How to change your California DMV address

You can change your address with the California DMV in three ways: online through your DMV account, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your record updates within a few days. If you do not have an online account or prefer not to use one, you can mail a form or visit an office, though both take longer.

Your address must be updated before it becomes a legal problem. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are official documents, and using an outdated address can cause issues with traffic citations, vehicle registration renewals, and insurance claims. California law does not set a specific important date, but the DMV recommends updating within 10 days of moving.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to change your address is through your DMV online account at dmv.ca.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and updates within a few days.
  • If you do not have an online account, you can mail Form DL 43 (for driver's license) or Form REG 14 (for vehicle registration) to the DMV address listed on the form.
  • You can also change your address in person at any DMV office by bringing your driver's license or ID and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • Changing your address does not cost money and does not require a new photo or test.

Changing your address online through your DMV account

Go to dmv.ca.gov and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page. Once logged in, look for the option to update your address — it is usually labeled "Change Address" or "Update Personal Information."

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document. The system will ask you to confirm your information and may ask a security question to verify your identity. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your address will update in the DMV system within a few business days, and you do not need to do anything else.

This method works for both your driver's license and vehicle registration at the same time. You will not receive a new physical license or registration card in the mail unless you request one, so your old card will still show your previous address until it expires and you renew it.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer to mail your address change, you will need the correct form depending on what you are updating. For a driver's license or ID card, use Form DL 43 (Change of Address). For vehicle registration, use Form REG 14 (process for Title or Registration). You can read both forms from dmv.ca.gov or pick them up at a DMV office.

Fill out the form completely with your name, driver's license number or vehicle identification number, and your new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form itself — this varies by county. Include a copy of your proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within 60 days) if this is your first time updating your address with the DMV.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter, so keep a copy of what you mailed for your records. If you do not see the change reflected in your DMV record after three weeks, contact your local DMV office to confirm it was received.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Visit any California DMV office with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — anything dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to update your address. They will ask you to confirm your new address and may ask a few security questions. The change is processed when ready, and you will walk out with your record updated. Your physical license or registration card will still show your old address, but your DMV record is current.

No appointment is required for an address change, but DMV offices can have long wait times. You can check current wait times on dmv.ca.gov before you go, or use the online appointment system to reserve a time slot if your local office offers it.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts several types of documents as proof of address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or mail from a government agency.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your name, the property address, and the move-in date. Some DMV offices will also accept a notarized statement from someone who lives with you, though this is less common — call ahead to confirm.

Updating your address for both license and registration

If you change your address online or in person, both your driver's license and vehicle registration update at the same time — you do not need to do anything twice. If you mail your change, you can use one form if you are only updating your license or only updating your registration, or you can mail both forms together if you are updating both.

Your physical license card and registration card will continue to show your old address until they expire and you renew them. This is normal and does not cause problems. The DMV record itself is what matters for official purposes like traffic stops, registration renewals, and mail from the DMV.

What happens if you do not update your address

If you move and do not update your address with the DMV, traffic citations and registration renewal notices will be mailed to your old address. This can cause you to miss court dates or important date without realizing it. Your insurance company may also deny a claim if your address on file does not match your actual residence.

Vehicle registration renewal notices are sent 60 days before your registration expires. If the notice goes to your old address and you do not receive it, you could accidentally let your registration lapse. Driving with an expired registration can result in a citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new license photo when I change my address?

No. Changing your address does not require a new photo, a new test, or a new license card. Your current license remains valid. You will only get a new card if you request one or when your license expires and you renew it.

How long does it take for my address change to show up in the DMV system?

Online changes take a few business days. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person changes are when ready. You can check your updated address by logging into your DMV account online or calling your local DMV office.

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

Yes. You can change your address even if your license is suspended or expired. However, if your license is expired, you should renew it at the same time or shortly after, since you will need a valid license to drive legally.

What if I moved out of California?

If you moved to another state, you should get a driver's license in your new state. You can keep your California license as a form of ID, but you cannot legally drive with it in another state. Update your address with the DMV in your new state instead.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. Only you can change your address on your license or registration. If you cannot go to a DMV office or use the online system yourself, you can have someone help you fill out the mail form, but you must sign it yourself.