You can change your California driver license address online, by mail, or in person at the DMV

The fastest way is the online address change through the California DMV website, which takes about five minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The change shows up in the system right away, though your physical card won't reflect it until you renew.

If you can't go online, you can mail a form to the DMV or visit a field office in person. The mail route takes one to two weeks. In-person visits are when ready but require a trip to your local DMV office and a wait.

California requires you to notify the DMV within 10 days of moving to a new address. Driving with an outdated address on your license won't result in a ticket, but it can cause problems during a traffic stop or if you're in an accident and need to prove residency.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dmv.ca.gov is free and takes effect when ready in the DMV system, though your physical card keeps the old address until renewal.
  • You must report your new address within 10 days of moving, though the DMV does not penalize you for a delay.
  • Mailing Form DL 43 takes one to two weeks; visiting a DMV field office is when ready but requires an appointment or a wait.
  • Your vehicle registration address must also be updated separately through the DMV, even if you change your driver license address.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Change Address" under the Driver License section. You'll enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provide.

This method works only if your license is current and not suspended. If your license has expired or is suspended, you'll need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The online change is recorded in the DMV database when ready, so law enforcement and the DMV can see your new address right away.

Your physical driver license card will still show your old address. You don't need to replace it unless your license is expiring soon or you want the card to match your current address. When you renew your license, the new address will print on the replacement card.

Mailing Form DL 43 to the DMV

read or request Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the DMV website or pick one up at any field office. Fill in your current driver license number, your old address, and your new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives it. Mail delivery itself can add several days, so plan for up to three weeks total. You don't need to include any documents or payment—the form alone is sufficient.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you're concerned about delivery, you can use certified mail with return receipt, though standard mail is fine for this purpose.

Changing your address in person at a DMV field office

Visit your local DMV field office with your current driver license. You can walk in during regular hours, but most offices now require an appointment. Book one through the DMV website or call your local office directly to check wait times.

Bring your driver license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The DMV staff will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready.

You'll leave with your license showing the old address, but your DMV record will reflect the new one. If you want your physical card updated, you can request a replacement at the same visit, though this costs money and takes a few weeks to arrive.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowner's or renter's insurance documents, and government mail from federal, state, or local agencies.

Bank statements and credit card statements do not count as proof of address. If you've just moved and don't have a dated document yet, contact your utility company or landlord to request one, or ask if they can provide a letter on company letterhead confirming your move-in date.

If you're moving into a new home that hasn't been set up with utilities in your name yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord works. The document must be dated, show your name, and show the new address clearly.

Updating your vehicle registration address separately

Changing your driver license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must notify the DMV about your vehicle's new address through a separate process.

You can update your registration address online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail using Form REG 14, or in person at a DMV field office. The online method is fastest. You'll need your vehicle's license plate number or VIN and your registration number.

California law requires you to report a change of address for your vehicle within 10 days of moving, just as you must for your driver license. Having mismatched addresses between your license and registration can create confusion during traffic stops or insurance claims.

Timeline and what to expect after you report your change

If you change your address online, the DMV system updates when ready. Law enforcement can see your new address in their database right away during a traffic stop. You'll receive a confirmation email within a few hours.

If you mail the form, expect processing to take one to two weeks after the DMV receives it. The postal service typically takes three to five business days to deliver, so plan for up to three weeks total. You won't receive a confirmation letter—the change is straightforward recorded in the system.

If you change your address in person, it takes effect the same day. You can ask the DMV staff to print a confirmation receipt if you want proof of the change for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new driver license card when I change my address?

No. Your physical card keeps your old address until you renew your license. If you want the card to show your new address before renewal, you can request a replacement card at a DMV office for a fee, but this is optional. The DMV system shows your current address regardless of what the card says.

What happens if I don't report my address change within 10 days?

The DMV does not issue a ticket or fine for a late address change. However, driving with an outdated address can cause problems during a traffic stop if the officer questions why your license doesn't match your vehicle registration, and it can delay insurance claims if you're in an accident.

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

You cannot use the online method if your license is suspended or expired. You must mail Form DL 43 or visit a DMV field office in person. If your license is suspended, you should address the suspension before renewing.

Does changing my driver license address affect my vehicle insurance?

Your insurance company should be notified of your address change separately. Contact your insurance agent or use their online portal to update your policy. The DMV does not share address changes with insurance companies, so you must report it yourself to avoid coverage issues.

What if I'm moving out of California?

If you're moving to another state, you'll need to get a driver license from that state. You can keep your California license if you're moving temporarily, but if you're relocating permanently, you should get a new license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires. Notify the California DMV of your out-of-state move if you want to keep your California license inactive.