The DL-14A is California's form for changing or correcting information on your driver's license without getting a new photo

The DL-14A is California's process for Duplicate or Corrected Driver's License. It lets you update your name, address, or other details on your existing license without paying for a replacement or sitting for a new photograph. You submit it to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and they issue a corrected license with your current photo still on it.

This form is different from a full replacement. A replacement license (DL-44) requires you to appear in person, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. The DL-14A is faster and cheaper because you are not changing your photo or taking a new test—you are just fixing what is already there.

You can submit the DL-14A by mail or in person at a DMV office. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. If you go in person, you may walk out with your corrected license the same day, depending on how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL-14A corrects information on your current license—name, address, or other details—without requiring a new photo or vision test.
  • You can mail the completed form to the DMV or submit it in person at a DMV office.
  • Mail processing usually takes two to three weeks; in-person submission may be completed the same day.
  • A fee applies, though it is lower than the cost of a full replacement license.
  • You must include proof of the change you are making, such as a marriage certificate, court order, or utility bill showing your new address.

When to use the DL-14A instead of other forms

Use the DL-14A when your photo is still current and accurate but something else on your license needs to change. Common reasons include a legal name change, a move to a new address, or a correction to your height, eye color, or other physical information that was recorded incorrectly.

Do not use the DL-14A if you have lost your license, if your license is damaged beyond reading, or if you need to change your class of license (such as adding a motorcycle endorsement). Those situations require different forms and processes. If your license was lost or stolen, you will need the DL-44 form and will have to appear in person. If you are adding an endorsement, you will also need to appear in person and may need to pass additional tests.

If you are straightforward renewing your license because it is about to expire, you do not need the DL-14A—you use the renewal process instead, which has its own form and timeline.

What information you need to gather before submitting

Before you fill out the DL-14A, collect your current driver's license and proof of whatever change you are making. If you changed your name legally, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you moved, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your new address. If you are correcting physical information like height or eye color, bring any document that shows the correct information—a passport, birth certificate, or medical record.

You will also need your Social Security number and your California driver's license number. Have these ready when you fill out the form. If you are submitting by mail, make a copy of your current license (both front and back) to include with your process.

Do not send original documents through the mail. The DMV will not return them. If you are mailing your process, send certified copies or photocopies. If you are submitting in person, bring the originals so the DMV can verify them, and they will hand them back to you.

How to complete and submit the DL-14A form

read the DL-14A form from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. Fill it out in black or blue ink, printing clearly. The form asks for your current license number, your name, your date of birth, and the specific change you want to make. Be precise about what is wrong and what the correct information should be.

Once the form is complete, you have two options. You can mail it to the address listed on the form along with your supporting documents and the required fee. Include a copy of both sides of your current license. Or you can take the form and your original documents in person to a DMV office. Bring your current license and be ready to show your proof of the change.

If you submit by mail, keep a record of what you sent and when. The DMV processes applications in the order they arrive. If you do not receive your corrected license within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your process.

Fees and processing time

The fee for a DL-14A corrected license is lower than a full replacement but varies depending on what you are correcting and how long your license is valid. As of the most recent DMV fee schedule, the cost is typically between $20 and $30, but you should check the current DMV website or call your local office to confirm the exact amount before you submit.

If you submit by mail, expect processing to take two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. If you submit in person, you may receive your corrected license on the spot, though this depends on how busy the office is and whether your documents are complete and clear. Some offices have longer wait times than others, especially in urban areas.

If you need your corrected license urgently, submitting in person gives you the best chance of getting it quickly. Call your local DMV office before you go to ask about current wait times.

What happens after you submit the DL-14A

Once the DMV receives your process, they verify the information you provided against their records and the supporting documents you included. If everything matches and your documents are in order, they print your corrected license and mail it to the address on file. Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

If there is a problem with your process—missing documents, unclear information, or a mismatch between what you wrote and what your proof shows—the DMV will contact you. They may ask you to resubmit documents or provide additional information. This can add time to the process, so make sure your form is complete and your documents are clear before you send it.

If you submitted in person and everything is correct, you will leave with your corrected license in hand. You do not need to do anything else. Your old license is no longer valid, so you can destroy it or keep it as a record.

Common mistakes that delay your DL-14A

The most common error is submitting unclear or illegible copies of supporting documents. If the DMV cannot read your proof of address or your name change document, they will send it back and ask you to resubmit. Make sure any copies you mail are dark and clear. If you are submitting in person, bring originals so the DMV can see them directly.

Another frequent mistake is not filling out the form completely. Leave no fields blank unless they do not explore to you. If a field asks for information and you skip it, the DMV will return your process. Read the form carefully before you mail it or hand it over.

A third issue is submitting the wrong type of proof. For example, if you changed your name, a utility bill does not prove a name change—you need a marriage certificate or court order. Check the DMV's list of acceptable documents for your specific change before you gather your proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the DL-14A if my license has expired?

No. The DL-14A is for correcting information on a current, valid license. If your license has expired, you must renew it using the renewal process instead. Once you renew, you can then use the DL-14A if you need to correct something on your new license.

Do I have to appear in person to submit the DL-14A?

No. You can mail the completed form with your supporting documents and fee to the DMV. However, submitting in person usually results in faster processing—sometimes the same day. If you mail it, allow two to three weeks for processing.

What if I need to change my address and my name at the same time?

You can make both changes on a single DL-14A form. Include proof of both changes—a marriage certificate or court order for the name change and a utility bill or lease for the address change. List both corrections on the form so the DMV knows what you are updating.

Will my new license have the same photo as my old one?

Yes. The DL-14A does not involve taking a new photo. Your corrected license will show the same photograph that is on your current license. If you want a new photo, you need to explore for a replacement license using the DL-44 form instead.

How do I know if my process was received?

If you mailed your process, keep the envelope or take a photo of it before you send it. If you submitted in person, ask for a receipt. If you do not receive your corrected license within four weeks of mailing, call the DMV or visit their website to check the status using your license number.