The fastest way to change your address in California

You can change your address with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The DMV will send you a confirmation email within one business day, and your address change is effective when ready.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed Form DL 43 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Driver's License) to the DMV address listed on the form, along with proof of your new address. Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days. You can also walk into any DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address — staff will process the change on the spot, though you may wait in line.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV's online address change tool is free and takes about 10 minutes, with confirmation arriving by email within one business day.
  • You must have your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • Changing your address does not require a new photo or a new driver's license card unless you request one.
  • If you move out of state, you must get a new driver's license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card.

If you don't have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and haven't received a utility bill in your name — you can use a notarized letter from your landlord or property manager confirming your residency, dated within 60 days. Some DMV offices also accept a combination of documents if no single document shows both your name and address.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Address Change" option under the "Licenses and IDs" section. Click on it and select "Change Address Online." You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will verify your identity using this information.

After you submit, the DMV sends a confirmation email to the address you provide. Open that email and click the link to confirm your address change. Once you confirm, your new address is active in the DMV system. You do not need to pay a fee, and you do not need to visit an office or mail anything in. Your current driver's license remains valid at your old address until it expires — the DMV does not mail you a new card unless you request one.

Mailing in your address change

read or print Form DL 43 from the DMV website. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include one document that proves your new address (dated within 60 days) and mail everything to the DMV address shown on the form. Do not send cash — the address change is free.

The DMV processes mail-in requests in the order they arrive. Expect 7 to 10 business days for processing. You'll receive a confirmation letter at your new address. Keep this letter as proof that you've notified the DMV. Your driver's license itself does not change unless you request a replacement card, which costs $32.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Bring your current California driver's license and one document proving your new address (dated within 60 days). Walk into any DMV office during business hours. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update your record on the spot. There is no fee.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check the DMV website to see current wait times at offices near you before you go. If you want a new driver's license card printed with your new address, you can request one at the same time — this costs $32 and takes a few minutes. Otherwise, your address change is complete when ready, and you can leave without a new card.

When you need a new driver's license card with your new address

You don't have to get a new card when you change your address — your current license remains valid. However, some people request a replacement card so their license matches their current address. This is optional and costs $32. You can request a replacement card online through the DMV website, by mail using Form DL 43, or in person at a DMV office.

If you request a replacement card, the DMV will mail it to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card is still valid until it expires, so you can use it while you wait for the new one. If your driver's license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address — this combines both transactions into one and may save you a trip.

What happens if you move out of state

If you move to another state, you cannot straightforward change your address with the California DMV. You must get a driver's license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires — this is usually 30 to 60 days after you move. Once you have a new state's license, your California license is no longer valid for driving.

You do not need to formally surrender your California license to the DMV, but you should not carry it as your primary ID once you move. If you plan to return to California later, you can keep your California license as a secondary ID, but you cannot use it to drive. Check your new state's DMV website for the specific steps to get a license there.

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 a fine. However, the DMV does not actively enforce this for address changes alone — the main consequence is that traffic tickets, registration notices, and other official mail will go to your old address.

Can I change my address if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. A suspended or revoked license does not prevent you from changing your address. The address change is a separate transaction. However, if your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive, and you should not be driving to the DMV office.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about 10 minutes to complete. The DMV sends a confirmation email within one business day. Your address change is effective when ready once you confirm the email link — you do not have to wait for a new card or letter.

What if I don't have proof of my new address yet?

If you just moved and don't have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a notarized letter confirming your residency. It must be dated within 60 days and show your name and address. Some DMV offices also accept a combination of documents if one document alone is not available.

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

No, unless you request one. Changing your address does not automatically trigger a new card. Your current license remains valid and can be used for identification and driving. If you want a new card with your updated address printed on it, you can request a replacement for $32.