How to Update Your Address on a California Driver's License

Update your address online, by mail, or in person at the DMV

You can change your address on a California driver's license through three routes: the DMV website (fastest, takes minutes), by mail (takes one to two weeks), or in person at a DMV office (same-day completion). The online method works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If either of those explore, you must go in person or mail a form.

California requires you to notify the DMV within 10 days of moving to a new address. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it can create problems if you are pulled over or need to use your license as proof of residency for banking, voting, or housing.

Key Takeaways

The DMV website lets you update your address in under five minutes if your license is current and your name has not changed.
Mailing a form (DL 43) to the DMV takes one to two weeks and costs nothing, but you cannot track the status once you send it.
In-person visits at a DMV office take 30 minutes to two hours depending on wait times, and you walk out with an updated license the same day.
You will need your driver's license number and a proof of residency document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) for any method.

Updating your address online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Update Your Address" under the "Driver Licenses and IDs" section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and enter your new one.

Once you submit, the DMV mails you an updated license within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or pay a fee. This method works only if your license has not expired and you are not changing your name at the same time.

If the online system tells you that you cannot update online, it means your license is expired or your name change requires in-person verification. In that case, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing a form to the DMV

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. Attach a proof of residency document — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government notice dated within 60 days of your move.

Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form (it varies by region). The DMV processes mail requests in the order received, which typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive your updated license by mail; you cannot track the status once you send it.

This method is free and requires no appointment, but it is the slowest option. If you need your updated license quickly, use the online or in-person method instead.

Updating your address in person at a DMV office

Visit any DMV office with your current driver's license and a proof of residency document dated within 60 days. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if your license does not display it. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though you can reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to update your address. They will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and take a new photo if your license is expiring soon. The updated license is printed on site and you leave with it the same day. There is no fee for an address change.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means shorter waits than midday or Friday. Check the DMV website for your local office's current wait time before you go.

What counts as proof of residency

The DMV accepts documents dated within 60 days of your move. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government notice (tax bill, voter registration, court document), or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and your new address.

If you just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a letter from your landlord or property manager on official letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some DMV offices also accept a notarized statement from a family member or roommate if you are living with them.

If your license is expired or your name has changed

An expired license cannot be updated online. You must renew it at the same time you change your address, which requires an in-person visit or a mail process. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) to a DMV office.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and a document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate). The DMV will take a new photo and issue an updated license with your new name and address.

Timeline and what to expect next

If you update online, expect your new license in 7 to 10 business days. If you mail a form, allow 1 to 2 weeks. If you update in person, you leave with your new license the same day. During the wait for a mailed license, your old license remains valid for identification purposes.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it in a safe place. You do not need to return it to the DMV. If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address within 10 days, or is that just recommended?

California law requires you to notify the DMV of a new address within 10 days. However, there is no penalty for updating late, and driving with an outdated address is not a violation. That said, updating promptly prevents confusion if you are pulled over or need your license for official purposes.

Can I update my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. A suspended or revoked license can still be updated for address. However, you cannot drive legally while it is suspended or revoked, regardless of whether your address is current. Contact the DMV to understand the reason for the suspension and what steps are needed to restore it.

What if I moved out of state but still have a California license?

You should update your address to your new out-of-state address on your California license if you plan to keep it. However, if you now live in another state permanently, that state typically requires you to get a driver's license there within a set timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days). Check your new state's DMV rules.

Will updating my address affect my driving record or insurance rates?

Updating your address does not change your driving record or affect your insurance rates. However, you should notify your insurance company separately of your move, as your rates may change based on your new location. Your insurance company and the DMV do not automatically share address information.

Can someone else update my address for me?

No. You must update your own address using your license number and personal information. If you are unable to visit the DMV in person, use the online method or mail the form yourself. The DMV does not allow third parties to make changes on your behalf.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.