You can change your California DMV address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

The California Department of Motor Vehicles lets you update your address without renewing your registration early. The fastest route is the online system if you have a valid driver's license or ID card and access to your vehicle's registration number. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form or visit a DMV office in person. Your registration stays valid — you are only updating the address the DMV has on file.

Address changes take effect when ready when you complete them online, or within one to two weeks if you mail the form. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change alone. However, if your registration is expiring soon and you want to renew it at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change tool at dmv.ca.gov is the fastest method and requires your driver's license number, vehicle registration number, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DMV 14 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Registration Card) to the DMV address listed on your registration documents.
  • Address changes do not cost money and do not affect your registration expiration date unless you choose to renew at the same time.
  • The DMV mails your updated registration card to your new address within one to two weeks of processing your request.
  • You must update your address within 10 days of moving to a new California residence to stay in compliance with state law.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Visit dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Address Change" option under the "Register a Vehicle" section. You will need to enter your California driver's license or ID number, your vehicle's registration number (found on your current registration card), and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and then let you enter your new address.

After you submit the form online, the DMV processes it when ready. You will see a confirmation message on the screen. The updated registration card will arrive at your new address within one to two weeks. You do not need to print anything or visit an office — the entire transaction happens on the website.

The online system works for most vehicles registered in California. It does not work if your vehicle is registered to a business, a fleet, or if your registration is suspended or revoked. In those cases, use the mail or in-person methods instead.

Mailing a form to the DMV

read or request Form DMV 14 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Registration Card) from the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Fill in your current registration information, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of your current registration card if you have it.

Mail the completed form to the DMV address printed on your registration documents or on the form itself. The address varies by county, so check your registration card or the DMV website to find the correct office. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the DMV to mail you a confirmation.

Processing by mail takes one to two weeks after the DMV receives your form, plus mail delivery time in both directions. If you need the change faster, use the online system or visit an office in person.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Bring your current registration card, proof of your new address, and a valid ID to any California DMV office. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment for an address change, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

The DMV staff will update your address on the spot and give you a receipt. Your new registration card will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks. In-person visits are useful if you need to handle other DMV business at the same time, such as renewing your driver's license or updating vehicle information.

Find your nearest DMV office and current wait times at dmv.ca.gov under "Find a DMV Office." Some offices offer express service for straightforward transactions like address changes, which may have shorter wait times than the main line.

What counts as proof of your new address

If you are changing your address in person or by mail, the DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance documents, and government mail such as tax forms or benefit statements.

If you are using the online system, you do not need to upload or mail proof of address — the DMV verifies your identity through your driver's license number and Social Security number instead. However, keep your proof of address in case the DMV contacts you to verify the change.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

Online changes take effect when ready, and you will see a confirmation on the screen. By mail or in person, the DMV processes the change within one to two weeks. After processing, the DMV mails your new registration card to your new address. Total time from submission to receiving your card is usually two to four weeks by mail, or one to two weeks if you changed your address in person.

You do not need to do anything else while you wait. Your old registration card remains valid until the new one arrives. If you move again before the new card arrives, you can update your address a second time using any of these methods.

If more than four weeks have passed and you have not received your new card, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visit dmv.ca.gov to check the status of your request.

California's 10-day address change requirement

California law requires you to notify the DMV of a new address within 10 days of moving. This applies whether you own or lease your vehicle. Failing to update your address can result in a fine, though the DMV typically sends a notice first asking you to correct it.

The 10-day rule also applies to your driver's license. If you need to update both your vehicle registration and driver's license address, you can do both at the same time online or in person. The online system handles both in a single transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to renew my registration when I change my address?

No. An address change and a registration renewal are separate transactions. Your registration expiration date does not change when you update your address. However, if your registration is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time you change your address by selecting that option during the online process or by asking the DMV staff in person.

What if I moved out of California?

If you moved to another state, you need to register your vehicle in that state instead of updating your California address. Contact your new state's DMV for registration requirements. You may be able to keep your California registration for a short time while you transition, depending on your new state's rules.

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

You cannot use the online system if your registration is suspended. You must visit a DMV office in person or mail Form DMV 14. If your registration is expired, you will need to renew it before or at the same time as changing your address. Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 for guidance on your specific situation.

Will I get a new registration card with a different number?

No. Your registration number stays the same when you change your address. The new card will have the same number, expiration date, and vehicle information — only the address will be different. You do not need to update your insurance company or other records with a new registration number.

What if the DMV sends mail to my old address after I change it?

Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to report the issue. If you receive a notice at your old address, forward it to your new address or contact the DMV directly to confirm they have your correct information. The DMV should have your new address on file within one to two weeks of your change request.