What "change" means and when you need to do it
Changing your driver license in California means updating your record with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when something about you or your license has changed. This is different from renewing — you are not waiting for expiration. You are telling the DMV about a change that happened now.
The most common reasons to change your license are: you moved to a new address, you changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or legal petition), you want to correct information that was wrong when you got the license, or your physical description changed significantly. California law requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving.
Some changes you can handle online or by mail. Others require you to visit a DMV office in person. The route depends on what changed and whether you need a new card printed.
Key Takeaways
- Address changes can be reported online through the DMV website or by mail, and do not require a new license card unless you want one.
- Name changes require a visit to a DMV office and proof of the legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- You must report an address change within 10 days of moving; waiting longer can result in fines or complications if you are stopped by police.
- Corrections to your physical description, gender marker, or other personal information may be done online, by mail, or in person depending on the type of correction.
- If you need a new license card printed (for a name or address change), the fee is typically around $20 to $30, though address-only changes are often free.
Changing your address online or by mail
An address change is the simplest update. You can report it through the DMV website without visiting an office. Go to dmv.ca.gov, log into your account (you will need your driver license number and date of birth), and update your address in the system. The change takes effect when ready in the DMV database.
If you do not have an online account or prefer not to use it, you can mail a completed Address Change form (Form DL 43) to the DMV address listed on the form. Include your current license and a piece of mail showing your new address. Mail processing takes about two weeks.
Your physical license card will still show your old address, but that is legal — the DMV record is what matters. If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it, you can request one online or by mail for a small fee. You do not have to get a new card unless you want one.
Changing your name through the DMV
A name change requires proof that the change is legal. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring the document that shows your new name: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order from a name change petition, or an adoption decree. You will also need your current driver license and proof of your Social Security number.
At the office, a DMV representative will review your documents, update your record, and issue a new license card with your new name. The process takes about 30 minutes. You will pay a fee for the new card (typically $20 to $30, though the exact amount varies).
If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, the DMV can usually process this quickly. If you are changing your name through a court petition, bring the certified court order — a copy from the courthouse, not a photocopy of your own.
Correcting errors on your license
If your license has an error — a misspelled name, wrong birth date, incorrect height or eye color — you can correct it. Small errors like a misspelled middle name can often be fixed online or by mail. More significant errors, or corrections that require new documentation, may need an in-person visit.
For online or mail corrections, contact the DMV through their website or call 1-800-777-0133 to explain the error. They will tell you what documents to send. For example, if your birth date is wrong, you may need to send a certified copy of your birth certificate. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks.
If the error is on your license card itself (a printing mistake, not a data error), you can request a replacement card at no charge. Bring your current license to a DMV office, and they will issue a corrected card on the spot.
Updating your gender marker or sex designation
California allows you to change the gender marker or sex designation on your driver license without a court order. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You do not need a letter from a doctor or any medical documentation.
Online, log into your DMV account, select the option to change your sex designation, and choose from the available options (male, female, or nonbinary). Your new license card will be mailed to you within two weeks. By mail, complete Form DL 43 and include a note requesting the change; mail it to the DMV address on the form.
In person, visit any DMV office with your current license and ask to update your sex designation. There is no fee for this change. Your new card will be issued the same day or mailed within two weeks, depending on the office.
When you need to visit a DMV office in person
Some changes require a visit: name changes (you must show the legal document), corrections that need verification, or if you prefer to handle the change face-to-face. You can schedule an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov to avoid waiting in line. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment times are usually shorter.
Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and any documents that support the change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.). If you moved, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday. Hours vary by location. If you cannot visit during business hours, some DMV services are available through authorized third-party vendors, though these usually charge an additional fee.
Fees and how long changes take
Address changes are usually free if you do not request a new card. If you want a new card with your updated address, the fee is typically $20 to $30. Name changes and corrections that require a new card also cost $20 to $30. Gender marker changes are free.
Online changes take effect when ready in the DMV system. A new card mailed to you arrives within two weeks. Mail-in changes take two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. In-person changes at a DMV office are processed the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
If you need your new license urgently, visit a DMV office in person — that is the only way to get a card the same day. If you can wait, online or mail-in options are faster and do not require you to take time off work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address within 10 days, or is that just a suggestion?
It is a legal requirement. California Vehicle Code requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days. If you do not and you are stopped by police, you can be cited. Waiting longer can also cause problems if you receive a ticket or notice by mail — the DMV may not be able to reach you.
Can I change my name online, or do I have to go to the DMV office?
You must visit a DMV office in person for a name change. The DMV needs to see the original or certified copy of your legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail options are not available for name changes.
What if I moved but do not want a new license card yet?
You can report your address change to the DMV without requesting a new card. Your old card will still be valid — the address on the card does not have to match your current address. The DMV record is what matters legally. You can request a new card anytime later if you want one.
How much does it cost to change my address or name?
Address changes are free if you do not request a new card. If you want a new card with your updated address, the fee is typically $20 to $30. Name changes and other corrections that require a new card also cost $20 to $30. Gender marker changes are free. Exact fees vary slightly by location.
Can I change my information by phone?
No. The DMV does not process license changes over the phone. You can call 1-800-777-0133 to ask questions or find out what documents you need, but you must submit the change online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.