How do I change my address in California?
Reviewed 2026-10-01 · Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Ava's answer
California lets most drivers change their address free online through a MyDMV account, with no office visit. Allow up to 3 days for processing. Do this before applying for or renewing other DMV services.
Starting fee
Not verified
Where
Online or in person
Steps
6 steps
- Check you can use the online system: You cannot change your address online if you: do not have a California license or ID card; do not have a Social Security number; hold a California commercial license (CDL) but now live in another state; use an APO/FPO military address or an address outside the US; or applied for a REAL ID card that has not arrived yet. If any applies, use the mail-in Change of Address form (DMV 14) instead.
- Get your details ready: Have your old and new addresses handy. You will give a residence address (where you live) and can add a separate mailing address. A PO box is fine for mailing, but a residence address is required when you change your license or ID. Temporary mailing addresses are not allowed.
- Add your vehicles to your MyDMV garage: To change the address on a vehicle or vessel, it must first be added to your MyDMV garage. You can update up to three of your own vehicles in one go if they share the same address. You cannot change the address for someone else.
- Submit the change in MyDMV: Sign in to MyDMV and submit the Change of Address. Changing your license address does not automatically change your vehicle records (or the other way round), so choose both if you want both updated.
- Confirm it went through: Allow up to 3 days, then check the status in your MyDMV account. DMV does not mail a new license, ID or registration card when you change your address; you can order a replacement registration card after the change is confirmed.
- Special cases: Disabled person parking placards use a separate address-change process. Moving out of state is allowed in the system, but check your new state's license and registration rules. A California CDL requires California residency; if you moved away, transfer your CDL to your new state.
Ready to submit? Official California site
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Steps
Documents to bring
Fees
| Online change of address | Varies |
Where to go in person
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Source
Submit a Change of Address Online - California DMV · California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) · reviewed 2026-10-01
Limitations: Written from the official California DMV Change of Address page on October 1, 2026; not yet reviewed by a person. The official page is the final word, and DMV.ai does not submit the change for you.
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