California DMV Change of Address: The 10-Day Rule

When you move, California law requires you to notify the DMV within 10 days, for your driver's license or ID (Vehicle Code §14600) and for each vehicle you have registered (Vehicle Code §4159). Updating on time means renewal notices, registration stickers and important letters reach you.

Option 1: Online (fastest)

Use the DMV's online change of address system at dmv.ca.gov. The DMV says you can change both your license or ID and your vehicle or vessel registrations at the same time. Changing one record doesn't automatically update the other, so select everything that applies.

Allow up to three days for processing.

Who can't use the online system

According to the DMV, you can't use the online change of address if you:

don't have a California license or ID;
don't have a Social Security number;
hold a California commercial driver's license but live in another state;
are moving to an APO or FPO military address or a foreign address;
have a REAL ID application in progress; or
want to change the address on a disabled person parking placard (this uses a separate application).

Option 2: Form DMV 14

Complete Notice of Change of Address (DMV 14) and mail it to the address on the form.

You won't get a new card

The DMV doesn't issue new documents when you change your address. Keep your current license. If you want a card showing the new address, you can request a replacement and pay the replacement fee.

Moving and REAL ID

If you plan to get a REAL ID, update your address first. Then bring two different printed documents showing your new California address to your appointment. See the REAL ID checklist.

Don't forget these too

Vehicle insurance: tell your insurer; rates often change by ZIP code.
Voter registration: update it with the California Secretary of State.
Mail forwarding: file it with the U.S. Postal Service so you don't miss anything in transit.

Here's every record this guide covers, in one place:

Record to update	Where	Deadline or note
Driver's license or ID card	DMV online change of address, or form DMV 14 by mail (to the address on the form)	Within 10 days of moving (Vehicle Code §14600). No new card is mailed.
Vehicle registration	Same online change (up to three vehicles at the same address per transaction), or form DMV 14	Within 10 days for each registered vehicle (Vehicle Code §4159). Not updated if you change only your license.
Vessel registration	Same online change (select each vessel)	Can be updated at the same time as your license or ID.
Disabled person parking placard	Separate DMV placard application	The standard change of address doesn't cover it.
Voter registration	Opt in during the DMV online change, or the California Secretary of State	If you opt out, update it with the Secretary of State yourself.
Vehicle insurance	Your insurer	Rates often change by ZIP code.
Mail forwarding	U.S. Postal Service	Helps you avoid missing mail in transit.

Moving checklist: your first 10 days

Right after you move: change your address online at dmv.ca.gov. Select your license or ID and each registered vehicle. Add your vehicles to your MyDMV garage first. You can update up to three vehicles at the same address in one transaction, so repeat it if you have more.
Choose your voter option. During the online change, you can register to vote and DMV forwards it electronically. If you skip it, update your address with the Secretary of State yourself.
Update any disabled person parking placard separately. The DMV uses a different application for placard addresses.
Check the status in your MyDMV account after a few days. Processing takes up to three days.
Before day 10: confirm everything shows the new address. That's the legal deadline for both your license and your vehicles.
Tell your insurer and set up mail forwarding.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to change my address with the DMV in California?

You have 10 days after you move. The deadline applies to your driver's license or ID (Vehicle Code §14600) and to each vehicle you have registered (Vehicle Code §4159).

Will the DMV send me a new license with my new address?

No. The DMV doesn't issue new documents when you change your address. Keep using your current card. If you want one that shows the new address, request a replacement and pay the replacement fee.

Does changing my license address update my car registration too?

Not automatically. The DMV won't update your address across records if you change only one. In the online system, select both your license or ID and your vehicle registrations so they update together.

Can I update my voter registration when I change my DMV address?

Yes. The online change-of-address system gives you the option to register to vote, and DMV forwards that information electronically. If you opt out, it's up to you to tell the Secretary of State about your new address.

Why can't I change my address online?

The online system isn't available to everyone. You'll need form DMV 14 or an office visit if you don't have a California license or ID or a Social Security number, or if you're moving to a military (APO or FPO) or foreign address. It's also unavailable if you've applied for a REAL ID but haven't received it yet, or if you hold a California commercial license but live in another state.

Should I change my address before getting a REAL ID?

Yes. Update your address first, then bring two different printed documents showing your new California address to your appointment. See the REAL ID document checklist.

Do I need to change my address before renewing my license online?

Yes. Online license renewal can't change your address, so update it first. Then follow the steps to renew your license.

Sources

We use primary sources: statutes, court rules, official forms and government pages. Read our editorial standards.

How to Change Your Address With the California DMV

Key takeaways