The fastest way to change your address on your California driver's license or ID card

You can update your address with the California DMV online, by mail, or in person at a field office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your driver's license or ID number, your current address on file, and your new address. The DMV will mail you a replacement card with the updated address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you don't want to wait for a replacement card, you can update your address in person at any DMV field office and get a temporary paper license the same day. This temporary document is valid for 60 days while your replacement card is being printed.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dmv.ca.gov takes 10 minutes, costs nothing, and is available 24/7 — you only need your license number and the two addresses.
  • Your replacement card arrives in 7 to 10 business days; if you need proof of your new address when ready, visit a field office for a temporary paper license valid 60 days.
  • You must update your address within 10 days of moving under California Vehicle Code Section 12022, though the DMV does not enforce this actively.
  • If you've lost your license or don't have your number handy, you'll need to visit a field office in person with proof of residency and your Social Security number.

Updating your address online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Address Change" from the main menu. You'll be taken to a form that asks for your driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current address on file and ask you to enter your new address.

Once you submit the form, the DMV sends a confirmation email to the address you provide. Your replacement card is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You don't need to visit an office, pay a fee, or bring any documents. This method works for both driver's licenses and ID cards.

The online system is available every day, including weekends and holidays. If you run into trouble during the process, you can call the DMV's automated phone line at 1-800-777-0133 to complete the change by phone, though wait times are often longer than the online method.

Changing your address in person at a DMV field office

Visit any DMV field office with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need an address change. They will update your record in the system when ready. You can then request a temporary paper license, which is valid for 60 days while your replacement card is being printed. This temporary document has the same legal weight as your regular license for driving purposes.

Wait times at field offices vary by location and time of day. You can check the current wait time for your nearest office on the DMV website before you go. Early morning visits (right when the office opens) typically have shorter waits than afternoon hours.

Updating your address by mail

Fill out Form DL 43 (Change of Address), which you can read from dmv.ca.gov or pick up at any field office. Write your current address on file and your new address clearly in the spaces provided. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes longer than online or in-person methods — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. Your replacement card will arrive separately after processing is complete. This method is useful if you prefer not to use the internet or visit an office, but it is the slowest option.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. The DMV does not send a confirmation email for mail-in changes, so you won't know the exact date your form arrived. If you need to verify the change was received, you can call 1-800-777-0133 after two weeks.

What happens if you've lost your license or don't have your number

If you can't find your license number, you cannot use the online method. You'll need to visit a DMV field office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of your new address, and a form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID from another state.

The staff member will look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, then process the address change at the counter. You can request a temporary paper license on the spot. Your replacement card will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

The legal requirement to update your address

California Vehicle Code Section 12022 requires you to notify the DMV of a change of address within 10 days of moving. However, the DMV does not actively pursue drivers who miss this important date. The requirement exists so your registration and license records match your actual residence.

If you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, an officer may ask why. Updating your address promptly prevents confusion and ensures that traffic citations, registration renewal notices, and other official mail reach you at the correct location.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

If you update online or in person, your replacement card is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. The DMV does not send a tracking number, so you won't be able to monitor the card's progress through the mail. If your card does not arrive within 14 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to report it.

If you received a temporary paper license at a field office, that document is valid for 60 days. Once your replacement card arrives, the temporary license is no longer needed. You can discard it or keep it as a backup.

If you update by mail, add an extra 1 to 2 weeks for postal delivery time before the DMV even receives your form. Processing then takes another 2 to 3 weeks, so the total time from mailing to receiving your new card is typically 3 to 5 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes are free whether you do them online, by mail, or in person. The DMV does not charge for updating your address on an existing license or ID card.

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

Yes. You can update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect the status of your license. However, if your license is suspended, you still cannot legally drive.

What if I move again before my replacement card arrives?

You can submit another address change request. If your first replacement card arrives at your old address, it will likely be returned to the DMV as undeliverable. You can then request a new card with your current address, though this may delay delivery further. To avoid this, wait until your card arrives before submitting a second change if possible.

Does changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. You must update your registration address separately with the DMV. You can do this online at dmv.ca.gov or by mail using Form REG 14.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. Only you can request an address change on your own license or ID card. The DMV requires you to provide your license number or Social Security number to verify your identity. A family member or representative cannot make this change on your behalf.