You can change your California driver license address online, by mail, or in person at the DMV
The fastest way is online through the California DMV website if your address change is within the state and your license is not expired. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
If you cannot use the online option — because your license has expired, you are moving from out of state, or you prefer to handle it in person — you can mail a form to the DMV or visit a local office. Each method has different wait times and document requirements.
Key Takeaways
- The California DMV online address change tool is free and the fastest option if your current license is not expired and you are staying in California.
- You can mail Form DL 43 to the DMV address listed on the form, and the change typically processes within two to three weeks.
- In-person visits at a DMV office require an appointment booked through the DMV website; walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
- If you are moving to California from another state, you must visit a DMV office in person with your out-of-state license and proof of residency.
- Your new address becomes official on your license once the DMV processes the change; you do not need to carry proof of the change while waiting.
Changing your address online through the DMV website
Go to the California DMV website and select "Change of Address" under the "Online Services" section. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new California address. The system will verify your identity using this information.
The online tool works only if your driver license is currently valid (not expired) and you are moving within California. If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to renew it in person at a DMV office before you can change the address online. The change is processed when ready, and you should see it reflected in your DMV record within one business day.
You do not need to pay a fee for an online address change. No documents need to be mailed or brought in. This is the least time-consuming option if you are may be able to access to use it.
Mailing Form DL 43 to the DMV
If you prefer to mail your address change or cannot use the online tool, read Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the California DMV website or request it by phone at 1-800-777-0133. Fill in your current driver license number, your new address, and sign the form. You do not need to include any other documents.
Mail the completed form to the DMV address printed on the form itself. The address varies by region, so check the form before mailing. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. There is no fee for a mail-in address change.
Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you want to confirm the DMV received your form, you can call the DMV customer service line, though wait times are often long.
Visiting a DMV office in person
To change your address at a DMV office, you must first book an appointment through the California DMV website. Select your nearest office, choose "Address Change" as the service you need, and pick an available time slot. Most offices have appointments available within one to two weeks, though this varies by location and season.
Bring your current driver license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or passport unless you are also renewing your license.
The appointment itself usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The DMV will process your address change on the spot, and your new address will be official when ready. You will keep your current license with the old address printed on it until it expires; the DMV does not issue a new card just for an address change.
What to do if you are moving to California from another state
If you hold a driver license from another state and are moving to California, you cannot change the address on your out-of-state license through the California DMV. Instead, you must obtain a California driver license. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office.
Book an appointment and bring your out-of-state license, proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will also need to pass a vision test. There is a fee for a new California license; the cost varies but is typically around $35 to $40 for a standard license valid for five years.
The DMV will not straightforward transfer your out-of-state address to a California record. You are obtaining a new license in a new state, so the process is more involved than a straightforward address change.
What happens to your old license after the address change
When you change your address through any method, your driver license card itself does not change. The card will still show your old address printed on it. The DMV's internal record is updated with your new address, and that is what matters for official purposes — police, courts, and government agencies all access the DMV database, not the physical card.
You do not need to carry proof that you have changed your address or wait for a new card to arrive. Your new address is active in the system when ready (for online changes) or within a few weeks (for mail or in-person changes). If you are stopped by police or need to show your license for identification, the old address on the card is not a problem.
When your license expires and you renew it, the new card will print with your current address on file. That is when the address change becomes visible on the physical card itself.
If your address change is not processed or you need to follow up
If you submitted your address change online and do not see it reflected in your DMV record after one business day, log back into your DMV account and check the status. Sometimes the system requires a second verification step.
If you mailed Form DL 43 and it has been more than three weeks, call the DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133. Have your driver license number ready. The wait time to speak with someone is often 30 minutes or longer, so call early in the morning or on a weekday if possible. The DMV can confirm whether your form was received and when it was processed.
If you changed your address in person at a DMV office, the change should be active when ready. If you notice it is not reflected in your online DMV account within one business day, call customer service to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my driver license if I move?
California law requires you to notify the DMV of a change of address within 10 days of moving. However, there is no penalty for not doing so when ready. The main reason to update it is so your license matches your current residence for identification purposes and so the DMV can reach you if needed.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You cannot use the online tool if your license expired more than one year ago. You can still mail Form DL 43 or visit a DMV office in person. If your license expired less than one year ago, you may be able to renew and change the address at the same time during an in-person visit.
What if I do not have a document proving my new address?
The DMV requires one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Some DMV offices accept this in place of an official document.
How long does it take to see my new address in the DMV system?
Online changes are reflected within one business day. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes are active when ready. You can check your address in your online DMV account once the change is processed.
Will I get a new driver license card with my new address on it?
No. Your current license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license at expiration. The DMV does not issue a new card for an address-only change. Your new address is stored in the DMV database and is what matters for official purposes.