Where to change your California driver's license address

You can change your address with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in three ways: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online option is the fastest if your new address is within California and your license is not expired or suspended. Mail takes about two to three weeks. In-person visits at a DMV office typically take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.

The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid and whether you want to do it when ready or can wait. Online changes cost nothing and require no documents beyond what you already have. Mail and in-person visits also have no fee for a straightforward address change, though you will need to bring proof of your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • California DMV lets you change your address online for free if your license is valid and your new address is in California.
  • You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • In-person address changes at a DMV office do not require an appointment and cost nothing, but you must bring your current license and address proof.
  • Mail-in changes take two to three weeks and require the same documents as in-person visits, plus a completed form.
  • If you move out of state, you cannot change the address on your California license — you must get a license from your new state.

Online address changes through the DMV website

The DMV's online address change tool is available at dmv.ca.gov. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will ask you to enter your new California address and confirm it. Once submitted, the change is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email.

Online changes work only if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew it in person or by mail before you can change the address online. The new address takes effect right away in the DMV system, but your physical license card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Walk into any DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and new address. You do not need an appointment for an address change.

At the counter, tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will verify your identity, check your proof of address, and update your record in the system. Your new address will be printed on a temporary document they give you on the spot. Your physical license card will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks. If you need the card sooner, you can pay a fee to get a replacement card with the new address printed on it.

Mailing in an address change form

read form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of your proof of address (dated within 60 days) and mail both to the address listed on the form.

The DMV processes mail-in changes in the order they arrive. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail — your physical license will straightforward be reissued with the new address and mailed to you. If you need to confirm the change went through, you can call the DMV customer service line or check your record online after two weeks.

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. Utility bills (gas, electric, water, internet) are the most common. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and insurance bills also work. Government mail such as tax documents or voter registration cards are acceptable. Bank statements and credit card statements do not count.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and the utility company has not sent a bill — you can use a signed lease or rental agreement. Some people use a notarized letter from a landlord or property manager confirming the new address, though this is less common and the DMV may ask for additional proof.

Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it and change the address at the same time. You can do this by mail or in person, but not online. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must take a written test and vision test to renew it, which requires an in-person visit.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change the address until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can change the address using any of the three methods.

Moving out of state and your California license

If you move to another state, you cannot change the address on your California license. Instead, you must get a driver's license from your new state. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving, though the exact important date varies. You will need to surrender your California license when you get the new one.

If you move temporarily but plan to return to California, you can keep your California license and update the address when you move back. However, if you establish residency in another state (by registering to vote, getting a job, or buying property there), that state may require you to get a license there instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new license card with my new address?

If you change your address online or in person, your new license card is mailed to your new address and arrives within one to two weeks. If you change your address by mail, processing takes two to three weeks, then the card is mailed, so total time is three to four weeks. You can pay a fee at a DMV office to get a replacement card printed on the spot if you need it sooner.

Do I need to change my address if I move within California?

Yes. The DMV requires you to update your address within 10 days of moving. Driving with an expired address on your license is not illegal, but it can cause problems if you are pulled over or need to use your license as proof of address. Changing it online takes five minutes and costs nothing.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

You can use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance bill, or government mail with your name and address. If you have none of these, a signed lease or rental agreement from your landlord works. In rare cases, a notarized letter from a landlord or property manager is accepted, though the DMV may ask for additional proof.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by contacting the DMV and completing whatever requirement caused it (paying a fine, taking a test, or submitting documents). Once the suspension is lifted, you can change your address using any method.

Will my old address still work as ID after I change it?

Your old license card with the old address remains valid ID until it expires, even after you change the address in the DMV system. However, if you need to prove your current address (for a bank account, apartment lease, or government document), you should use the temporary address confirmation you received when you made the change, or wait for your new card to arrive.