What form you need and where to get it

The form you need is Form DL 43, the process for Duplicate or Amended Driver License or Identification Card. You can get it directly from the California Department of Motor Vehicles website at dmv.ca.gov, or pick up a physical copy at any DMV office. The form is free.

You do not need a separate form just for address changes — Form DL 43 handles amendments to your existing license or ID card, including address updates. The form itself is short: it asks for your current license or ID number, your new address, and your signature. You will also need to bring identification that shows your new address when you submit it.

California law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, not optional, even if you plan to renew your license later. The DMV uses your address on file for vehicle registration records, traffic citations, and jury duty notices, so keeping it current matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 43 is the official document for address changes on your California driver's license or ID card, and it is available free from dmv.ca.gov or any DMV office.
  • You must report your new address to the DMV within 10 days of moving, even if your license is not expiring soon.
  • You can submit Form DL 43 in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an online appointment, depending on which method fits your schedule.
  • Bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Submitting the form in person versus by mail

The fastest way is usually in person at a DMV office. You fill out Form DL 43, bring your current license or ID and a document showing your new address, and the DMV updates your record on the spot. There is no fee for an address change. Processing takes a few minutes, and you walk out with your updated card or a receipt showing the change has been recorded.

If you prefer not to go to an office, you can mail Form DL 43 to the DMV address listed on the form itself. Include a copy of your current license or ID and a document showing your new address. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive your updated card by mail at your new address.

You can also schedule an online appointment through the DMV website to reduce wait time at an office. The appointment system shows available times at offices near you. Even with an appointment, bring the same documents: your current license or ID, the completed Form DL 43, and proof of your new address.

Documents that prove your new address

The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document like a tax return or benefit letter all work.

The document must show your full name and your current address. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by you and your landlord is usually the fastest alternative. If you are staying with family or in temporary housing and do not have a document in your name yet, call your local DMV office before you go — they can tell you what they will accept in your specific situation.

What happens if you do not update your address

The DMV will not automatically suspend your license or ID for failing to report an address change. However, the consequences are real. Traffic citations, vehicle registration notices, and jury duty summons will be mailed to your old address, and you may miss important date without knowing. If you get a ticket and do not respond because you never received it, the court can issue a warrant for your arrest.

If you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, an officer may cite you for failing to report the change, which is a Vehicle Code violation. More practically, if you are in an accident or get a ticket, the other party or the court will have incorrect contact information for you. Keeping your address current protects you from missing legal notices and makes it easier to handle registration and insurance matters.

Updating your address for vehicle registration at the same time

Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate records. Updating one does not automatically update the other. If you own or lease a vehicle, you should update your registration address as well.

You can update your vehicle registration address through the DMV website, by mail using Form REG 14 (Notice of Address Change), or in person at a DMV office. If you are updating both your license and registration, you can do both in a single office visit by bringing the appropriate forms and documents for each. There is no fee for a registration address change either.

Replacing a lost or damaged Form DL 43

If you lose the form before you submit it, you do not need to replace it — just print another copy from dmv.ca.gov or get a new one at a DMV office. The form is generic and has no tracking number or expiration date. You can also fill it out at the DMV office itself if you arrive without it.

If you have already submitted Form DL 43 and want to check the status of your updated card, you cannot track it online. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm your address change was recorded. Have your driver's license or ID number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to renew my license to change my address?

No. An address change is separate from a renewal. You can update your address anytime using Form DL 43, regardless of when your license expires. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time and update your address in one visit.

What if I moved out of state but still have a California license?

You should update your address to your new out-of-state address on your California license if you plan to keep it. However, most states require you to get a license in your new state within a certain period. Check your new state's DMV rules. If you are moving permanently, you will eventually need to switch to your new state's license.

Can I change my address online without going to the DMV?

You cannot complete an address change entirely online. You must submit Form DL 43 in person or by mail. The DMV does not offer a fully online address change process for driver's licenses or ID cards at this time.

How long does it take to get my updated card after I submit the form?

If you submit in person, your address is updated when ready and you receive a receipt. Your physical updated card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you mail the form, the entire process takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives it.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes on your California driver's license or ID card are free. The DMV does not charge a fee for this service whether you submit in person or by mail.