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 license or paying a fee. The fastest way is online through the California DMV website if your address change is within the state. If you're moving out of California or prefer to handle it in person, you can visit a DMV office or mail in a form. You have 10 days after you move to notify the DMV of your new address — waiting longer won't invalidate your license, but it's required by law.

The method you choose depends on whether you're staying in California, what documents you have on hand, and how quickly you need the change processed. Online changes take a few minutes and are confirmed when ready. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits at a DMV office are usually fastest if you can get an appointment, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of moving, though the important date is not enforced with penalties for most drivers.
  • Online address changes through the DMV website work only if you're moving within California and your current license is not expired or suspended.
  • The mail-in option requires Form DL 43 (Statement of Facts), a completed address change form, and proof of your new address, and takes one to two weeks.
  • In-person visits at any DMV office do not require an appointment for address changes, though you may wait in line depending on the location and time of day.
  • Your physical license card will not change — the DMV updates your record in their system, and your new address appears on your next renewal.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

The online method is the simplest if you meet the requirements. Go to the California DMV website, log into your account (or create one if you don't have one), and select the address change option. You'll enter your new California address, confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV record, and submit. The change is processed when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation email.

You can only use this method if your current driver's license is valid (not expired or suspended), you're moving within California, and you have access to the information on your current license. If your license is expired, you'll need to renew it at the same time, which requires an in-person visit or mail-in renewal. If you're moving out of state, you cannot use the online option.

Mailing in your address change with Form DL 43

If you prefer not to go online or cannot use the online option, you can mail your address change to the DMV. read or request Form DL 43 (Statement of Facts) from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your current license number, your name as it appears on your license, and your new address. You do not need to sign the form unless you're also requesting other changes to your record.

Include one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Mail the form and your proof of address to the DMV address listed on the form (it varies by region). Processing takes one to two weeks. You do not need to include your physical license card or pay a fee.

If you're moving out of California, use the same process but include a document showing your out-of-state address. The DMV will update your record, but you'll eventually need to get a license from your new state if you become a resident there.

Updating your address in person at a DMV office

Walk into any DMV office during business hours with your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. You do not need an appointment for an address change. Tell the staff member at the counter that you're updating your address, hand over your documents, and they'll process it on the spot. The change is recorded when ready in the DMV system.

Bring the same proof of address you would mail in — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement. If you don't have a document with your new address yet (for example, if you just moved and haven't received mail there), ask the DMV staff what alternatives they accept; some offices will take a signed letter from your landlord or a moving company receipt. There is no fee for an address change.

In-person visits are often the fastest option if your local DMV has short wait times, but this varies widely by location and time of day. If you want to avoid a long wait, check the DMV website for your local office's current wait time before you go, or visit early in the morning on a weekday.

What happens to your physical license card

Your driver's license card itself does not change when you update your address. The card will still show your old address until you renew your license. The DMV updates your address in their computer system, so when law enforcement or anyone else looks up your record, they see your new address. Your old card remains valid and legal to use.

When your license comes up for renewal (every five or ten years depending on your age), you'll receive a renewal notice at your new address, and your new card will print with the updated address. If you want a new card with your current address before then, you can request a replacement card for a fee, but this is not necessary.

Address changes for commercial and motorcycle licenses

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement, the same three methods explore — online, mail, or in person. The online option works the same way. For mail, use the same Form DL 43. In-person visits follow the same process at any DMV office.

The only difference is that CDL holders must update their address within 30 days of moving, which is a longer window than the 10 days for regular licenses. Motorcycle endorsements follow the 10-day rule. The consequences of not updating are the same for all license types: no automatic penalty, but you're legally required to do it.

If you've moved out of state

Notify the California DMV of your out-of-state move using the mail-in method or by visiting a California DMV office if you're still in the state. Use Form DL 43 and include proof of your new address in the other state. The DMV will update your record to show you no longer live in California.

Your California license remains valid for its full term, but you should check your new state's requirements. Most states require you to get a license from them within a certain period (often 30 to 60 days) if you become a resident. Your California license will not automatically expire when you move, so you'll need to decide whether to keep it as a secondary ID or surrender it and get a new state license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your current license card remains valid. The DMV updates your address in their system, and your new address appears on your next renewal. If you want a new card with your current address before renewal, you can request a replacement for a fee, but it's not required.

What if I don't have a document showing my new address yet?

Ask the DMV office what alternatives they accept. Many will take a signed letter from your landlord, a lease, a moving company receipt, or a utility bill process. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to ask what they'll accept so you don't make a wasted trip.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online change is processed when ready. You'll see a confirmation on the screen and receive a confirmation email within minutes. Your address is updated in the DMV system right away, even though your physical license card won't change until your next renewal.

What if my license is expired — can I still change my address?

You cannot use the online method with an expired license. You can mail in Form DL 43 or visit a DMV office in person. If you want to change your address and renew your expired license at the same time, you'll need to renew through the mail or in person, which requires additional documents and fees beyond the address change.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes are free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you request a replacement license card with your new address printed on it before your renewal date.