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

California lets you update your address without getting a new license card. The fastest way is online through the DMV website if you have a Real ID-compliant license or state ID. If your license is standard (not Real ID), you'll need to go to a DMV office or mail in a form. You don't pay a fee for an address change, and you have 10 days after moving to update it — though waiting longer won't result in a penalty as long as you do it eventually.

The method you choose depends on what type of ID you have and how quickly you need the change recorded. An online change takes minutes. A mail-in form takes one to two weeks. An in-person visit at a DMV office can be done the same day but requires an appointment, which may have a wait depending on your location.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes work only if your license or ID is Real ID-compliant; check your card for a gold star in the corner to confirm.
  • You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the new address to change it online through the DMV website.
  • If you have a standard license without Real ID, use form DL 43 and mail it to the DMV, or visit an office in person.
  • California gives you 10 days to update your address after moving, though the change can be made at any time.

Changing your address online if you have a Real ID license

Log into your DMV online account at dmv.ca.gov. You'll need to create an account if you don't have one already — use your driver's license number and date of birth to set it up. Once logged in, look for the option to update your address or personal information. The system will ask you to confirm your current address, then enter your new one.

After you submit the change online, the DMV updates your record when ready. Your physical license card still shows the old address, but your record in the system is current. If you need the card itself to show the new address, you can order a replacement card for $20 through the same online account, though this is optional — the updated record is what matters for legal purposes.

Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner of the card. If you don't see that star, your license is standard and you'll need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing in a form for a standard license

read or request form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the DMV website or any DMV office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You don't need to include your license card itself — just the form.

Mail the form to the DMV address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks. Once processed, your address is updated in the system, but your physical card will still show the old address. Like the online method, you can order a replacement card for $20 if you want the new address printed on it.

Updating your address in person at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV office with your driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it — it needs to be dated within the last 60 days. Make an appointment through the DMV website before you go; walk-ins are not may provide service.

The office staff will update your record on the spot. Your physical card will still show the old address unless you pay $20 for a replacement card. The updated record takes effect when ready, so you don't need to wait for anything to be mailed to you.

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), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail like a tax return or voter registration card. A bank or credit card statement works if it shows your address.

You don't need multiple documents — one is enough. If you're moving and don't have a dated document yet, you can use a signed lease that shows your move-in date, even if it's dated before you actually moved in. If you're staying with someone temporarily and don't have a document in your name, ask the property owner or manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.

Updating your address if you're moving out of state

If you're leaving California, you don't need to notify the DMV before you go. Once you move to another state, that state's DMV will issue you a new license when you explore for one. You can keep your California license as long as you want, but it will show an out-of-state address, which may cause confusion.

If you want to update your California address to an out-of-state one before you leave, you can do so online (if you have Real ID), by mail, or in person. The process is the same — just enter your new address in the other state. However, most people find it simpler to wait and get a license in their new state once they arrive.

When your address change takes effect

Online changes and in-person changes take effect when ready. Your record is updated in the DMV system right away, even though your physical card still shows the old address. Mail-in changes take one to two weeks to process.

You don't need to carry proof of the change with you. If you're stopped by law enforcement or asked for ID, your driver's license is valid even if the address on the card is outdated — the officer can see your current address in the system. However, if you're moving and need your address updated for other reasons (voter registration, vehicle registration, insurance), handle those separately with the relevant agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within 10 days of moving?

California law says you should update your address within 10 days, but there's no penalty if you don't. You can change it at any time. However, it's a good idea to do it sooner rather than later so your record stays current for legal and official purposes.

Will I get a new license card if I change my address online?

No. An online address change updates your record in the DMV system, but your physical card keeps the old address. If you want a card with the new address printed on it, you can order a replacement for $20. This is optional — your updated record is what matters legally.

What if I don't have proof of my new address yet?

A signed lease showing your move-in date works even if it's dated before you moved in. If you're staying with someone else, ask the property owner or manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and the date you moved in. The document just needs to show your name, address, and a recent date.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through any method — online, mail, or in person. The address change doesn't require your license to be current. However, if your license itself is expired, you'll need to renew it separately if you want to use it for identification.

What if I'm moving and also need to update my vehicle registration?

Update your driver's license address and your vehicle registration separately. You can change your vehicle registration address online through the DMV website, by mail using form REG 14, or in person at a DMV office. Both updates are free, but they're handled as separate transactions.