California department of motor vehicles change of address

Moving somewhere in California? Before you cruise around the new neighborhood, add updating the California DMV change of address form to your moving to-do list. In some states, you have less than 30 days to update your driving records and/or vehicle registration with the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), so now’s the time to act!

But don’t worry — we’ve got your back. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about updating your driving records with your new residential or mailing address. You’ll be able to head out with the car keys from the day you officially call California home.

If you're a new California resident, you likely know little to nothing about the state's motor vehicle laws. Where do you turn to find things quickly? Start here at DMVUSA.com and we'll point you to your area's closest California Department of Motor Vehicles. Find out more about Saturday hours or, if you wish to write a review or complaint to the CA DMV.

We furnish you the links you need to get a new drivers license as well as those who are simply seeking license renewals. Need to study for a driving test? Make sure you read the driver handbook and don't forget to make an appointment.

New and old residents will want stay abreast of any new laws and easily find electronic forms via California DMV Online Services. Best of all, now vehicle registration can be performed without leaving the safety of your own home so you needn't stand in line and while you're at it, you may even want to check out NFL license plates.

What about if you need to pay a speeding ticket? No worries. Use over one hundred Self-Service DMV terminals. Make sure you also know how much mandatory liability insurance you need and then shop for and buy California car insurance online. DMVUSA.com gives you the tools to do it all.

From now on you can look to DMVUSA.com to help you cut through the long lines and waits at the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Never again should anyone have to spend any more time than necessary at the DMV and now you won't with DMVUSA.com!

There are a lot of reasons that people move to California: the sunshine, the beaches, the great food, the chance to spot celebrities in the wild. But if you’re moving to California you’ll have to be sure to cross a couple big things off of your list before you get your toes in the sand, including completing all of your necessary California DMV change of address forms.

Any time you move and bring a car along with you—both in state and out of state—you are required to update your address with your local Department of Motor Vehicles. This is to ensure that your vehicle’s registration and your driving records are up to date. And in California, you only have 10 days to notify the DMV of your change of address, so it’s important to act fast.

Here’s how to do it.

If You’re Moving to California from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to California from another state?

Yes.

How do you get one?

To get a California driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to the DMV directly and apply. Schedule an appointment in advance so that you don’t have to waste your day standing in line.

Is there a fee?

Yes. Costs vary though, so check out the list of California driver’s license/identification card application fees ahead of time to see what will apply to you.

Does a California DMV change of address require a driving test?

Not if you pass the written and vision test (unless you’re moving to California from another country, in which case you will be required to take a driving test).

How many days do you have to get a California driver’s license or ID card?

10 days.

Will you need to update your vehicle’s registration?

Yes.

How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of California?

You’ll need to bring your car to the DMV, as well as the following information:

• An REG 343 form (Application for Title or Registration), filled out and signed by all registered owners of the car.
• Your last issued out of state title if there will be a change of registered owner and a California title request.
• Your most recently issued registration certificate or renewal notice for the current year, or a letter from the last registration jurisdiction verifying the vehicle’s registration period.
• Smog certification (if applicable)
• Weight certification (if applicable)

Your car will need to be inspected by a California DMV employee at no charge.

What is the registration fee?

$60, though other fees may apply.

How many days do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

20 days.

If You’re Moving Within California

Per California law you will have just 10 days to update your address with DMV. There are four ways to do this:

1. Fill out a California DMV change of address form online. You can find it here.
2. Request that a change of address form be mailed to you. Call 1-800-777-0133 to place your request and you will receive your form within five days. Complete the form and then mail it back to the address that is listed at the top of the form.
3. Go to the DMV. Find a DMV near you and fill out a California DMV change of address form in person. You will be provided with a Change of Address Certificate card that you are to complete and carry in your wallet with your driver’s license.
4. Download the Change of Address form at home. Print out form DMV 14, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed at the top.

How much does a California change of address cost?

There is no fee to change your address in California.

What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?

To change your address on your driver’s license or identification card, you will need:

• Your current driver’s license number and issue date
• Your social security card
• Proof of your date of birth
• Proof of your old and new address (utility bills, pay stubs, etc.)

Will California issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

No.

Will you need to update your vehicle’s registration?

Yes, within 10 days of your move.

What information do you need to provide to update your address on your vehicle’s registration?

To change your address for your vehicle’s registration, you will need:

• Proof of your old and new address
• Your most recent registration card
• The name of the company you lease you car from (if applicable)
• The address where your trailer coach or vessel is located (if applicable)

If You’re Moving From California to Another State

Do you need to notify the California DMV if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

No. Once you successfully obtain a new driver’s license in the state you’ve moved to your California driver’s license will be automatically canceled.

Do you need to notify the California DMV if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

Yes. If you’re moving to another state and planning to register your vehicle in your new state of residence you will have 10 days to notify the California DMV of your change of address. You can do so with the standard California DMV Change of Address form (DMV 14).

What will you need to provide to update your vehicle’s registration?

• Your completed California DMV Change of Address form
• Your driver’s license number
• Your license plate number
• Proof of your old and new address

Do you need to return your California license plates?

No.

Have questions?

If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of California, contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles directly at 1-800-777-0133.

Need to hire movers for your move to or from California?

We can help with that! Use our free online moving company directory to quickly and easily search reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your move will cost.

Can I change my address with DMV online in CA?

What do I need to change my address at the DMV in California?

Does your driver's license address have to match your vehicle registration address in California?

Do you have to return California license plates when you move?