You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at the DMV

California lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card. The fastest way is online through the DMV website if your address change is within California and your license is not suspended or expired. If you need to change your address in person or by mail, the process takes longer but works for any situation — including out-of-state moves or licenses that are not currently valid.

You do not need to pass a test or pay a fee to change your address. The DMV treats it as a record update, not a license renewal. Your current license stays valid; only the address on file changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the DMV website take minutes and are free, but only work for California-to-California moves on valid, unsuspended licenses.
  • In-person changes at a DMV office take about 30 minutes and work for any address change, including out-of-state moves or expired licenses.
  • Mail-in changes require a completed form and proof of residency, and take two to three weeks to process.
  • You have 10 days after moving to notify the DMV of your new address, though the penalty for missing this important date is usually a warning, not a fine.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it must show your name and new address.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

The DMV's online address change tool is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You need a valid California driver's license (not expired, suspended, or revoked), a new address within California, and access to the internet. The process takes about five minutes.

Go to the California DMV website, find the "Address Change" option under "Online Services," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. Enter your new address, review the information, and submit. The DMV sends a confirmation email. Your address updates in the system when ready, though you will not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. The DMV's internal records show your current address, which is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they scan your license.

This method does not work if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you are moving out of state. In those cases, use the in-person or mail method instead.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

An in-person visit works for any address change and takes about 30 minutes, depending on wait times. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency at your new address, and proof of your Social Security number if you do not have it on file. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail — it must show your name and the new address.

You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices for an address change, but you can reserve a time slot online to skip the walk-in line. Go to the DMV website, select your local office, and choose "Address Change" as your transaction type. Walk-in service is available during regular hours, but appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas.

The DMV will not issue a new card for an address change unless your current license is expiring within the next 60 days. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time, which does cost a fee and requires a new photo.

Changing your address by mail

Mail-in address changes take two to three weeks and require Form DL 43 (Change of Address), which you can read from the DMV website or request by phone. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and signature. Include a copy of your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or government mail showing your name and new address.

Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the DMV website for your region. Keep a copy for your records. The DMV will send a confirmation letter to your new address once the change is processed. Like the online method, you will not receive a new card; your current license remains valid.

This method works for any address change, including out-of-state moves or expired licenses. It is slower than in-person or online, but useful if you cannot visit a DMV office or do not have internet access.

What counts as proof of residency

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

If you recently 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 and move-in date. Some DMV offices accept this as temporary proof while you wait for official documents to arrive. Call your local DMV office before your visit to confirm what they will accept in your situation.

The 10-day rule and what happens if you miss it

California law requires you to notify the DMV of a new address within 10 days of moving. This important date applies whether you change your address online, in person, or by mail. The 10 days starts from the date you move, not the date you submit the change.

If you miss the 10-day window, the penalty is usually a warning letter from the DMV, not a fine. However, driving with an outdated address on file can cause problems if you are pulled over — an officer may question whether you still live at the address on your license. More importantly, official mail from the DMV, courts, or other agencies will go to your old address and you may miss important notices. For these reasons, it is worth updating your address as soon as you move, even if you are past the 10-day mark.

Changing your address if your license is suspended or expired

If your license is suspended, you cannot use the online address change tool. You must go in person or mail in your change. The address change itself does not lift the suspension — you will still need to resolve whatever caused it (unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or other violations) before you can drive legally again. But updating your address ensures the DMV can reach you about the suspension and any steps needed to reinstate your license.

If your license is expired, the online tool will not work either. Use the in-person or mail method. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, you may need to renew it rather than straightforward change the address — the DMV will let you know when you visit or call.

Changing your address when moving out of state

If you are moving out of California, you cannot use the online address change tool. You must go in person or mail in your change. California allows you to keep your California license and update the address to an out-of-state location, though some people choose to get a license in their new state instead.

If you decide to keep your California license, use the in-person or mail method to update your address. Your license remains valid for driving in California and other states. If you later move back to California, you can update your address again. If you want to get a license in your new state, you will need to follow that state's process — most states require you to surrender your out-of-state license when you explore for a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new driver's license card when I change my address?

No. An address change does not trigger a new card. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. The DMV updates your address in their system, which is what law enforcement sees when they scan your license. You only get a new card if you renew your license or if the DMV determines your card is damaged or unreadable.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about five minutes to complete. Your address updates in the DMV system when ready, and you receive a confirmation email. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some DMV offices accept this as temporary proof. Call your local office before you visit to confirm what they will accept, or bring multiple documents that together show your name and address — such as a bank statement and government mail.

Can I change my address if I am moving out of state?

Yes, but you must do it in person or by mail — the online tool only works for California-to-California moves. You can keep your California license with an out-of-state address, or you can get a license in your new state instead. Most states require you to surrender your California license when you explore for a new one.

What happens if I do not change my address within 10 days?

The DMV usually sends a warning letter, not a fine. However, official mail from the DMV, courts, or other agencies will go to your old address, and you may miss important notices. It is worth updating your address as soon as you move, even if you are past the important date.