California requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of moving

You must report your new address to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, not optional. The DMV will update your driver's license record and mail you a renewal notice at your new address if your license is due to renew soon.

You have three ways to report the change: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest and requires no documents or fees. If you choose mail or in-person, you will need to bring or submit specific documents depending on which method you use.

California does not issue a new physical license card when you change your address alone. Your current license remains valid; only the DMV's record of your address changes. You will receive a new card with your updated address when your license renews on its regular schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 10 days from your move date to report your address change to the California DMV, and failing to do so can result in fines.
  • The online method through the DMV website is free, requires no documents, and takes minutes to complete.
  • If you use mail or visit a DMV office, you must bring proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days of your move.
  • Your current driver's license card does not change when you update your address; you will receive a new card with the updated address when your license renews.
  • The DMV will mail renewal notices to your new address once the change is processed, which typically takes one to two weeks.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

The online method is the fastest and simplest option. Visit the California DMV website and select the "Address Change" option under the "Online Services" section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency document. The system will confirm the change when ready, and you will receive an email confirmation. There is no fee for this service. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, after which the DMV will have your new address on file.

This method works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license status is not clear, you can call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before attempting the online change.

Changing your address by mail

Complete Form DL 43 (Change of Address), which you can read from the California DMV website or request by mail. Print the form and fill it out with your current driver's license number, your new address, and your signature. Do not use a P.O. box as your mailing address; the DMV requires a street address.

Include one document that proves your residency at the new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within 60 days of your move. Make a copy for your records.

Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the address listed on the form, which varies by county. Check the DMV website for the correct mailing address for your county. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. Do not send cash; the service is free.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Visit any California DMV office with your driver's license and one proof of residency document dated within 60 days of your move. Bring the same documents you would mail: your license and a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail showing your new address.

Check the DMV website to find your nearest office and check current wait times. Many offices now use an online appointment system; booking an appointment usually reduces your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted but may face longer waits, especially during peak hours (mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays).

The address change is processed when ready at the counter. You will receive a receipt confirming the change, and the DMV will update its records that same day. There is no fee for this service.

What counts as proof of residency in California

Your proof of residency document must show your name, your new address, and a date within 60 days of when you submit it. The document does not need to be in your name alone; if you live with a spouse or family member, a document showing either name and your shared address is acceptable.

Acceptable documents include: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, a vehicle registration, a voter registration card, a tax return, or official government mail such as a notice from the Franchise Tax Board or Franchise Tax Board refund check.

Documents that do not count include: bank statements, credit card statements, insurance policies (other than homeowner's), pay stubs, or documents with a P.O. box address. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date.

Timeline and what to expect after you report your change

If you change your address online, the DMV typically processes it within one to two weeks. If you mail the form, allow two to four weeks. If you change it in person, it is processed the same day. After processing, the DMV will have your new address on file for all future correspondence.

If your driver's license is due to renew within the next few months, the DMV will mail your renewal notice to your new address. If your license is not due to renew soon, you do not need to do anything else; your address is updated for when you eventually renew.

You can check the status of your address change by logging into your DMV online account or calling 1-800-777-0133. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.

Common mistakes that delay address changes

The most common error is submitting a proof of residency document that is older than 60 days. The DMV will reject the document, and you will have to resubmit. Check the date on every document before you mail it or bring it to the office.

Another frequent mistake is using a P.O. box as your new address. The DMV requires a physical street address. If you live in an apartment, include your unit number. If your address has a suite or building number, include that as well.

When mailing your form, use the correct county mailing address. Sending your form to the wrong address delays processing by several weeks. Double-check the DMV website for your specific county before you mail anything.

Do not assume your address has been changed just because you submitted the form. If you are expecting a renewal notice or other DMV mail and do not receive it within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV to confirm the change was processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your current license card remains valid with the old address printed on it. The DMV updates only its internal record. You will receive a new card with your updated address when your license renews on its regular schedule, which is typically every five or ten years depending on your age.

What if I move again before my license renews?

Report your new address to the DMV within 10 days of the second move, just as you did the first time. You can change your address as many times as needed. Each time you report a change, the DMV updates its records and will use the most recent address for all future mail.

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

You can report an address change if your license is expired, but not if it is suspended or revoked. If your license status is unclear, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before attempting to change your address. You may need to resolve the suspension or revocation first.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document dated within 60 days?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on official letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. The letter must show your name, the address, and the date. This counts as proof of residency if it is dated within 60 days of your submission.

How long does it take to receive my renewal notice at my new address?

Once the DMV processes your address change (one to four weeks depending on your method), it will mail your renewal notice to your new address if your license is due to renew within the next few months. The notice itself takes five to seven business days to arrive by mail after the DMV sends it.