You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at the DMV

California lets you update your driver's license address through three routes: the DMV website (fastest), the mail (cheapest), or an in-person visit to a DMV office. You do not need to renew your license early or pay a fee to change your address alone. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change and whether you have access to a printer and valid payment method.

Most people use the online option because it takes 10 minutes and produces a temporary digital license you can use when ready. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires only a signed form and a check. In-person visits at a DMV office are fastest for same-day confirmation but involve waiting in line.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV online portal is the fastest method and generates a temporary digital license valid while your physical card is in the mail.
  • You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
  • If you mail the change, use Form DL 43 (Change of Address), sign it, and send it with a check for the $1.50 fee to the DMV address listed on the form.
  • Your new physical license arrives in about two weeks by mail; you can use your temporary digital license or old license until it arrives.
  • You do not need to bring documents or proof of residency to change your address — the DMV updates it based on your identity verification.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Change Address" under the "Driver License" section. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV records.

Once verified, enter your new address and review it for accuracy before submitting. The DMV will display a temporary digital license on your screen that you can screenshot or save. This temporary license is valid for driving while your physical card is in transit. Your new physical license will arrive by mail in about 10 to 14 business days.

The online method costs nothing and is available 24 hours a day. If the security questions do not match your records or you cannot remember answers, the system will direct you to mail the change or visit an office instead.

Mailing your address change with Form DL 43

read or request Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Fill in your name, driver's license number, new address, and date of birth. Sign the form in the space marked "Signature" — an unsigned form will be returned.

Include a check or money order for $1.50 made payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Mail the completed form and payment to the address printed on the form itself, which varies by region. Do not send cash. The DMV processes mail changes in the order received, typically within two to three weeks.

You can continue using your current license during this time. The new physical license will arrive by mail once processed. Keep your old license until the new one arrives in case you need to show ID.

Visiting a DMV office in person

Locate your nearest DMV office at dmv.ca.gov/offices and check the current wait time before you go. Bring your current driver's license and nothing else — you do not need proof of residency or other documents to change your address. Walk in during office hours or use the online appointment system to reserve a time slot, which usually reduces wait time.

Tell the representative you want to change your address. They will verify your identity using your license and update your record in the system. You will receive a temporary paper document confirming the change, and your new physical license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

In-person visits are useful if you have questions about the process, need to change other information at the same time, or prefer when ready confirmation. However, DMV offices are often busy, and wait times can exceed one hour even with an appointment.

What happens after you submit your address change

Once the DMV processes your change, your address is updated in their system when ready (online) or within two to three weeks (mail). Your new physical license is printed and mailed to your new address. During the waiting period, your old license remains valid for driving.

If you move again before your new license arrives, you can submit another address change. The DMV will mail the license to your most recent address on file. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address, and each change is free.

Your vehicle registration does not automatically update when you change your driver's license address. You must change your registration separately through the DMV or online at dmv.ca.gov if your vehicle address differs from your license address.

Changing your address if you cannot use the online system

If the online security questions do not match your records, or you do not have your license number handy, use the mail or in-person method instead. The mail route requires only Form DL 43 and a $1.50 check. An in-person visit at a DMV office requires only your current license.

If you have lost your license or it has been suspended, you can still change your address by mail or in person. Bring your lost license report number (if you have one) or your ID to an office visit. The address change process is separate from license replacement or reinstatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my vehicle registration address too?

Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. Changing one does not change the other. You must update your vehicle registration separately through the DMV if your address has changed. You can do this online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person.

What if my new address is outside California?

If you move out of state, you cannot straightforward change your address on your California license. You must surrender your California license and obtain a license in your new state. Contact your new state's DMV for their process. California will not mail a license to an out-of-state address.

How long is the temporary digital license valid?

The temporary digital license generated during the online process is valid until your new physical license arrives, typically 10 to 14 business days. After that, you must use your new physical license. The temporary version is not valid once the physical card is delivered.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address online, by mail, or in person. However, you cannot drive with an expired license. If your license is expired and you need to drive, you should renew it at the same time you change your address.

What if I entered the wrong address by mistake?

If you submitted the wrong address online, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before your new license is printed. If the license has already been mailed, you can submit another address change to have it sent to the correct address. There is no fee for correcting a mistake.