How to confirm your address change with the California DMV

You confirm your address change with the California DMV by submitting a change-of-address form, either online through your DMV account, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The fastest way is online if you have a California driver's license or ID card and access to your DMV account. If you cannot use the online method, you can mail Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Driver's License or Identification Card) or visit a DMV office with proof of your new address.

The DMV does not automatically update your address when you move. You must report the change yourself, and the state gives you 10 days from the date you move to do it. If you do not update your address, your license will show an old address, which can cause problems with law enforcement, insurance claims, and vehicle registration.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 10 days from your move date to report your new address to the California DMV.
  • The online method through your DMV account is the fastest and requires no documents if you already have a valid California license or ID.
  • If you mail your change, use Form DL 43 and include proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
  • Visiting a DMV office in person requires proof of residency and takes longer than online or mail methods.
  • Your vehicle registration address must also be updated separately; changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle records.

Update your address online through your DMV account

The online method is available if you hold a valid California driver's license or identification card and have created an account on the DMV website. Go to dmv.ca.gov, sign in to your account, and look for the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license or ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.

Once you are in your account, select the address change option and enter your new address. The system will confirm the change when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. There is no fee for an online address change. Your updated address will appear on your next renewal or replacement card, but your current card remains valid even though it shows the old address.

If you do not have an online account, you can create one at dmv.ca.gov before making the change. The account creation process takes a few minutes and requires your driver's license or ID number and Social Security number.

Mail your change-of-address form to the DMV

If you cannot use the online method, you can mail Form DL 43 to the DMV. You can read the form from dmv.ca.gov or request it by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your current driver's license or ID number and your new address.

Include one document that proves your new address. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must show your name and address clearly and be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form and proof of address to the DMV address listed on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. There is no fee for a mail-in address change. You will not receive a new card in the mail; your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it until you renew or replace it.

Visit a DMV office in person

You can change your address at any DMV office by bringing your driver's license or ID card and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy.

There is no fee for an in-person address change. The DMV will update your record when ready, and you will receive a confirmation. Your current card remains valid even though it shows the old address. If you want a new card with your updated address printed on it, you can request one at the office, though this may involve a replacement fee.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the DMV website before you go. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

What counts as proof of your new address

The California DMV accepts several types of documents to prove your new address. A utility bill in your name (electric, gas, water, or phone) is the most common. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements also work. Government mail such as tax documents or voter registration cards counts as well.

Your document must show your name and your new address clearly and be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating that you live at the new address. Some people use a notarized affidavit of residency if they cannot obtain other proof.

Do not use a post office change-of-address form or a forwarding address as proof. The DMV needs a document that shows your actual physical residence, not a mailing address.

Update your vehicle registration separately

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must report your new address to the DMV for your vehicle separately. You can do this online through your DMV account, by mail using Form REG 14 (process for Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Registration Card), or in person at a DMV office.

The online method is fastest: log into your DMV account, find your vehicle, and update the address. By mail, send Form REG 14 with proof of your new address to the DMV. In person, bring your vehicle registration card and proof of your new address to any DMV office.

Your vehicle registration must match your current address within 10 days of moving, just like your driver's license. If you do not update it, you may receive notices at your old address, and law enforcement can cite you for an address mismatch during a traffic stop.

What happens if you do not update your address

If you do not report your address change within 10 days, your license and registration will show an outdated address. This can create several problems. Law enforcement may question why your ID does not match where you were stopped. Insurance companies may deny claims if your address on file does not match your actual residence. Vehicle registration renewal notices will go to your old address, and you might miss important important date.

An outdated address on your license is not a violation by itself, but it can complicate interactions with police and may raise suspicion. It is much simpler to update your address promptly than to deal with these issues later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address on your driver's license or vehicle registration is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. If you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, there may be a small fee for the replacement itself, but the address change itself costs nothing.

How long does it take to confirm my address change online?

The online method is when ready. Your address is updated in the DMV system when ready after you submit the change, and you receive a confirmation number right away. Your current card remains valid even though it shows the old address until you renew or replace it.

Can I change my address if my driver's license is expired?

You can change your address online only if your license is current and valid. If your license is expired, you must renew it first or use the mail or in-person methods to change your address. When you renew your expired license, you can update your address at the same time.

What if I moved out of state but still have a California license?

If you moved out of California, you should update your address to your new out-of-state address with the California DMV. However, you will eventually need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. California will not issue a license to someone who does not live in California, so you should begin the process to get a license in your new state as soon as you establish residency there.

Will my new address appear on my driver's license card right away?

No. Your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it. Your new address appears only on your next renewal card or if you request a replacement card. If you need the new address to appear on your card when ready, you can request a replacement at a DMV office, though this may involve a fee.