, the DMV will return your documents. Call 1-800-777-0133 to ask why it was rejected, then resubmit with corrected documents or visit a field office in person.

Do I have to change my vehicle registration address at the same time as my driver's license?

No, they are separate systems. You can change your driver's license address without changing your vehicle registration, though it is a good idea to update both so your records match. Vehicle registration changes are handled through form REG 14 or the DMV online portal.

How long does it take to see my new address on my driver's license record?

Online changes show up when ready in the DMV system. By mail, allow two to three weeks. In person, the change is recorded while you wait. You can check your record online through the DMV website to confirm the update went through.