To change your driver’s license address in California, notify the DMV within 10 days of your move using the free online system, a mailed DMV 14 form, or a visit to a field office. The update is electronic only — your plastic card will still show the old address unless you pay $37 for a duplicate license.
The 10-Day Deadline
California Vehicle Code Section 14600 requires every licensed driver to notify the DMV within 10 days of moving to a new home or getting a new mailing address.1California Legislative Information. California Code VEH 14600 – Notice of Change of Address The rule covers both your physical residence and any separate mailing address on file, and you’re required to report both your old and new addresses.
The deadline matters because the DMV uses your address for registration renewals, legal notices, and correspondence about your driving privilege. Missing those notices because of an outdated address doesn’t excuse whatever they required. California doesn’t impose a steep penalty for late notification, but the violation is citable as an infraction, and the fallout from missed mail is usually the bigger problem.
Three Free Ways to Submit the Change
The DMV offers three methods, and none of them cost anything.2California Department of Motor Vehicles. Updating Information on Your Driver License or Identification (DL/ID) Card Pick whichever fits your situation.
Online Through MyDMV
The fastest option is the DMV’s online change-of-address system. Log into your MyDMV account and you can update your driver’s license, ID card, and vehicle registration addresses in one session.3California Department of Motor Vehicles. MyDMV Account Have both your old and new addresses ready before you start, and allow up to three days for processing.4California Department of Motor Vehicles. Submit a Change of Address Online
By Mail
Download the Change of Address form (DMV 14) from the DMV website, or call 1-800-777-0133 to have one mailed to you.2California Department of Motor Vehicles. Updating Information on Your Driver License or Identification (DL/ID) Card Send the completed form to: DMV Change of Address, P.O. Box 942859, Sacramento, CA 94259-0001.5Department of Motor Vehicles. Notice of Change of Address (DMV 14) Mail takes longer than the online method, so account for that inside your 10-day window.
In Person
You can also walk into any DMV field office, fill out the DMV 14 on-site, and hand it to a representative for processing. An appointment isn’t required for an address change, though it can shorten your wait.
What the DMV 14 Form Asks For
The form is short. You’ll need your full legal name, date of birth, driver’s license or ID card number, your previous address, and your new address with zip codes. Some older references call the form “DL 14,” but the current version is labeled DMV 14.5Department of Motor Vehicles. Notice of Change of Address (DMV 14) Fill every field clearly — incomplete forms slow down processing and could push you past the deadline.
Your Vehicle Registration Is a Separate Update
Changing your driver’s license address does not automatically change your vehicle registration address. They’re separate records, and both need updating.4California Department of Motor Vehicles. Submit a Change of Address Online If you use MyDMV, you can handle both in one online session.
For vehicle records you’ll need your most recent registration card and the address where the vehicle is kept. You can update up to three vehicles in one online transaction if they share the same location.4California Department of Motor Vehicles. Submit a Change of Address Online The DMV won’t automatically send a new registration card after the change, but you can request a replacement once the update goes through.
Getting a New Physical License Card
This is where people get caught. The address change only updates your electronic records. Your existing plastic card still shows the old address. If you want a card that reflects your current address, you have to apply for a duplicate license, which does cost money.
The duplicate license fee under Vehicle Code Section 14901 is $37 as of January 1, 2026.6Legal Information Institute. California Code of Regulations Title 13 Section 423.00 – Fee Adjustment You can apply online, by mail, or in person. The DMV typically mails the replacement within a few weeks, and your existing card remains valid until the new one arrives.
If you want the replacement issued as a REAL ID, you’ll face extra documentation. You’ll need proof of identity, your Social Security number, and two separate proofs of California residency.7California Department of Motor Vehicles. REAL ID Checklist Both residency documents must show your name and new address; utility bills, bank statements, and rental agreements are among the acceptable options. A standard duplicate license doesn’t require residency proof beyond what’s on the DMV 14.
Commercial Driver’s License Holders
The same 10-day rule applies to CDL holders moving within California. If you hold a California CDL but live in another state, you can’t use the online system — you have to mail in a paper DMV 14.4California Department of Motor Vehicles. Submit a Change of Address Online And if you’ve established residency outside California, an address update isn’t the right process at all; you’ll need to transfer your CDL to your new state, because California residency is required to keep a California CDL.
Moving to California From Another State
If you’re arriving from out of state, the change-of-address process doesn’t apply to you. You need to apply for a California driver’s license, which involves identity verification and testing, and you must register any vehicles you brought with you within 20 days of establishing residency.8California Department of Motor Vehicles. New to California
Other Records Worth Updating
The DMV isn’t the only place that needs your new address. California’s Secretary of State requires you to re-register to vote when you change your residence, which you can do at registertovote.ca.gov.9California Secretary of State. Voter Registration If an election is coming up, the deadline to register is 15 days before Election Day.
Contact your auto insurance company as well. Your premium is partly based on where your car is garaged, and an outdated address can lead to a claim being delayed or denied. Some insurers treat a wrong address as misrepresentation, which can void the policy entirely. A five-minute phone call is cheaper than finding out the hard way.