✓Changing your address with the DMV is free and takes a few minutes online through MyDMV — most people never need an office.
✓California law gives you 10 days to notify the DMV after you move (Vehicle Code §14600 for your license, §4159 for your registration).
✓A driver's license address change does NOT automatically update your vehicle registration — update both (the MyDMV flow lets you do them together).
✓Your physical card keeps the old address — no new card is issued automatically. Carry the DMV's confirmation if your card is out of date.
CostFree
Deadline10 daysafter you move
WhereOnline (MyDMV)
Updates both?Only if you select both
ProcessingUp to 3 days
The 10-day deadline
When you move, California gives you 10 days to tell the DMV. It’s actually two separate legal duties with the same clock: Vehicle Code §14600 covers the address on your driver’s license or ID, and §4159 covers the address on your vehicle registration. The fix is free and, for most people, takes a few minutes online — so there’s no reason to let it slide.
Update your license AND registration
This is the part people miss: a driver’s license address change does NOT automatically update your vehicle registration. The DMV will not sync your address across documents when you change only one — they’re separate records.
The good news: in the MyDMV Change of Address flow you can choose to update both your DL/ID and your vehicle/vessel registration in the same session. Select both, and neither is left pointing at your old address.
Open Change of Address and enter your new (and old) address.
Choose what to update — your license/ID, your registration, or both (do both).
Submit. Allow up to 3 days to process; you can check the status in MyDMV.
Who can’t use online
The online system needs a current California DL/ID, a Social Security number, and a U.S. address. Use the mail form (DMV 14) or a DMV office instead if any of these apply:
You don’t have a California driver’s license or ID card
You don’t have a Social Security number
You hold a commercial license (CDL) with an out-of-state residence
Your address is APO/FPO or outside the United States
You’re waiting on a REAL ID card that hasn’t arrived yet
You’re changing the address on a disabled-person parking placard
Your card still shows the old address
Changing your address does not trigger a new card — your physical license or ID keeps the old printed address until you renew (or pay for a replacement). That’s allowed, but by law you must be able to present the DMV’s change-of-address confirmation along with your license if the card no longer shows where you live (Vehicle Code §14600(b)).
Frequently asked questions
Is a DMV change of address free?
Yes — notifying the DMV of an address change is free and takes a few minutes online through MyDMV. (Requesting a replacement card printed with the new address is a separate, fee-based request.)
How long do I have to change my address with the DMV?
California law requires you to notify the DMV within 10 days of moving — Vehicle Code §14600 covers your driver's license and §4159 covers your vehicle registration. They're two separate obligations with the same 10-day window.
Does changing my license address also update my vehicle registration?
No — the DMV does not automatically update your address across documents. Updating your driver's license does not change your vehicle/vessel registration (and vice versa). In the MyDMV change-of-address flow you can choose to update both at the same time — select both so nothing is left on the old address.
Can I change my DMV address online?
Most people can, through MyDMV — you need a current California DL/ID, a Social Security number, and a U.S. address. If that's not you (for example, no CA DL/ID, no SSN, an out-of-state CDL residence, an APO/FPO or non-U.S. address, a REAL ID still in the mail, or a parking-placard address), use the mail form (DMV 14) or an office instead.
Will I get a new license with my new address?
Not automatically — your physical card keeps the printed (old) address until you renew or request a replacement. By law you must be able to show the DMV's change-of-address confirmation alongside your license if the card no longer reflects where you live (§14600(b)).
How long does the address change take to process?
The DMV says to allow up to 3 days for an online change of address; you can check the status in your MyDMV account.
Do I have to go to a DMV office to change my address?
No — for most people it's a free online task. An office (or the mailed DMV 14 form) is only needed if you're not eligible for the online system (see who can't use online).