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

You can update your address on a California driver license through three routes: the DMV website (fastest), mail (takes longer), or an in-person visit to a DMV office. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. After you submit, the DMV mails a replacement license with your new address to your new home — this usually arrives within two to three weeks.

If you move out of state or cannot use the online system, you can mail a completed form or visit a DMV office in person. The mail route takes four to six weeks total. An in-person visit is fastest if you need the change recorded when ready, though you will still wait for the replacement license to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV website lets you change your address without visiting an office or paying a fee, and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
  • You will receive a replacement license in the mail within two to three weeks; your old license remains valid until it arrives.
  • If you move out of state, you cannot use the online system and must mail a form or visit a DMV office in person.
  • The DMV accepts address changes up to 10 days after you move, though updating sooner prevents mail delivery problems.

Update your address online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Address Change" option under the "Licenses and ID Cards" section. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and then ask you to confirm your new address. You must provide a valid email address where the DMV can send you a confirmation.

After you submit, you will receive an email confirmation within a few minutes. The DMV will then mail a replacement license to your new address. Your current license stays valid during this time, so you can continue using it. The replacement usually arrives within 10 to 21 days, depending on mail delivery speed in your area.

The online system works only if you are changing your address within California. If you are moving out of state, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mail a form to the DMV if you cannot go online

read the process for Replacement Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 43) from dmv.ca.gov. Fill in your current information and your new address. You do not need to sign the form — the DMV accepts unsigned applications for address changes. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and your address proof to the DMV address listed on the form. Include your driver license number in the letter so the DMV can match it to your record. The DMV will process the form and mail your replacement license to your new address. This method takes four to six weeks total, including mail time in both directions.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If your replacement license does not arrive within six weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.

Visit a DMV office in person for when ready recording

Walk into any DMV office with your current driver license and proof of your new address. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use online reservation systems. Check dmv.ca.gov to see if your local office requires one.

Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update your record in the system when ready, and you will receive a temporary paper confirmation. Your replacement license will be mailed to your new address within two to three weeks. Your old license remains valid until the replacement arrives.

In-person visits are useful if you need the address change recorded the same day, or if you are uncomfortable using the online system. There is no fee for an address change at any DMV office.

What documents prove your new address

The DMV accepts any document that shows your name and new address and was issued within the last 60 days. Common examples include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or government mail like a tax notice or voter registration card. The document must be an original or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

If you do not have a document in your name yet, ask your utility company, landlord, or bank to issue one. Some will do this when ready; others take a few days. If you are moving into a home you own and have no utility bill yet, a property tax bill or homeowner insurance document works instead.

Timeline for receiving your replacement license

Online submission: The DMV mails your replacement within one to two business days. Mail delivery then takes 10 to 21 days depending on your location. Total time is usually two to three weeks.

Mail submission: The DMV processes the form within five to seven business days, then mails your replacement. Total time is usually four to six weeks.

In-person visit: The DMV records the change when ready and mails your replacement within one to two business days. Mail delivery takes 10 to 21 days. Total time is usually two to three weeks.

Your old license remains valid for all purposes while you wait for the replacement. You do not need to do anything else — the DMV will send the new license automatically once it is printed.

What to do if you move before updating your address

If your replacement license is mailed to your old address after you have already moved, contact the new resident or the post office. The post office can forward mail if you filed a change of address form with them. If the license reaches your old address and you cannot retrieve it, contact the DMV to report it lost or undelivered. They can reissue it to your current address.

To avoid this problem, update your address with the DMV before you move, or within a few days of moving. The DMV accepts address changes up to 10 days after you move without penalty. If you wait longer, you may face a fine, though the DMV typically does not enforce this strictly for straightforward address changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to change my address?

No. Address changes are free through all three methods — online, mail, or in person. You only pay if you request an expedited replacement or a duplicate license for other reasons.

Can I use my old license while I wait for the replacement?

Yes. Your current license remains valid for all purposes until the replacement arrives. You do not need to carry any temporary document or confirmation.

What if I move out of state?

The online system works only for moves within California. If you are moving to another state, mail a completed Form DL 43 with proof of your new address, or visit a DMV office in person before you leave. You will eventually need a driver license from your new state, but California will mail your replacement to your out-of-state address if you request it.

How long does the DMV keep my old address on file?

Once you update your address, the DMV replaces your record. Your old address is no longer active. If you need to confirm when the change was processed, the DMV can provide that information if you contact them with your license number.

What if my replacement license never arrives?

Contact the DMV with your driver license number and the date you submitted the change. They can check whether the license was mailed and provide tracking information if available. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it. This process usually takes another two to three weeks.