After a move to or within California, you must change your mailing address through the California DMV. Driver’s who fail to do so in a timely manner could face fines or other legal consequences when their address doesn’t match DMV records.

The process to change your address is slightly different for residents moving within the state versus newcomers from out-of-state. Here are some main procedural differences:

Within the state: Driver’s moving within the state can process their change of address online for free as long as they meet certain requirements.

From out-of-state: Driver’s moving from out-of-state will need to visit the California DMV in person, pay licensing fees, and possibly complete tests to obtain a new driver’s license.

How to change your address if you’re moving within California

Whether you are moving from one city to another, or simply moving over a block in

Oakland

, it is important that you update your address with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Fortunately, the process is very convenient and can be done quickly and easily. There are three options available through the California DMV, each with its requirements:

Online: Fill out an

online change of address form

to update your address. Note that you are not eligible to change your address online if you do not meet the listed requirements.

By mail: Mail in a completed

Change of Address (DMV14) form

to DMV CHANGE OF ADDRESS P.O. Box 942859 Sacramento, CA 94259-0001.

In person: Head to the local DMV office and submit the DMV14 form.

Note that you cannot change your address online in California if:

You do not have a California driver’s license or

California Real ID

card

You do not have a Social Security Number (SSN)

You have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by the California DMV but you live outside of the state

Your new address is not within the United States

You have a Army or Fleet post office address

You applied for a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card but you haven’t received it yet

You have a leased vehicle

You’re changing the address on your disabled person placard

Regardless of the method, you’ll need to provide the following documents to change your address at the California DMV:

A Notice of Change of Address Form

Proof of your social security number

An existing California driver’s license number and issue date

Proof of your date of birth (e.g. your birth certificate or valid U.S passport)

Proof of your old and new address (e.g. utility bills).

You have 10 days to update your address with the DMV, and there is no fee to update your driver’s license if you are moving within the state of California.

Key Takeaway: If you’re moving within California, you can change your address online, in person, or through the mail, if you meet certain requirements.

MORE:

Does my car insurance cover me if I move to a new city?

How to change your address if you’re moving to California from another state

If you are moving to California from another state, changing your address can be a bit more complex.

You will have to apply for a new California driver’s license and update your vehicle registration, which can only be completed at the DMV in person.

To do this, schedule an appointment with the DMV and apply for a new license at their field office. You will need the following:

Application: A completed

driver’s license and identification card application

Proof of identity: A birth certificate, social security card, or out-of-state REAL ID will suffice.

True full name: Your birth certificate, social security card, or out-of-state REAL ID are the best options.

Social Security Number (SSN): Your social security card is the best option.

Proof of address: A bill or credit card statement with your new address will work.

Proof of your birth date: Your birth certificate, social security card, or out-of-state REAL ID are the best options.

Your current driver’s license or ID card: Your out-of-state REAL ID or driver’s license are acceptable.

The types of documents you use in your application can vary, so long as they meet the requirements of the DMV.

apply for a California driver’s license

, you will need to meet the following requirements:

Application: Complete a driver’s license and identification card application.

Fees: Pay any

licensing fees

Tests, if applicable: Take a knowledge test, vision exam, and, in some cases, a driving test.

Key Takeaway: If you’re moving to California from another state, you will need a new California driver’s license and need to update your vehicle registration in person at the DMV.

MORE:

How to switch car insurance companies when you move to a new state

How to change your address for your California vehicle registration

Beyond changing your address at the DMV, you’ll need to update your vehicle’s registration to California within 20 days of moving to or within California.

Regardless if you are moving within the state or from out-of-state, the following documents are required for a

vehicle registration

For new cars: A completed

Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)

form

For used cars: A California

Certificate of Title

(or an out-of-state title, if the car is currently registered in another state)

The seller's and/or lienholder's signature(s) on the Certificate of Title

A Certificate of Title with your signature

If the title is lost or damaged: You can get a copy by filling out an

Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227)

If you are moving within the state, you can update your

California vehicle registration

on the

DMV’s website

, where you can download and fill out the REG 343 form. You will also need the following documents:

Recent registration card

Address where your trailer coach or vessel is located.

Proof of residency

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Leasing company’s name (if applicable)

Your license plate number

If you are moving from out of state, you’ll need to visit the California DMV in-person and bring the following:

Your

Application for Title or Registration form

(REG 343).

Your most recent registration card.

Your most recent out-of-state title.

A vehicle inspection form. Download the documents and have the form filled out by an authorized DMV employee.

A form of payment for the requisite fee.

You may also need an emissions test/smog certification and your

proof of insurance

with California’s minimum liability limits to register your vehicle at the California DMV.

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What to expect after a California DMV change of address

Within 72 hours of submitting your forms, your change of address request status should go through.

If you moved within the state, you can check the status of your change of address request:

Online requests: Log into your California DMV account online

Mail requests: Call the DMV office.

In-person requests: They’ll process your request while you’re there.

Keep in mind: If you are moving within the state, you will not get a new driver’s license or registration card. You’ll need to request replacements once your California DMV change of address form has been processed.

If you are new to the state, your change of address request will be processed at the time of your request. After paying your fees, you receive a new California driver’s license and a new California vehicle registration card.

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How to notify your insurance company of your California change of address

To avoid any lapse in coverage, it is absolutely crucial to update your insurance company on your change of address.

This is usually a simple process, and it can be done by calling your insurance company or using an online portal or app. Make sure you check the terms of your policy and contact your insurance company if you have any questions.

Why notifying your insurance company of a change of address is so important

Most companies use your address and ZIP code to set your car insurance rates by evaluating the risk associated with that area. Not notifying your insurance of ZIP code changes could be perceived as fraud.

Put another way, updating your address is essential to avoiding ridiculously high rates of car, home, and renters insurance in the future.

Keep in mind: As per

California’s car insurance laws

, you are required to carry at least

minimum liability insurance

as a California resident. If you do not notify your insurance company of your change of address, and your policy lapses, you could face fines or a suspended license and registration.

Updating your address will ensure that your car insurance coverage does not lapse. However, you could see changes in your rates based on your new ZIP code.

To ensure that your rates stay low, you should

shop for car insurance

after any move, regardless of whether you are moving across the state or within your city.

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FAQs

Can I change my address online with the California DMV?

If you are moving within California, you can change your address online. You cannot change your address with the California DMV online if:

You are moving to California from out-of-state

You do not have a California driver’s license or

California Real ID

card

You do not have a Social Security Number (SSN)

You have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by the California DMV but you live outside of the state

Your new address is not within the United States

You have a Fleet/Army post office address

You applied for a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card but you haven’t received it yet

You have a leased vehicle

You’re changing the address on your disabled person placard

Will the California DMV send me a new driver’s license and registration card once my change of address is complete?

If you moved within California, you will not receive a new driver’s license and vehicle registration card once your change of address is processed. You can request these documents after the change is successfully complete.

If you moved to California from out-of-state, you will receive a new California driver’s license and a new vehicle registration card once your change of address is completely processed.

How long does it take the California DMV to update my address?

If you applied to change your address online or by mail, your address should update within 72 hours of submission.

If you applied to change your address in person at the DMV office, the updates will fully process at the time of your visit.

Will my vehicle registration automatically update after I change my address for my California driver’s license?

No, the California DMV will not automatically update your vehicle registration when you apply to change the address on your driver’s license, or vice versa.

If you apply online, you’ll have the option to change the address on both documents at the same time. If you apply by mail or in-person, you will need to submit forms for both updates to change them separately.

Can I change the address of all of my vehicles at the same time at the California DMV?

If they have the same address, you can change the address for up to three vehicles in one transaction at the California DMV.

Can you change your address online in California?

Yes! You can change your address online in California if you are moving within the state and meet the necessary requirements. Simply head to the

DMV’s online portal

to fill out the online application.

Do I have to get a new license when I move to California?

Yes. All new residents to the state of California must get a new California driver’s license within 10 days of moving into the state.

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