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

California lets you update your driver license address without renewing the entire license. The fastest method is online through the DMV website if you have a Real ID or standard driver license and your address change is within California. If you cannot use the online option, you can mail a form to the DMV or visit a field office in person. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose — online changes show up in the system when ready, while mail takes one to two weeks.

You will need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start any address change. If you are moving out of state or your license is expired, you cannot use the online method and must visit a DMV office or mail in a form instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dmv.ca.gov takes five minutes and updates your record the same day, but only works if your license is current and you are staying in California.
  • If you cannot go online, mail Form DL 43 (Change of Address) to the DMV address listed on the form — no fee is required.
  • You can also change your address at any DMV field office by bringing your driver license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Address changes do not renew your license or change your expiration date — your license remains valid until the date printed on it.
  • If you are moving out of California, you must get a new license from your new state; a California address change will not work.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change of Address" or search for it directly in the site's search bar. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.

Once your identity is confirmed, you will enter your new California address. Double-check the spelling and zip code before submitting — the DMV uses this information to update your record and send you any future notices. After you submit, you will see a confirmation message on screen. Your address change takes effect when ready in the DMV system, though it may take a few days for the change to appear in other government databases.

This method works only if your driver license is not expired and you are moving within California. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you are moving to another state, you must use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing Form DL 43 to the DMV

read Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV field office. Fill in your name, driver license number, date of birth, and your new address. Sign and date the form — an unsigned form will be rejected and sent back to you.

Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself. The DMV processes mail-in address changes within one to two weeks. You do not need to include any documents or pay a fee. Include a phone number or email address on the form if you want the DMV to contact you if there is a problem with your submission.

Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you do not hear back within three weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received it. You can call the DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status of your change.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Visit any DMV field office with your current driver license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to change your address. They will verify your identity using your license, check your proof of address, and update your record on the spot. The change takes effect when ready. You will not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DMV's system will have your new address on file.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Visit early in the morning or on a weekday if possible to avoid longer lines. You can check wait times for your local office on the DMV website before you go.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address is updated, the DMV will send any future notices, renewal reminders, and license documents to your new address. If you are expecting a notice or renewal before your change is processed, it may still arrive at your old address — contact your mail carrier or the previous resident to have it forwarded.

Your driver license card itself will still show your old address until you renew your license. When you renew, you will receive a new card with your current address printed on it. Until then, your license is still valid for driving and identification purposes, even though the address on the card is outdated. The DMV's internal system has your correct address, which is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they scan your license.

If you move again before your license expires, you can change your address as many times as you need. There is no limit to how many address changes you can make, and each change is free.

If your address change was rejected or lost

If you mailed Form DL 43 and have not heard back after three weeks, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask whether they received it. Have your driver license number ready. If the form was rejected, the DMV will tell you why — common reasons include a missing signature, illegible handwriting, or an incomplete address.

If the form was lost in the mail, you can submit a new one or use the online method instead. If you used the online method and your address did not update, try again — temporary system errors sometimes cause the first attempt to fail. If it fails a second time, visit a DMV office in person.

If you need to change your address urgently because you are moving within days, go to a DMV office in person. This is the only method that updates your record the same day and gives you proof of the change on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I am moving out of state?

No. If you are moving to another state, you must get a driver license from that state instead. A California address change will not work for out-of-state moves. Contact your new state's DMV to find out what documents you need to get a license there.

Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?

Not right away. Your current license card will still show your old address until you renew your license. When you renew, you will receive a new card with your updated address. Until then, your license is still valid — the DMV's system has your correct address even if the card does not.

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

The DMV typically processes mailed address changes within one to two weeks. Mail delivery time varies, so allow extra time for the form to reach the DMV. If you need the change done faster, use the online method or visit a DMV office in person.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You cannot use the online method if your license is expired. You can still change your address by mail or in person at a DMV office. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address — contact the DMV to confirm.

What if I do not have proof of my new address?

If you are changing your address in person, you must bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. If you do not have one yet, wait until you do before visiting the DMV. For online or mail changes, you do not need to submit proof — the DMV will accept your word.