You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at the DMV
California lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card. The fastest way is online through the DMV website if your address change is within California and your license is not expired. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew it instead, which requires an in-person visit. For most people, the online process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
The DMV processes address changes separately from license renewals. Your current license stays valid; only the address record updates in their system. If you need a physical card with your new address printed on it, you can order one for a fee, but it is not required to drive legally.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes work only if your California license is current or expired less than five years, and you have a California address to move to.
- You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
- Mail and in-person changes at a DMV office work for any address situation, including out-of-state moves, but take longer to process.
- Changing your address does not cost money, but ordering a new card with your updated address printed on it costs a replacement fee.
- The DMV mails confirmation to your new address within two weeks; if you do not receive it, contact the DMV to verify the change went through.
Changing your address online through the DMV website
Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Address Change" option under the "Online Services" section. You will need to create or log into your DMV online account. Have your driver's license number, Social Security number (last four digits), and date of birth ready before you start.
The system will ask you to confirm your current address on file, then enter your new California address. Double-check the spelling and zip code — the DMV uses this to mail your confirmation. After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The change usually processes within one to two weeks, and the DMV will mail a confirmation letter to your new address.
Online changes work only if you are moving within California and your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not let you proceed; you will need to renew in person at a DMV office instead.
Changing 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 DMV office. Write your new address clearly in the space provided. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the DMV address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the DMV website for your county's mailing address.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV needs this to verify you actually live there. Mail processing takes four to six weeks, so send it certified mail if you need proof it arrived.
Mail works for any situation: expired licenses, out-of-state moves, or if you straightforward prefer not to go online. However, it is slower than the online method, so use it only if online is not an option for you.
Changing your address in person at a DMV office
Bring your current driver's license and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Walk into any DMV office during business hours — no appointment is required for address changes, though you may wait in line.
Tell the staff member at the counter that you need an address change. They will update your record on the spot, and you will receive a confirmation slip before you leave. The change is effective when ready in the DMV system, though the mailed confirmation letter arrives within two weeks.
In-person changes are useful if you are moving out of state, if your license is very old or expired, or if you want to verify the change was recorded correctly right away. This method also works if you have questions the DMV staff can answer directly.
What happens after you change your address
The DMV mails a confirmation letter to your new address within two weeks. This letter shows your updated address and confirms the change went through. Keep it in case you need proof of your address change for insurance, voter registration, or other purposes.
Your driver's license card itself does not change — it still shows your old address. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can order one through the DMV website or at an office for a replacement fee (currently $20 for a standard replacement). This is optional; your license remains valid and legal to use even with the old address printed on it, as long as the DMV's records show your current address.
If you do not receive a confirmation letter within three weeks, contact the DMV to verify the change was processed. Call 1-800-777-0133 or check your account on dmv.ca.gov.
When you need to renew instead of just changing your address
If your driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot change your address alone — you must renew your license. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a new photo, and a vision test. You can schedule an appointment on dmv.ca.gov to avoid waiting in line.
If your license is current or expired less than five years, address change is all you need. However, if you are also moving out of state, some states require you to get a new license from that state within a certain timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days). Check your new state's DMV website for their rules.
Documents that prove your new address
The DMV accepts these documents to verify your new address: a utility bill (gas, electric, water, internet, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document like a voter registration card or tax return. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.
If you do not have any of these, you can use two documents together that show your name and address, even if one is older. For example, an old lease plus a recent piece of mail from a business at that address. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 if you are unsure whether your documents will work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I am moving out of state?
You should change your California address record with the DMV before you leave, but you will also need to get a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe they require — usually 30 to 60 days after moving. Check your new state's DMV website for their specific rules and whether they accept California licenses temporarily.
How long does it take for my new address to show up in the DMV system?
Online and in-person changes are effective when ready in the DMV computer system. Mail changes take four to six weeks. You will receive a mailed confirmation letter within two weeks of any change method. If you need proof right away, get an in-person change or print your DMV record from your online account.
What if I moved but do not have a document showing my new address?
You can use two documents together: one with your name and old address, plus another with your name and new address, even if the second one is from a business or utility company. If you truly have nothing, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask what alternatives they accept in your situation.
Do I have to order a new card with my updated address on it?
No. Your license remains legal and valid even if the printed address is old. The DMV's records will show your current address, which is what matters for law enforcement and official purposes. Ordering a new card is optional and costs a replacement fee if you want the address printed on the physical card.
What if the DMV sent my confirmation letter to the wrong address?
Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or log into your online account to verify the address they have on file. If it is wrong, you can correct it by submitting another change request. If the address is correct but you did not receive the letter, it may have been lost in the mail — the change is still valid in their system.