What You Need to Do to Update Your Address with the California DMV

You can change the address on your California vehicle registration without renewing your registration early. The DMV processes address changes separately and will mail your updated registration card to your new address. You have three ways to do this: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

The fastest route is online if you have a valid California driver's license or ID card and access to your vehicle's registration number. If you cannot go online, mailing in a form takes about two to three weeks. In-person visits at a DMV office are also available but typically involve waiting time.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address on an active registration. However, if your registration has expired or you are registering a vehicle for the first time, different rules explore.

Key Takeaways

  • California lets you change your registration address online, by mail, or in person without paying a fee or renewing early.
  • The online method requires your driver's license or ID number, vehicle registration number, and a valid email address.
  • If you mail in the change, use Form REG 14 and allow two to three weeks for processing.
  • Your updated registration card will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks of approval.
  • You must update your address within 10 days of moving if you want to avoid penalties on future registrations.

Changing Your Address Online Through the DMV Website

The online method is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You will need your California driver's license or ID number, your vehicle's registration number (found on your current registration card), and access to an email address. Go to the California DMV website and select the "Address Change" option under vehicle registration services.

Enter your personal information, driver's license or ID number, and vehicle registration details. The system will verify your identity and pull up your registration record. Review the information on screen, enter your new address, and confirm the change. You will receive an email confirmation when ready.

The DMV will process your request within one to two weeks and mail your updated registration card to the new address you provided. You do not need to do anything else once you submit the online form. If the system cannot verify your information, you will see an error message and will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing in a Change of Address Form

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail in your address change using Form REG 14, which is the official California DMV form for this purpose. You can read it from the DMV website or request it by mail. Fill in your name, current registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and your new address.

Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form instructions. Include a copy of your current registration card if possible, though it is not required. Do not send cash or checks; the address change is free.

Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. Your updated registration card will be mailed to your new address. If you need to confirm receipt, you can call the DMV customer service line, though wait times are often long.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

You can visit any California DMV office to change your address. Bring your current vehicle registration card, a valid driver's license or ID, and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days.

Check the DMV website for office hours and locations near you. Many offices now use an online appointment system; booking ahead usually means shorter wait times than walk-ins. When you arrive, tell the staff member you need an address change on your registration.

The transaction takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you are called. The DMV will update your record on the spot and mail your new registration card to your new address within one to two weeks. You will not receive a temporary registration document; your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.

What Happens If You Do Not Update Your Address

California law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of moving. If you do not update your address, the DMV will continue mailing registration renewal notices and other documents to your old address. This can cause you to miss renewal important date without realizing it.

If your registration expires because you did not receive the renewal notice, you will face late fees and penalties when you eventually renew. In some cases, driving with an expired registration can result in a traffic citation. The DMV also uses your registered address for vehicle-related notices, parking violation correspondence, and smog check reminders.

Updating your address promptly prevents these problems and ensures you receive all official documents at the correct location. If you have already missed a renewal important date, you will need to renew your registration and pay any applicable late fees in addition to the standard renewal cost.

Address Changes for Vehicles with Loans or Leases

If your vehicle has a loan or lease, the lienholder or lessor may also need to be notified of your address change, depending on the terms of your agreement. The DMV address change affects only the registration record; it does not automatically update the lender's or lessor's records.

Contact your lender or leasing company directly to update your address with them. They may have their own process for address changes and may require different documentation. Updating both the DMV and your lender ensures you receive all notices and statements at your new address.

If you are unsure whether your lender needs notification, check your loan or lease agreement or call their customer service number. Most lenders request notification within 30 days of a move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your Address

The most common mistake is entering an incomplete or incorrect new address. Double-check your street number, street name, city, state, and ZIP code before submitting your change online or mailing in a form. A wrong address will cause your registration card to be mailed to the wrong location.

Another mistake is forgetting to update your address before your registration expires. If you move and do not update your address, you may not receive your renewal notice. When your registration expires, you will have to renew it and pay late fees even though the expiration was not your fault.

Do not assume that changing your driver's license address automatically changes your vehicle registration address. These are separate records. You must update each one independently. Similarly, do not send cash or checks with a mailed form; the address change is free, and the DMV does not process payments for this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my updated registration card after I change my address?

The DMV typically mails your updated registration card within one to two weeks of processing your address change. If you submitted your change online or in person, processing takes about one week. If you mailed in Form REG 14, allow two to three weeks for the form to reach the DMV plus one to two weeks for mailing the card back to you.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address on my registration?

No, changing your address on an active registration is free. You do not need to renew your registration early or pay any processing fee. If your registration has expired, you will need to renew it, which does have a fee, but the address change itself costs nothing.

Can I change my address if my registration has expired?

You can submit an address change form even if your registration is expired, but you will also need to renew your registration at the same time. The DMV will process both requests together. You will pay the renewal fee but not an additional fee for the address change.

What if I move again before my new registration card arrives?

Submit another address change with your new address. The DMV will update your record and mail the registration card to your most recent address. If you have already submitted one change and need to change it again, use the same method (online, mail, or in person) and provide your most current address.

Is changing my registration address the same as changing my driver's license address?

No, these are two separate records. Changing your driver's license address does not change your vehicle registration address, and vice versa. You must update each one independently through the DMV. If you have multiple vehicles, you must change the address for each registration separately as well.