What Form You Need and Where to Get It
California uses Form DL 43 to change the address on your driver's license or ID card. This is the only form the DMV accepts for address changes by mail or in person. You can get it three ways: read it from the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov), pick up a copy at any DMV field office, or request one by mail from the DMV.
The form is one page, front and back. It takes about five minutes to complete if you have your current license and know your new address. You do not need to bring it to an office — you can mail it in — but if you go in person, bring the completed form with you.
Do not use any other form. The DMV will reject applications on the wrong form or on a blank piece of paper with your information written on it, even if all the details are correct.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL 43 is the only form California accepts for address changes on a driver's license or ID card.
- You must sign the form in person at a DMV office or have your signature notarized if you mail it in.
- Mailing the form takes two to three weeks; going in person is faster and you leave with a temporary proof of address.
- The form costs nothing, but you may pay a $10 replacement fee if you want a new card with your updated address printed on it.
- You must include your current driver's license number and your new address; incomplete forms are rejected.
How to Fill Out Form DL 43 Step by Step
Section 1: Your Information. Print your full legal name exactly as it appears on your current license. If your name has changed since you got your license, use your current legal name and bring proof of the change (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal document). Fill in your date of birth, current driver's license number, and the state where it was issued.
Section 2: Your New Address. Write your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code in the spaces provided. Use the address where you actually live or receive mail — the DMV will verify it against utility bills or other records if there is a discrepancy. Do not abbreviate the street type (write "Street" not "St.") or the state name unless the form has a specific box for abbreviations.
Section 3: Signature and Date. Sign and date the form in the signature box. Your signature must match the signature on your current license as closely as possible. If you are mailing the form, your signature must be notarized — a notary public must watch you sign and stamp the form. If you are going to a DMV office in person, you can sign it there without a notary.
Section 4: Mailing Address (if different). If you want DMV mail sent to a different address than where you live, fill in that address. This is optional. Most people leave this blank.
Signature Requirements: In Person or Notarized
California requires a signature on Form DL 43, and how you provide it depends on your method. If you go to a DMV office, you sign the form in front of a DMV employee — no notary needed. If you mail the form, you must have your signature notarized before you mail it.
A notary public is available at most banks, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some libraries. Notary fees range from $5 to $15 per signature. The notary will ask for a photo ID (your driver's license is fine) and will watch you sign the form, then stamp and sign it themselves. This takes about five minutes.
If you mail an unsigned form or a form with a signature that is not notarized, the DMV will reject it and send it back. You will have to start over.
Mailing Your Form or Going In Person
You have two options once the form is complete and signed.
By mail: Mail the completed, notarized Form DL 43 to the DMV address listed on the form itself (it varies by region). Include your current driver's license or ID card if you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it; if you do not include it, the DMV will update your record but will not send you a new card. Processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a receipt or confirmation — the DMV will straightforward update your record and, if you included your card, mail you a new one.
In person: Bring the completed, signed Form DL 43 and your current driver's license to any DMV field office. You do not need an appointment for an address change, but wait times vary. You will leave with a temporary proof of address (a paper receipt) that same day, and your new card will arrive by mail within two weeks. This route is faster if you need proof of your new address when ready.
What Happens After You Submit the Form
The DMV updates your address in its system within two to three weeks, whether you mail the form or go in person. During that time, your old address is still on file. If you need to prove your new address before the update is complete, ask for a temporary proof of address at the DMV office — they will print one on the spot.
If you included your current driver's license or ID card with your mailed form, the DMV will send you a replacement card with your new address printed on it. This card is valid for the same expiration date as your old one. If you did not include your card, your record is updated but no new card is issued — your old card remains valid, just with outdated address information.
If you go in person, you can choose whether to get a replacement card. If you do, there is a $10 fee. If you do not, your address is updated in the system but your card stays the same.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete information: The DMV rejects forms missing your driver's license number, new address, or signature. Double-check all three before mailing or submitting.
Signature not notarized on mailed forms: If you mail the form, it must be notarized. A regular signature is not enough. The DMV will send it back unsigned forms.
Mismatched signature: Your signature on Form DL 43 should match your signature on your current license. If it looks very different, the DMV may ask for clarification or reject the form.
Wrong address format: Write out street types and state names fully. "123 Main St, CA 90210" may be rejected; "123 Main Street, California 90210" is safer. Check your form against your actual mailing address before submitting.
Forgetting to include your card: If you mail the form and want a replacement card with your new address, you must include your current card in the envelope. Without it, the DMV will not send you a new one.
Fees and Timeline Comparison
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | When You Get Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail (no new card) | Free | 2–3 weeks | None until card arrives |
| Mail (with new card) | Free | 2–3 weeks | New card by mail |
| In person (no new card) | Free | Same day | Temporary receipt |
| In person (with new card) | $10 | Same day for receipt; 2 weeks for card | Temporary receipt, then card by mail |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online instead of using Form DL 43?
California does not offer online address changes for driver's licenses or ID cards. Form DL 43 by mail or in person is the only way. Some states allow online changes, but California does not.
What if I do not have a notary and want to mail the form?
You will need to find a notary before you can mail the form. Banks, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some libraries offer notary services for $5 to $15. Alternatively, go to a DMV office in person to avoid the notary step.
Do I have to get a new card with my new address on it?
No. You can update your address without getting a new card. Your old card remains valid; the address in the DMV system is what matters for official purposes. A new card is optional and costs $10 if you go in person.
How long does it take to get my new card in the mail?
New cards arrive within two weeks of submission, though it can take up to three weeks depending on mail delays. You will not receive a tracking number or notification when it ships.
What if I move again before my new card arrives?
You can submit another Form DL 43 with your new address. The DMV will update your record and send a new card to your latest address. You do not need to wait for the first card to arrive.