Updating Your Address with the California DMV

If you’ve moved within California or recently relocated to the state, it’s essential to update your address with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Timely updates ensure you receive all necessary documents, avoid penalties, and maintain compliance with California state law.

When You Need to Update Your Address

California law requires that you notify the DMV of your address change within 10 days of moving. This applies to:

Driver's licenses and identification cards
Vehicle registration and title documents
Commercial driver’s licenses (CDL)

Failure to update your information may result in missed notices for renewals, suspension warnings, or fines.

Ways to Update Your Address

There are multiple ways to report your new address to the California DMV:

1. Online

Use the Change of Address system on the official DMV website. You’ll need:

Your California driver’s license or ID number
Your vehicle’s license plate and last 5 digits of the VIN (if updating vehicle registration)
Your old and new addresses

You will receive a confirmation, but the DMV does not issue updated documents automatically unless you request them.

2. By Mail

Download and complete Form DMV 14 — Change of Address — and mail it to:

DMV Change of Address
P.O. Box 942859
Sacramento, CA 94259-0001

Each driver and vehicle must be updated individually.

3. In Person

Visit a local California DMV office to submit the DMV 14 form. Appointments are recommended.

4. For Commercial Drivers

CDL holders must update their address in person at a DMV office and will receive a new license reflecting the change.

What Gets Updated

Updating your address with the DMV applies to:

Driver’s License or ID: The DMV keeps your new address on file, but you must request a replacement card if you want it printed with your new address.
Vehicle Registration: Your new address is recorded, but the DMV will not automatically send updated registration documents unless requested.
Voter Registration: If you check the box during the online update, your voter records will also be updated with the Secretary of State.

Requesting New Documents

To obtain new documents showing your new address:

Request a replacement driver’s license or ID via the Driver’s License Replacement page.
Order updated registration cards or stickers using the Vehicle Registration Replacement services.

Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)

If you're part of California’s ACP (commonly used for survivors of domestic violence or stalking), you must contact the DMV by phone or in person to update your address securely.

Related Resources

For the most accurate and current details, visit the official California DMV website.