Where to change your address and what you'll need

You can change your address on a California driver's license at any DMV office, online through the California DMV website, or by mail. The online option is the fastest if your license is current and you have not changed your name. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.

If you go in person, bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The DMV accepts documents from most major utilities, banks, and government agencies. If you are changing your address because you moved out of state or lost your license, you will need to visit an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes take a few minutes and cost nothing if your license is current and you have not changed your name.
  • In-person visits at a DMV office require your current license and one document showing your new address from the last 60 days.
  • Mail-in changes are possible but slower; you will need to send your current license and a completed form DL 43 with proof of address.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval, and you can use your old license until it arrives.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Go to the California DMV website and select "Change Address" under the online services menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will verify your identity and confirm the change. There is no fee for an online address change.

Online changes work only if your current license is valid and you have not changed your name, gender marker, or other personal information besides address. If any of those details need updating, you must visit a DMV office or submit a mail-in form. The confirmation will appear on your screen when ready, and you can print it if you want a record. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within two to three weeks.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Walk into any California DMV office with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring the proof of address document in its original form — photocopies are not accepted.

The DMV staff member will scan your license, verify your new address, and process the change on the spot. You will pay no fee. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within two to three weeks. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, ask the DMV staff whether your location offers a rush service; some offices can print a temporary license the same day for an additional fee.

Changing your address by mail

Complete form DL 43, which is the "process for Duplicate or Corrected Driver's License." You can read it from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. Fill in your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. Include one document proving your new address, dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form, your current driver's license, and the proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the DMV needs to contact you. Do not send cash; if a fee applies, the DMV will bill you separately.

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, phone, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowners insurance policies, and bank or credit card statements. Government mail such as tax documents, voter registration cards, or benefit statements also work.

Documents must be originals or certified copies — the DMV does not accept photocopies or digital images printed at home. If the document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official translation. If your name on the document does not match your license exactly, bring a second document showing both names, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Timeline and what happens after you submit

Online changes are confirmed within minutes. In-person changes are processed the same day. Mail-in changes take four to six weeks from receipt. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address and should arrive within two to three weeks of approval. You can use your old license for any purpose until the new one arrives.

If your updated license does not arrive within four weeks of your in-person or online change, or eight weeks of your mail submission, contact the DMV to check the status. Have your driver's license number and Social Security number ready. The DMV can look up whether your change was processed and remail your license if needed.

Changing your address when other information has also changed

If you changed your name, gender marker, or other personal details at the same time you moved, you cannot use the online address change tool. You must visit a DMV office in person or submit a mail-in process. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and documents supporting the other change — such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a court order for a gender marker change.

The DMV will process all changes together and issue one new license. There is no additional fee for updating multiple pieces of information at once. The timeline is the same: two to three weeks for delivery after in-person processing, or four to six weeks after mail submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my driver's license when I move?

California law requires you to notify the DMV of a change of address within 10 days of moving. You do not face a penalty if you do not, but your license will not match your current residence. This can cause problems if you are stopped by police or need to prove your address for other purposes.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. You must renew your license first, then change the address. You can renew and change your address in the same visit to a DMV office, or renew online and then change your address separately. If you renew by mail, you can include the address change on the same form.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

If you cannot obtain a utility bill or lease within 60 days of moving, contact the DMV to ask about alternative documents. Some offices accept notarized letters from a landlord or property manager, or affidavits from a family member who lives with you. Call your local DMV office to ask what they will accept in your situation.

Will my old address show up anywhere after I change it?

Your old address will be replaced on your license and in the DMV system. Law enforcement and other agencies that check your license will see only your new address. Your old address may remain in other databases outside the DMV, such as credit reports or voter registration, and you will need to update those separately.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. You must change your address yourself, either online, in person, or by mail with your signature. A family member or representative cannot do it on your behalf. If you are unable to visit a DMV office, the online or mail-in options are your best choices.