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

You can update your address on your California driver license without renewing the license itself. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you change your address through three routes: online at dmv.ca.gov if you have a Real ID–compliant license, by mail using form DL 43, or in person at any DMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you get confirmation when ready. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person visits require an appointment, which you can book through the DMV website.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. Your current license remains valid; the DMV straightforward updates their records and mails you a replacement card with the new address printed on it within two weeks of processing.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at dmv.ca.gov is the fastest option if your license is Real ID–compliant, taking about 10 minutes with when ready confirmation.
  • If you cannot use the online method, you can mail form DL 43 to the DMV address listed on the form, which takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person address changes require a DMV appointment booked through dmv.ca.gov; bring your current license and proof of your new address.
  • There is no fee to change your address, and your current license stays valid while you wait for the replacement card with your new address.
  • You must update your address within 10 days of moving in California, though the DMV does not enforce this strictly if you update later.

Changing your address online

Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click "Change Address" and sign in with your California driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and then enter your new address.

This method only works if your license is Real ID–compliant. You can tell by looking at your card: if there is a small star in the upper right corner, your license is Real ID–compliant and you can use the online method. If your license does not have a star, you will need to use mail or in-person instead.

After you submit your new address online, the DMV sends you a confirmation email. Your replacement card with the updated address prints and mails within two weeks. Your current license remains valid during this time.

Changing your address by mail

read or request form DL 43 (Statement of Facts) from dmv.ca.gov. Fill in your current address, new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days works.

Mail the completed form and proof to the DMV address listed on the form itself. Processing takes two to three weeks. You will receive your replacement license card by mail at your new address. Keep your current license; it remains valid until the replacement arrives.

If you are moving out of state or your new address is outside California, contact your local DMV office before mailing the form, because the process differs slightly for out-of-state moves.

Changing your address in person at the DMV

Book an appointment through dmv.ca.gov by entering your zip code and selecting "Address Change" as the service. Choose a date and time that works for you. Bring your current driver license and one document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

At your appointment, tell the DMV representative you are changing your address only. They will update your record on the spot. You will receive your replacement license card by mail within two weeks. Your current license stays valid while you wait.

In-person visits are useful if you have questions about your specific situation, if you are moving out of state, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Walk-ins are not accepted at most DMV offices; you must have a scheduled appointment.

What proof of address the DMV accepts

The DMV accepts these documents as proof of your new address: a utility bill (gas, electric, water, internet, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card). 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 documents yet — for example, if you just moved and utilities have not been set up — contact your local DMV office to ask about alternatives. Some offices accept a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residence.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

Online submissions are processed within one to two business days. Mail submissions take two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. In-person changes are processed when ready, though your replacement card still mails separately.

After the DMV processes your change, you will receive a replacement license card by mail at your new address. Your old license remains valid and legal to use until the new card arrives. You do not need to do anything else — the DMV handles the mailing automatically.

If you do not receive your replacement card within three weeks of submitting online or in person, or four weeks after mailing, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within a certain time after moving?

California law requires you to notify the DMV of your new address within 10 days of moving. However, the DMV does not actively enforce this important date, and you can update your address later without penalty. It is still a good idea to update as soon as possible so your license matches your actual residence.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through any of the three methods. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Contact the DMV to confirm your situation.

What if I am moving out of California?

If you are moving out of state, you should get a driver license from your new state instead of updating your California address. Contact your new state's DMV for their process. You can keep your California license as a Real ID document if you wish, but your driving privilege will transfer to your new state's license.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company may need to know about your move, but that is a separate process between you and your insurer — the DMV does not notify them automatically.

What if the DMV sends my replacement card to the wrong address?

If you entered your address correctly online or on the form, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 with your license number. They can verify the address on file and remail the card if needed. If the card was lost in the mail, the DMV can issue a replacement.