The fastest way to change your address on a California driver's 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, select "Address Change," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The change takes effect when ready, and you'll receive a new card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed form or visit a DMV office in person. The online method is fastest and requires no documents, so most people use it first.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV website lets you change your address in minutes without visiting an office or paying a fee, and the new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You need 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 mail the change, use form DL 43 and send it to the DMV address listed on the form; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Visiting a DMV office in person is the slowest option but works if you cannot use the online system or need the change documented when ready.
  • Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives; you do not need to surrender it or request an interim card.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Visit dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Address Change" option on the homepage. You will need your California driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter these details, confirm your new address, and submit. The system will confirm the change when ready.

A new driver's license card with your updated address will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else. Your old card is still valid until the new one arrives, so you can use it for identification or driving during that time.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no fee for changing your address, and you do not need to upload documents or provide proof of residency.

Mailing a form to the DMV

If you prefer to mail your address change, read or request form DL 43 from the DMV website. Fill in your current driver's license number, your name, date of birth, and your new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the DMV address listed on the form itself.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. You do not need to include any documents or proof of residency. Keep a copy of the form for your records.

Mail your form to the address on the DL 43 itself, not to a general DMV office address. Using the correct mailing address ensures your form reaches the right department and is processed on time.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Visit any California DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. Bring the original document or a certified copy.

Tell the DMV staff you want to change your address. They will update your record in the system, and you will receive a new card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for the address change.

In-person visits take longer than online or mail methods because you must wait for an appointment or stand in line. Use this option only if you cannot access the online system or need the change documented when ready for a specific reason.

What happens to your old card and when the new one arrives

Your old driver's license card remains valid and legal to use until your new card arrives. You do not need to surrender it, destroy it, or request an interim card. If you need to drive or show identification before the new card arrives, your old card works fine.

The new card is mailed to the address you provided during the change. If you move again before it arrives, contact the DMV to update your mailing address so the card reaches you. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods described above.

Once your new card arrives, you can keep or discard the old one. There is no requirement to turn it in or notify the DMV that you received the new card.

If you need to change your address and renew your license at the same time

If your driver's license is expiring soon, you can renew it and change your address in one transaction. Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your License" instead of "Address Change." During the renewal process, you will be asked to confirm or update your address.

Renewing your license costs a fee that varies based on your age and license type—typically between $35 and $70. The new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days and will show both your renewed status and your updated address.

If you change your address now and your license expires within the next few months, you can renew separately later. There is no penalty for changing your address before your renewal date.

What to do if you do not receive your new card

If your new card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV to check the status. Call 1-800-777-0133 or visit dmv.ca.gov and select "Check process Status." Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready.

If the card was mailed to an incorrect address or lost in the mail, the DMV can reissue it. You may be charged a replacement fee of around $20 to $30, depending on the reason for reissuance. The DMV will mail the replacement to your current address.

If you moved again after submitting your address change, update your mailing address with the DMV before the card is sent. This prevents the card from being mailed to an old address.

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 a new address within 10 days of moving. Changing your address online through the DMV website is the fastest way to comply with this requirement and takes only a few minutes.

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

Yes. You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect your suspension or revocation status. The DMV needs your current address on file for official notices.

What if I do not have my Social Security number memorized?

The online system requires the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not know them, use the mail or in-person method instead. For the mail method, you do not need to provide your Social Security number at all—just complete form DL 43 with your license number and new address.

Will changing my address affect my car insurance rates?

Your insurance company may adjust your rates based on your new address, but this is separate from the DMV address change. Contact your insurance agent to update your address with them. Some insurers offer lower rates in certain areas, so your premium might increase or decrease depending on where you move.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. Only you can change your address online using your driver's license number and Social Security number. If you cannot do it yourself, you can mail form DL 43 signed by you, or visit a DMV office in person with your ID and proof of your new address.