Changing Your Address in California

If you change your address, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. As a bonus, if you move somewhere within the same county, your voter address gets changed, too. Furthermore, changing your address is free.

The following information applies to driver licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registration certificates.

How To Notify The DMV

There are three ways to notify the DMV of your new address:

• By Mail: All you need to do is fill out a short Notice of Change of Address form and mail it to the address at the top. After doing so, make a little card with your new address on it, sign and date it, and carry it with your driver's license.

• In Person: If you don't feel like paying for a stamp, drop in to your local DMV office and complete a Notice of Change of Address form there. The DMV examiner will then give you a Change of Address Certificate card to carry with you.

• Online: Under certain circumstances you can access the online CA DMV change of address system. While it sure makes it easy, not all people can use the system (say for example if you hold a CDL or if do not have a Social Security card). Check the page for the particulars, and read the fine print before you begin the process. Currently, if you use the online change of address form, you won't be able to use the online driver license renewal the next time your license expires.

No New License Issued―Change on File Only

There's no charge to change your address with the California DMV. Although the DMV won't send you a new driver license every time you change your address, it's a good idea to file the change with the agency so that it can locate you.

If You Want A Driver License Showing Your New Address

If you wish to have a new license showing your current address, follow the steps to apply for a duplicate license with your new address. The normal duplicate license fees will apply.

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