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

California lets you update your driver license address without renewing the card itself. You can do this through the DMV website, by mail, or by visiting a DMV office in person. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. Your new address shows up on your record when ready, though the physical card in your wallet still displays the old address until you renew it.

You do not need to wait for your license to expire to make this change. California law requires you to notify the DMV within 10 days of moving, so updating your address promptly keeps your record current with law enforcement and the courts.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV online portal is the fastest way to change your address — it takes 10 minutes, costs nothing, and updates your record the same day.
  • You can also mail a completed form DL 43 to the DMV address listed on the form, or visit a DMV office with proof of residency.
  • Your physical driver license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but your DMV record updates when ready.
  • California requires you to report a move within 10 days, so do not wait until your license expires.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Change Address" under the "Licenses and ID" section. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address on file, then enter your new address.

Once you submit, the DMV processes the change when ready. Your new address is live in the system right away, and you will receive a confirmation email. This method works only if your information matches what the DMV already has on record — if there are discrepancies, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing a change of address form to the DMV

read or request Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the DMV website or any DMV office. Fill in your driver license number, current address, new address, and sign the form. Include a document that shows your new address — this can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the DMV address listed on the form itself. Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks after the DMV receives it. Keep a copy for your records. If you are moving out of state or your address is a P.O. box, the mail method may not work — contact your local DMV office first.

Updating your address in person at a DMV office

Visit any DMV office with your current driver license and one document showing your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or official government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment for a straightforward address change, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need a change of address. They will update your record on the spot, and you will walk out with your address changed in the system. Your physical card will not change until you renew your license, but your DMV record is updated when ready.

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. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and official government mail all work. Some people use bank statements or insurance documents if they show the address clearly.

A P.O. box does not count as a residential address for driver license purposes. If you are living in temporary housing or with family, ask the DMV office what documents they will accept — some offices are flexible about affidavits or letters from the property owner. Do not guess; call ahead if you are unsure whether your document will work.

Timeline and what happens to your physical card

Your address change takes effect when ready in the DMV system, whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. Law enforcement and courts can see your new address right away. Your physical driver license card, however, still shows your old address until you renew your license at the end of its validity period.

You do not need to get a new card just to update your address. When your license expires and you renew it, the new card will print with your current address. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can request a replacement card at that time, which will also show the updated address.

Changing your address if you moved out of state

If you moved out of California, you should surrender your California license and get a license in your new state. However, if you are keeping a California address on file (for example, you own property there or plan to return), you can still update it through the online portal or by mail using Form DL 43.

Some states require you to get a new license within a certain number of days of moving. Check your new state's DMV website for their rules. If you are a California resident living temporarily out of state, you can keep your California license and update the address as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

California law requires you to notify the DMV within 10 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine, though enforcement is uncommon. More importantly, your DMV record should match where you actually live so law enforcement and courts have correct information.

Can I change my address without going to the DMV?

Yes. The online method at dmv.ca.gov takes 10 minutes and requires no visit. You can also mail Form DL 43 with proof of residency. In-person visits are only necessary if your information does not match the DMV's records or if you need to update other details at the same time.

Will my driver license card show my new address right away?

No. Your DMV record updates when ready, but the physical card in your wallet keeps the old address until you renew your license. The updated address is visible to law enforcement when they scan your license, even though the card itself has not changed.

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

Call your local DMV office and ask what documents they will accept. Some offices accept bank statements, insurance documents, or letters from a property owner. If you are in temporary housing, explain your situation — the DMV may have options you do not know about.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

The DMV typically processes mailed forms within 1 to 2 weeks of receiving them. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so allow 3 to 4 weeks total from when you drop it in the mailbox. Online changes are when ready; in-person changes happen the same day.