DMV Change of Address California
Update your license, ID and vehicles in one free request
The DMV change of address California process tells DMV where you now live, so renewal notices and other mail reach you. California law gives you 10 days after a move to notify DMV. Most people can do it online in a MyDMV account. Others use the DMV 14 form by mail or at an office.
By California DMV Appointments Editorial TeamUpdated November 2026Source: California DMV (dmv.ca.gov)
- 10 daysto notify DMV after you move
- $0to change your address
- 3 daysto allow for online processing
- 3 carsper online request, same address
Can You Update Online?
DMV’s online system has a few limits. Tick any that apply to you.
Use your MyDMV account. Have your old and new addresses ready.
Plan it ↓How Do You Change Your Address With the California DMV?
Enter your move date, tick what needs the new address and pick a route. Your routing slip shows the 10-day deadline and each step, with the official DMV page to finish on.
- 1Online in your MyDMV account—
- 2Driver’s license or ID card—
- 3Vehicles—
- 4Boat or vessel—
- 5Disabled parking placard—
- 6Voter registration—
- 7Confirm it went through—
Does a USPS Change of Address Update Your DMV Record?
No. The Postal Service and DMV keep separate records. A USPS change of address forwards your mail, but the address on your license, ID card and vehicle record stays the same until you tell DMV.
USPS change of address
- Forwards mail sent to your old address
- Doesn’t change your DMV record
- Doesn’t count as notifying DMV
DMV change of address
- Updates your license or ID record
- Can update your vehicles too
- Required within 10 days, and free
Do both after a move. File with DMV for your record, and with the Postal Service at moversguide.usps.com ↗ so stray mail still finds you.
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What Are the Ways to Change Your Address With DMV?
All three use the same Change of Address (DMV 14) information, and none of them costs anything. An office visit isn’t required.
Online in MyDMV
- Have your old and new addresses handy.
- Add each vehicle to your MyDMV garage first.
- Update your license or ID and your vehicles in the same request.
- Allow up to 3 days for processing.
By mail with DMV 14
- Download the DMV 14 form from dmv.ca.gov.
- No printer? Call 1-800-777-0133 and ask DMV to mail one. It can take up to 5 days to arrive.
- Mail the completed form to the address printed on it.
At a DMV office
- Fill out a DMV 14 at any field office.
- Hand it to a representative, who sends it to DMV headquarters.
- Handy if you’re already at the office for something else. Find one with our California DMV locations guide.
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What Happens After You Change Your Address?
Four points to know before you file, so you don’t miss a renewal notice or make a second trip.
No new card arrives
DMV doesn’t issue new documents after an address change. Want the new address printed? Once the change shows as complete, you can request a replacement card. DMV lists $37 for a replacement Class C license and $40 for a regular ID card.
License and vehicles are separate
Changing one doesn’t change the other automatically. In MyDMV you can update your license or ID and your vehicle or vessel registrations at the same time, up to three vehicles with the same address per request.
Residence vs mailing address
Your residence address is where you live. A mailing address is optional if you get mail at home. A PO box works as a mailing address, but you still need a residence address for a license or ID. Temporary mailing addresses aren’t allowed.
Renewing soon? Do this first
DMV asks you to change your address before renewing or applying for other services, and to allow up to 3 days. Then move on to our California DMV renewal online guide or the vehicle registration renewal guide.
What If Your Move Doesn’t Fit the Usual Rules?
These situations use a different form, a different system, or a different step altogether.
Moving to another state
You can still use DMV’s online change of address. Check your new state’s rules for getting its license and registering your car there.
California CDL, new home out of state
The online system won’t take it. A California CDL needs California residency, so transfer your CDL to your new state.
Disabled person parking placard
Placard addresses go through DMV’s separate placard change of address app, linked from the DMV change of address page ↗, not MyDMV.
APO, FPO or overseas address
Military post office addresses and addresses outside the U.S. can’t be entered online. Use the DMV 14 by mail.
Waiting on a REAL ID card
If you applied for a REAL ID and it hasn’t arrived yet, the online system can’t update you. Send a DMV 14. Still deciding on one? See our California REAL ID guide.
Someone else’s address
You can only change your own address and your own vehicles. Other people in your home need their own request.
DMV Change of Address California FAQs
How do I change my address with the California DMV?
Most people do it online in a MyDMV account. If you can’t use the online system, complete a Change of Address (DMV 14) form and mail it to the address on the form, or hand it in at a DMV office.
How long do I have to change my address with DMV in California?
California law requires you to notify DMV within 10 days of changing your address.
Does it cost anything to change my address with DMV?
No. DMV says notifying it of an address change is free, whether you do it online, by mail or at an office.
Will DMV send me a new license after I change my address?
No. DMV doesn’t issue new documents for an address change. You can request a replacement license, ID card or registration card after the change is confirmed.
Does changing my license address also update my car registration?
Not automatically. In your MyDMV account you can choose to update your license or ID and your vehicle or vessel registrations in the same request.
Does a USPS change of address update my DMV record?
No. The Postal Service and DMV are separate. A USPS request forwards your mail, but you still need to submit a change of address to DMV.
Can I use a PO box as my DMV address?
You can use a PO box as your mailing address, but you must also give a residence address when the change includes your driver’s license or ID card. Temporary mailing addresses aren’t allowed.
How do I check if my DMV change of address went through?
Log in to your MyDMV account after 3 days and choose the option to check your change of address status for your license, ID card or vehicle.