The fastest way to change your address on your California driver license

You can change your address online through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website without visiting an office or paying a fee. Go to dmv.ca.gov, sign in with your driver license number and date of birth, and update your address in your online account. The change takes effect when ready for your records, though your physical license still shows the old address until it expires and you renew it.

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed Address Change Card (Form DL 43) to the DMV, or visit a DMV office in person. Both methods are free. The mailed form takes about two weeks to process; in-person changes are when ready.

Your address must match what you have on file with the DMV for your vehicle registration, insurance, and voter registration to stay in sync. If you move and do not update your address, traffic tickets, registration renewal notices, and insurance documents will go to your old address.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at dmv.ca.gov is the fastest and requires no fee, visit, or paperwork.
  • You can mail Form DL 43 to the DMV or visit an office in person if you do not want to use the online system.
  • Your physical license keeps the old address until you renew it, but your DMV records update right away.
  • Updating your address with the DMV does not automatically update your vehicle registration or insurance — you must contact those separately.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Visit dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Login to your account" and enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once you are logged in, select "Address Change" from the menu.

Type in your new address exactly as it appears on mail you receive. The DMV system will verify the address format. After you submit, you will see a confirmation screen with your updated address. This confirmation is not a document you need to keep, but you can print or screenshot it for your records.

The address change is active in the DMV system when ready. If you need proof of your new address for insurance, banking, or other purposes, you can print a copy of your DMV record from your online account or request an official DMV record by mail.

Mailing Form DL 43 to the DMV

read or request Form DL 43 (Address Change Card) from dmv.ca.gov. Fill in your current driver license number, your full name as it appears on your license, your old address, and your new address. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form to the DMV address listed on the form itself — the address varies by region. Include your driver license number on the envelope. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the DMV receives it. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail; your address straightforward updates in the system.

Keep a copy of the form for yourself before you mail it. If you do not hear back within three weeks, you can call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm the change was processed.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV office with your current driver license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The DMV staff member will update your address on the spot.

You do not need an appointment for an address change, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check dmv.ca.gov for your nearest office and current wait times before you go. The change is complete when you leave the office.

What happens to your physical license after you change your address

Your driver license card itself will continue to show your old address until you renew it. When your license expires and you renew — either online, by mail, or in person — you will receive a new card with your current address printed on it.

This does not cause problems. Police, insurance companies, and other agencies check the DMV database, not the card itself, so they will see your correct address. If you need a license with your new address before your renewal date, you can request an Address Correction Card from the DMV for a small fee, though most people do not bother.

Updating your vehicle registration and insurance after moving

Changing your address with the DMV does not automatically update your vehicle registration or insurance. You must contact each separately.

For vehicle registration, log into your DMV account or mail a registration change form to the DMV. You can also visit a DMV office. The registration renewal notice will then go to your new address.

For insurance, call your insurance company or log into your online account and update your address there. Your insurance company needs your current address to calculate your rate correctly — some areas have different rates based on location — and to send you renewal notices and claim documents to the right place.

What to do if you moved out of state or to a different country

If you moved out of California, you should surrender your California driver license and get a license in your new state. However, if you are only temporarily out of state and plan to return, you can update your address to an out-of-state address through the online system or by mail.

If you moved to another country, you can update your address through the online system if you have a mailing address where documents can reach you. Some people keep a California license with a U.S. address (like a family member's home) for this reason, though you should not list an address where you do not actually receive mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address with the DMV if I move?

California law requires you to notify the DMV of your new address within 10 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in fines, though enforcement is rare. More importantly, if you do not update your address, traffic tickets, registration renewals, and insurance documents will go to your old address and you may miss important important date.

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

Yes. An address change does not require your license to be valid or active. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person regardless of your license status. However, if your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive until it is reinstated.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online change is when ready — your address updates in the DMV system as soon as you submit the form. You will see the confirmation on your screen right away. In-person changes are also when ready. Mailed forms take about two weeks.

Will changing my address affect my driver license points or violations?

No. Your driving record, points, violations, and any suspensions or restrictions stay the same. An address change only updates where the DMV sends mail to you.

What if I have a commercial driver license (CDL)?

You can change your address the same way — online, by mail, or in person. The process is identical for CDL holders and regular driver license holders.