You can change your California driver license address online, by mail, or in person at the DMV
The fastest way is the DMV's online system, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your current driver license number, a California address, and an email address. The change shows up in the DMV's system right away, though your physical card still has the old address until it expires or you renew it.
If you can't use the online system — because you moved out of state, changed your name, or your license is suspended — you can mail a form or visit a DMV office in person. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person visits are faster but require a trip to your local DMV office and often mean waiting in line.
California doesn't require you to update your address before a specific important date, but doing it soon after you move prevents problems with voter registration, vehicle registration, and mail from the state.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV's online address change tool is free and takes about 10 minutes, and works if you still live in California and your license is valid and not suspended.
- You can mail Form DL 43 to the DMV with proof of your new address, though processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person visits at any DMV office let you change your address the same day, but you'll need to bring your current license and proof of your new address.
- Your physical driver license card keeps your old address until you renew it, even after you change the address in the DMV system.
- Updating your address also updates your voter registration and vehicle registration records if they're linked to your license.
Changing your address online through the DMV website
Go to dmv.ca.gov and click "Address Change" under the "Licenses and ID Cards" section. You'll be taken to the online system, which asks for your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Have your current license in front of you — you'll need the number printed on it.
Enter your new California address exactly as it appears on mail or utility bills. The system checks that the address is valid before you submit. You'll also need an email address where the DMV can send you a confirmation. Once you submit, the change is recorded in the DMV database when ready. You'll get a confirmation email within a few minutes.
This method only works if your license is valid and not suspended, you still live in California, and your name hasn't changed since you got your current license. If any of those don't explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing Form DL 43 to the DMV
read or print Form DL 43 from dmv.ca.gov. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign and date the form. You'll also need to include proof that you live at the new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail postmarked within the last 60 days all work.
Mail the form and proof to the DMV address listed on the form itself, which varies by region. Include a copy of both sides of your current driver license if it's easier for you, though it's not required. The DMV processes mail in the order it arrives, and most address changes are done within two to three weeks.
You don't need to include payment — address changes are free. If you want to know when your change was processed, you can check your DMV record online after about three weeks, or call the DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133.
Changing your address in person at a DMV office
Visit any DMV office in California with your current driver license and proof of your new address. Bring the same documents you'd mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 60 days. You don't need an appointment for an address change, but you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is.
Tell the staff member at the counter that you're changing your address. They'll scan your license, enter your new address into the system, and print a receipt showing the change was recorded. The update is active when ready in the DMV database. Your physical license card still shows your old address, but the DMV's records are current.
Find your nearest DMV office and its hours on dmv.ca.gov. Some offices are busier than others — early morning or midweek visits often mean shorter waits. If you're changing your address at the same time you renew your license or get a Real ID, you can do both in one visit.
What happens to your physical driver license card
Your driver license card keeps your old address printed on it, even after you change the address in the DMV system. The card itself doesn't get reprinted unless you renew your license or request a replacement. When your license expires and you renew it, the new card will have your current address.
This doesn't cause problems in most situations. Police officers, banks, and other organizations check the DMV database when they verify your identity, not just what's printed on the card. Your voter registration and vehicle registration are also updated when you change your address with the DMV, so those records stay current.
If you need a new card with your current address before your license expires, you can request a replacement card for a fee (currently $20). This is optional — most people wait until their regular renewal.
When you can't use the online system
The online address change tool doesn't work if your license is suspended or revoked, if you moved out of California, if your name has changed since you got your current license, or if your license has expired more than five years ago. In any of these situations, you must use the mail or in-person method.
If your license is suspended, you can still change your address by mail or in person, but the DMV will note that your license status hasn't changed. Once your suspension is lifted, your address will already be current in the system. If you moved out of state, you'll need to get a driver license or ID card from your new state, but you can still update your California record if you plan to return.
If your name changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you'll need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your address proof. This applies whether you're mailing or visiting in person.
How your address change affects other records
When you change your driver license address with the DMV, your voter registration address updates automatically if you're registered to vote in California. You don't need to contact the Secretary of State or your county elections office separately. Your vehicle registration also updates if your vehicle is registered in California under the same name and address.
If you have a commercial driver license (CDL), the same address change applies to it. If you have both a regular license and a CDL, changing one changes both. Your Real ID status (if you have it) stays the same — the address change doesn't affect whether your license is Real ID compliant.
If you have a California ID card instead of a driver license, you can change the address using the same methods: online, by mail with Form DL 43, or in person at the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online system takes about 10 minutes to complete, and the change is recorded in the DMV database when ready. You'll get a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew it.
Do I need to change my address before a certain date?
California doesn't have a legal important date for updating your driver license address after you move. However, updating it soon prevents problems with voter registration, vehicle registration, and mail from the state. It's best to do it within a few weeks of moving.
What counts as proof of my new address?
Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (like a tax form or court document) postmarked or dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and new address. A bank statement or credit card bill usually works too.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You can change your address by mail or in person if your license expired less than five years ago. If it's been expired longer than five years, you'll need to renew your license first, which requires an in-person visit and a new photo. You can renew and change your address at the same time.
Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address with the DMV doesn't affect your driving record or traffic violations. You should notify your car insurance company separately about your address change — the DMV doesn't share that information with insurers. Contact your insurance agent or company directly to update your policy.