Address & Name Changes at the California DMV

California requires drivers to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of the move, and a name change within 10 days of the underlying legal change. Both are inexpensive and most drivers can complete the address change entirely online; name changes still typically require an in-person visit.

Address change

Online (MyDMV)

The fastest path. Log into MyDMV, navigate to "Change of Address," and enter your new California address for both your driver's license and any vehicle registrations under your name. The change is effective immediately; a sticker for the back of your license arrives in 5-10 business days. Online address changes are free.

By mail

Submit Form DL 14 ("Notice of Change of Address by a Person") for license updates and Form REG 256A for vehicle registration updates. Mail-in updates are free; allow 4-6 weeks. Useful if you don't have a MyDMV account or are temporarily without internet access.

In person

Required only if you also need a new physical license card with the updated address (typically for REAL ID compliance) or if MyDMV flags an issue with your account. The in-person update fee for a new card is $33 ($45 for a duplicate driver's license that includes the new address).

Vehicle registration address

The address on your driver's license and the address on your vehicle registration are separate fields in the California DMV system. Updating one does not automatically update the other. When you change addresses, update both — failure to update vehicle registration means renewal notices, parking tickets, and toll citations go to your old address.

Name change

To change your name on a California driver's license, you'll need to visit a DMV field office in person. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments minimize wait time.

Required documents

• Completed DL 44 driver license application (signed at the field office).
• Original or certified copy of the legal document supporting the name change: marriage certificate, dissolution-of-marriage decree, court order, or naturalization certificate.
• Updated Social Security card showing your new name (the DMV verifies against the Social Security Administration database — do this step first or your DMV visit will be wasted).
• Standard identity and residency documents if you also need a REAL ID.

Fees

Name-change applications are processed as a duplicate driver's license, currently $40. The new card carries the same expiration date as the original license. A new photo is taken at the field office.

Vehicle title name changes

To update the name on a California vehicle title, complete Form REG 227 ("Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title") with the new name and submit it to the DMV with the supporting legal document. There's no separate "name-change" form for vehicle titles in California — the duplicate-title process serves the same purpose. Fee: $26.

Address Confidentiality Program

California's Safe at Home program (administered through the Secretary of State's office, not the DMV) lets survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking keep their home address out of public records. Enrollees use a substitute mailing address, and California state agencies — including the DMV — are required to use that address rather than the actual residence. Apply through the California Secretary of State website.

Out-of-state moves

If you're moving out of California, surrender your California license to your new state's DMV when you apply for a new license there. The new state will typically forward a notification to California to clear your record. If you're moving back into California, you have 20 days from establishing California residency to apply for a California license — see California driver's license for the document requirements.