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How to Notify the California DMV of an Address Change?
- Last updated on: January 5, 2023
How to change your address for your California DMV?
When looking to change your address for your California DMV, you have three options to pick from:
- Online on the Official website of the state of California.
- In-person by visiting the closest DMV Office
- By mail by filling in the change of address form.
Keep reading to learn more with our step-by-step guide.
If you are moving to California, within California or even from California, you must update your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). DMV is a state-level government agency that handles everything related to vehicles and licenses.
California DMV requires that you update your address within 10 days of moving. This is to make sure you have the updated address on your driver’s license, identification card, vehicle registration, and vehicle title.
Updating your address with California DMV:
I’m moving within California: How to change my address with the California DMV?
You still need to notify the DMV of the change of address even if you are moving within the state of California. You don’t have to pay for anything in this case, but the 10 days deadline is still applicable.
It’s important to know that the DMV will not update your address automatically everywhere. You have to apply separately to the Change of Address (COA) system to change your DL/ID card and vehicle registration address.
And also, you will not be issued a new California driving license if you have moved within the state of California. Your current license will be updated.
According to DMV policies, you can update the address for up to three vehicles at a time if they have the same address.
So how can you actually apply for a California DMV change of address?
1. Online
Out of all the options, this is the most convenient one. You can change your address with California DMV on the comfort of your couch. Don’t get all excited as you will only be able to change your address if you have a California DL/ID card and a social security number (SSN).
You can go through the online address change eligibility criteria.
If you are eligible, head over to the California MyDMV portal and login. If you don’t have an account, you can quickly register by providing your California DL/ID, contact number, DOB, SSN, and other basic information.
Step-by-step process
- Log into your MyDMV account by providing your email address and password.
- Head over to the online address change section and put in your old and new addresses.
- Other information like vehicle registration information, vehicle identification number (VIN), and your trailer coach or vessel location might also be required.
- The online application needs 72 hours to update your address. Just visit “Check Update Status” after 72 hours to check the status. It can take up to 10 days to finalize the change of address.
- If you cannot submit the change of address application online, you will have to mail the COA (DMV 14) form to the address mentioned on it.
Documents required for your California driver's license change of address
You need to have the following documents nearby to complete the online process quickly:
- Driver’s License
- Social Security Number
- Vehicle Registration
2. In person
The online DMV change of address is only applicable under certain conditions. Otherwise, you either have to go through the in-person procedure or mail the address change form to the DMV.
Following are some of the major DMV offices and their address in California:
Los Angeles
DMV FIELD OFFICE
3615 S Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Compton
DMV FIELD OFFICE
2111 South Santa Fe Avenue, Compton, CA 90221
Lancaster
DMV FIELD OFFICE
721 W Ave L6, Lancaster, CA 93535
Step-by-step process
- Download the DMV 14 change of address form and fill it out. You can also visit the DMV field office directly and get the DMV 14 form from there.
- You can call DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request to have the form mailed to you, but it will take up to five days to receive. That’s 5 out of the 10 days deadline.
- You need to put in your last name or business name, previous and updated address, location of your trailer coach or vessel, and some other details.
- Locate your local DMV field office.
- Once you are done with the form, visit the field office and submit it to a representative for further processing.
- Your address will be updated within 10 days of submitting the form in person.
- You will be given a DL 43 change of address certificate as proof.
Documents required for your California driver's license change of address
To update your address on the driver’s license, you will need the following documents:
- Social security card
- Existing driver’s license card
- Birth Certificate or valid U.S. passport as proof of your DOB
- Utility bills, mortgage agreement, or any other proof of your old and new address
To update your address on the vehicle registration, you need the following documents:
- Recent registration card
- Address where your trailer coach or vessel is located.
- Proof of Residence
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Leasing company’s name (if applicable)
3. By mail
The name says it all. You have to fill the DMV 14 form and mail it to the following address:
DMV CHANGE OF ADDRESS
P.O. Box 942859
Sacramento, CA 94259-0001
It can take up to 20 days for California DMV to update your address in their system.
Step-by-step process
- Download the DMV 14 form or call at 1-800-777-0133 to request to have the form mailed to you, but it will take up to five days to receive it.
- Fill it up by mentioning your last name or business name, previous and updated address, location of your trailer coach or vessel, and some other details.
- Mail it to the address mentioned above.
Documents required for your California driver's license change of address
You need the following information and documents at your disposal for a hassle-free process:
- Filled DMV 14 form
- Most recent registration cards.
- Plate/placard number
- Old and new address
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Name of your leasing company
I’m moving from another State to California: How to change my address with the California DMV?
If you are moving from another state to California, you need to get a new California driver’s license and update your vehicle’s registration too. You have 10 days to complete this process.
The process is a bit different from moving within California as you have to pay a certain fee and get a new driver’s license. The DMV 14 form can only be used if you have a valid driver’s license, identification card, and vehicle registration.
In person procedure for driver's license change of address
You cannot apply for a California driver’s license online. You have to schedule an appointment with the DMV and visit their field office to apply for a new license. Going in without an appointment would be a waste of your time.
Following are some of the major DMV offices and their address in California:
Los Angeles
DMV FIELD OFFICE
3615 S Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Compton
DMV FIELD OFFICE
2111 South Santa Fe Avenue, Compton, CA 90221
Lancaster
DMV FIELD OFFICE
721 W Ave L6, Lancaster, CA 93535
Step-by-step process
Here’s how you can apply for a new California driver’s license and hence update your address with the DMV:
- Schedule an appointment with the DMV and visit your local DMV field office.
- Request a Driver’s License or Identification Card Application and fill it. Or fill it online and get a print-out.
- The form requires your SSN, thumbprint, and other essential information, so make sure you have all the necessary documents with you.
- You don’t need to pass a driving test but still, need to clear the knowledge test (traffic laws and sign test) and vision test.
- You also have to pay a fee. You can visit the Driver’s License (DL) Fees section to get the exact figure. Following are the most common payment options: Cash, Check, Debit or Credit Card, Money Order
- Submit the application form along with the payment proof, and you’re good to go.
Note: You can fill the driver’s license and identification application online, but you have to submit the filled application in person at DMV.
Documents required for your California driver's license change of address
- Filled Driver’s License or Identification Card Application
- Social Security Card
- Proof of DOB and legal presence
- Thumbprint
In person procedure for Vehicle Registration
Let’s go through how to update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of California:
- Visit the DMV Vehicle Registration section and go to the concerned vehicle type.
- Download the REG 343 form. Fill it out and pay special attention to Section 7.
- You need the last issued out-of-state title. If the title is lost, fill REG 227.
- You should also have a vehicle inspection form filled by an authorized DMZ employee.
- Pay the required fee. You can check the fee breakdown here.
- You might also need smog and certification in certain cases.
Documents required for Vehicle Registration:
- Complete Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
- Last issued out-of-state title and proof of registration certificate.
- Vehicle inspection form
You have to register your vehicle within 20 days of your move to California.
I’m moving from California to another State: How to change my address with the California DMV?
Are you moving out of California? You don’t have to inform the California DMV about the address change on your driver’s license. Your California driver’s license will be automatically canceled once you obtain a license from the state you are moving in.
But on the contrary, if you are moving with a car, you need to inform the California DMV within 10 days. Your vehicle registration address will not be updated even if you update your address with the U.S. Postal Service.
You can notify California DMV about the address change in three ways. The process is pretty much the same as explained in the “within state change of address” section.