How to Change Your Address on a California Driver's License

What You Need to Do Right Now

You can change your address on a California driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in three ways: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You do not need to renew your license or take a new photo — the DMV straightforward updates your record and mails you a replacement card with your new address printed on it.

You must have a valid California driver's license or ID card to change your address. If your license has expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online or mail method and must go to a DMV office in person. The address change itself takes effect when ready in the DMV system, even though the physical card arrives later.

Key Takeaways

Online address changes through the DMV website are free and take about 10 minutes, with your replacement card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
You must provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
If you change your address by mail, include a completed DL 43 form, a copy of your license, and proof of your new address; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person changes at a DMV office require proof of residency and take effect the same day, though your replacement card still arrives by mail.
You do not need to change your address if you move out of state — your California license remains valid until it expires.

Changing Your Address Online Through the DMV Website

The DMV's online address change tool is the fastest option. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Address Change" under the "Licenses and IDs" section, and follow the prompts. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV record.

Once you complete the online form, the DMV sends you a confirmation email. Your address updates in the system when ready, and a replacement card with your new address printed on it will arrive at your new address within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for this service. You do not need to do anything else — no forms to print, no trips to the office.

The online tool is available only if your license is current or expired less than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must use the mail or in-person method instead.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, you will need three things: a completed DL 43 form (process for Duplicate or Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card), a copy of your current driver's license (front and back), and proof of your new address.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail all three items to the DMV address listed on the DL 43 form — the address varies by county, so check the form or the DMV website to find the correct office.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. There is no fee. Your replacement card will be mailed to your new address. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received your mail.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

You can walk into any DMV office and change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The DMV staff will update your address in the system when ready, and you will receive a receipt showing the change took effect. Your replacement card with the new address will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for an address change at the office.

In-person changes are useful if your license expired more than five years ago, since the online and mail methods will not work. They are also the fastest way to have your address officially updated in the system if you need proof of the change the same day.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

The DMV accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of residency. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (gas, electric, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax return or court document.

Documents that do not work include bank statements, credit card statements, insurance policies, or mail from employers. If you 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 move-in date and address. Some utilities will provide this by phone or email.

If you are moving into a new home but the lease or utility bill is in someone else's name, you can use an affidavit of residency form (available at DMV offices) signed by the property owner or landlord, along with a copy of the lease or deed showing their ownership.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit

The timeline depends on which method you choose. Online changes take effect when ready in the DMV system, with your replacement card arriving in 7 to 10 business days. Mail submissions take 2 to 3 weeks from receipt. In-person changes take effect the same day, though your replacement card still arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Your old license remains valid until your replacement card arrives. You can use either card as proof of identity during the transition. If you move again before your replacement card arrives, you can submit another address change — the DMV will send the card to your most recent address on file.

If your replacement card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV by phone or through their website to check the status. Provide your driver's license number and the date you submitted the change. The DMV can reissue the card if it was lost in the mail.

When You Move Out of State

You do not need to change your California driver's license when you move to another state. Your California license remains valid and legal to use in any state until it expires. However, if you plan to stay in your new state permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from that state within the timeframe required by that state's DMV — most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.

If you move out of state but keep your California address on file, your replacement cards and renewal notices will be mailed to that California address. This can cause delays if you are not checking mail there. If you move out of state and want to keep your California license current, update your address to a California address where you can receive mail, or switch to your new state's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within California?

Yes. California law requires you to notify the DMV of any address change within 10 days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. There is no penalty for updating late, but having your current address on file ensures you receive renewal notices and other important mail from the DMV.

Will I get a new license number when I change my address?

No. Your driver's license number stays the same. Only your address changes on the replacement card. The card itself is replaced so the new address can be printed on it, but your license number, expiration date, and all other information remain identical.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. You must change your own address using your license number and personal information. The DMV does not accept address changes from family members or representatives. If you are unable to go online or to an office, you can mail in the DL 43 form yourself, or ask a trusted person to mail it on your behalf — but you must sign the form.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some utilities will provide a confirmation letter by email. You can also use an affidavit of residency form signed by the property owner, available at any DMV office.

How long does my old license work after I change my address?

Your old license remains valid until your replacement card arrives. You can use either the old card or the new card as proof of identity. Once your new card arrives, you can destroy the old one, though there is no requirement to do so.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.