You can change your California driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at the DMV
California allows you to update your address without renewing your license or paying a fee. The fastest route is the DMV's online system, which takes about 10 minutes and updates your record within one business day. If you cannot use the online option, you can mail a form to the DMV or visit a field office in person — both methods take longer but work if you have no internet access or prefer to handle it face-to-face.
Your address must match what the DMV has on file before you can register a vehicle, update your vehicle registration, or renew your license. Changing it promptly also ensures you receive renewal notices and any official correspondence at the correct location.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV's online address change tool is the fastest method and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address.
- You can mail Form DL 43 (Statement of Facts) to the DMV if you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system.
- In-person address changes at a DMV field office take about 15 minutes and require your current driver's license and proof of residency.
- Address changes are free and do not require you to renew your license or take a new photo.
- Your updated address appears in the DMV system within one business day for online changes, but mail and in-person changes may take one to two weeks.
Changing your address online through the DMV website
The DMV's online address change system is available at dmv.ca.gov under the "Address Change" option in the "Renew or Replace" section. You will need your current California driver's license number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system does not accept P.O. boxes — you must enter a street address where you actually live.
After you submit your information, the DMV sends a confirmation email to the address you provide during the process. Your record updates within one business day, and you do not need to do anything else. You will not receive a new physical license card — your existing card remains valid, and the DMV's internal system reflects the change when ready.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you encounter an error message saying your information does not match DMV records, you may have a typo in your license number or date of birth — double-check both before trying again.
Mailing Form DL 43 to update your address by post
If you do not have internet access or prefer to mail your request, you can use Form DL 43 (Statement of Facts), which you can read from dmv.ca.gov or request by phone at 1-800-777-0133. Fill in your current license number, date of birth, and new address on the form, sign it, and mail it to the DMV address listed on the form itself.
Processing time for mailed requests is typically one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. You do not need to include copies of your license or proof of residency — the form alone is sufficient. Mail your form to the address printed on the form, not to a local DMV office, because all address changes are processed at a central location.
Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you want to track whether the DMV received your mail, consider using certified mail with a return receipt, though this is not required.
Changing your address in person at a DMV field office
You can walk into any California DMV field office and request an address change at the counter. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. The DMV staff member will update your record on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready in their system.
Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than afternoons or weekends. You do not need an appointment for an address change at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system — check your local office's website before you go.
The in-person method is useful if you want to confirm the change was processed correctly or if you have questions about your record. Staff can also check whether your license is set to expire soon and discuss renewal options if needed.
What counts as proof of residency for in-person changes
The DMV accepts a wide range of documents as proof that you live at your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within 60 days is the most common. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners insurance policy, or bank or credit card statement also work if they show your name and new address.
Documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If the document is in a spouse's or parent's name but shows your address, the DMV may accept it if you can explain the relationship, but calling ahead to confirm is safer than showing up and being turned away.
If you live in a new home but have not yet received mail there, ask your landlord, property manager, or mortgage lender for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency. Some DMV offices accept this as a temporary substitute while you wait for a utility bill to arrive.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change
Online address changes update within one business day. You will receive a confirmation email, and your record is live in the DMV system even though your physical license card still shows the old address. The old card remains valid — you do not need a replacement.
Mailed forms take one to two weeks from receipt. The DMV does not send a confirmation letter for address changes, so if you need proof that the change went through, you can check your record online at dmv.ca.gov by logging into your account or calling 1-800-777-0133 to verify.
In-person changes are when ready. Your record updates before you leave the office. If you need documentation of the change, ask the staff member for a receipt or note before you go — some offices provide this automatically, others only if you ask.
Why your address matters and when you need to update it
The DMV uses your address on file for vehicle registration, renewal notices, and official correspondence. If you move and do not update your address, renewal notices will go to your old home and you may miss important date. Vehicle registration also requires your address to match your driver's license, so you cannot register a car at a new address until your license reflects that address.
California law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of moving. While there is no penalty for updating late, doing it promptly prevents mail from going to the wrong place and keeps your record current with law enforcement and the courts if needed.
If you are moving out of state, you do not need to update your California address before you leave — you can straightforward let your license expire and obtain a license in your new state. However, if you are staying in California, updating your address is free and takes only a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new license card when I change my address?
No. Your existing license card remains valid and does not need to be replaced. The DMV updates your address in their system, and that is all that is required. Your physical card will still show the old address, but the DMV's records reflect the new one.
What if I moved but have not received mail at my new address yet?
For in-person changes, bring a letter from your landlord, property manager, or mortgage lender on their letterhead confirming your residency. For online or mail changes, you can use your new address even if you have not received mail there yet — the DMV does not verify that mail has arrived.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes. Address changes are separate from license status. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person regardless of whether your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. However, you cannot renew or reinstate a suspended or revoked license until you resolve the underlying issue.
How do I know if my address change went through?
For online changes, you will receive a confirmation email. For mail or in-person changes, you can verify by logging into your DMV account at dmv.ca.gov, calling 1-800-777-0133, or visiting a field office and asking staff to check your record.
What if I made a mistake on my address change?
You can submit another address change using any of the three methods to correct it. There is no limit on how many times you can update your address, and each new submission overwrites the previous one.