The fastest way to change your address in California

You can change your address with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home, and your new license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you prefer to do it in person or by mail, both options work, but they take longer.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The DMV treats an address change as a separate transaction from a renewal, so your license stays valid with its current expiration date. You will receive a new physical card with your updated address printed on it.

Key Takeaways

  • California's online address change system lets you update your address in minutes at dmv.ca.gov without visiting an office.
  • You need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change it online.
  • If you change your address online, your new license card arrives by mail in about two weeks; your current license stays valid until it expires.
  • You can also change your address by mail or in person at a DMV office if you prefer not to use the online system.
  • If you move to California from another state, you must get a California license within 10 days of establishing residency.

Changing your address online at dmv.ca.gov

Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Address Change" option in the online services section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new California address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DMV records.

Once you submit the change, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or save the email confirmation. Your new license card will be mailed to your new address within two weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives — both are valid during this time.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no fee to change your address online.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer to mail in your address change, you will need to send a completed form DL 43 (Change of Address) to the DMV. You can read this form from dmv.ca.gov or request it by phone. Include your current driver's license number, your new address, and your signature on the form.

Mail the form to the address listed on the DMV website for address changes. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. Your new license will be sent to your new address once the change is processed. There is no fee for this service.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

You can walk into any DMV office and request an address change at the counter. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address will work. The DMV staff will process the change on the spot.

You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your new plastic card is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within two weeks. There is no fee to change your address in person.

DMV offices are busy, so arrive early or use the online appointment system at dmv.ca.gov to reserve a time slot. This reduces your wait time significantly.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts several documents to prove you live at your new address. A current utility bill (gas, electric, water, or internet) in your name works. So does a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you at the new address.

The document must show your name and your new address clearly. It should be dated within the last 60 days, though the DMV may accept older documents in some cases. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask the DMV what alternatives they will accept — they sometimes allow a letter from your landlord or a signed lease.

If you moved from another state to California

California law requires you to get a California driver's license within 10 days of establishing residency in the state. You cannot straightforward change the address on an out-of-state license. Instead, you must explore for a new California license by visiting a DMV office in person.

Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your California address, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your identity. You will take a written test and an eye test. The DMV will issue you a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent California license arrives by mail within two weeks.

If you have an out-of-state license and change your California address before getting a California license, you still need to explore for the California license within the 10-day window. straightforward changing your address on the out-of-state license does not satisfy California's requirement.

What happens after you change your address

Your old license remains valid until it expires, even though it shows your old address. You can use it for identification during the two-week wait for your new card. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid — you can destroy it or keep it for your records.

If you change your address online or by mail, the DMV will mail your new license to your new address. Make sure your new address is correct before you submit the change, because the card will go to that address. If you made a mistake, you can submit another address change request.

Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. Changing your license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must change your vehicle registration address separately through the DMV, either online or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move within California?

Yes. California law requires you to notify the DMV of a change of address within a reasonable time after you move. The DMV does not specify an exact important date, but doing it within 10 days is safest. Failing to update your address can cause problems if you receive a traffic ticket or need to renew your license.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address on an expired license. However, if your license has been expired for more than a few years, the DMV may require you to renew it instead of just changing the address. Contact the DMV or check dmv.ca.gov to confirm what you need to do.

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

If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, contact the DMV office you plan to visit and ask what documents they will accept. Some offices accept a signed lease, a letter from your landlord, or a temporary address change while you gather official documents.

How long does it take to get my new license after changing my address?

If you change your address online or by mail, your new license arrives within two weeks. If you change it in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days, and your permanent card arrives within two weeks.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company should be notified of your address change separately — contact them directly. The DMV does not share address changes with insurance companies automatically.