CA DMV Change of Address: Step-by-Step Guide for Sacramento Area Residents

  Updating your address with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) begins with understanding state requirements. California residents must report a change of address to the DMV within 10 days of moving. This change of address process is mandatory whether you’re updating your CA DMV change of address online or in person. Failure to notify the DMV within this timeframe could result in missed correspondence and potential violations. The California DMV change of address system uses your updated information for vehicle registration renewals, driver’s license renewals, and other official correspondence. When planning your address change with the DMV, keep these key points in mind:

• You must update your address within 10 days of moving
• Both your driver’s license and vehicle registration addresses need updating
• You can update your address without getting a new physical license
• The process is free (though replacement documents, if desired, have fees)
• You can maintain separate residential and mailing addresses

 

Online Address Change

The fastest method for updating your California DMV address takes place on the DMV website. Visit dmv.ca.gov and select “Address Change” from the online services menu. You’ll need your driver’s license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. “A change of address does not require an in-person visit to a DMV office. Have both your old and new addresses handy,” says DMV.ca.gov. To complete an online address change:

• Visit the official DMV website (dmv.ca.gov)
• Navigate to the “Online Services” section
• Select “Change of Address Online”
• Have your driver’s license/ID number ready
• Enter your new residential and/or mailing address
• Save the confirmation number you receive

When you choose to change your DMV address change online, you’ll enter your new Sacramento address in the system. The online form will ask whether you want to update your mailing address as well. You can complete a change of mailing address separately from your residential address change if needed. After completing the form, you’ll receive a confirmation number. Save this number for your records. The online system processes most address changes immediately. However, you cannot use this method if you hold a commercial driver’s license or if your license has been suspended or revoked.  

Update Your Address By Mail in Sacramento

California offers a traditional mail option for address changes. Download Form DMV 14 (Change of Address) from the DMV website or pick one up at a local DMV office. The DMV 14 form is the official DMV change of address form that requires no fee to submit and serves as official notification of your move. “Most customers who have a California driver’s license or identification card can use the system. You must be a certified user with DMV to utilize the online change of address system,” says CA.gov. Complete all required fields on the form, including your full name, driver’s license number, old address, and new Sacramento address. Mail the completed form to: Department of Motor Vehicles Registration Operations, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001 Processing typically takes 7-10 business days. Remember that you won’t receive new documents immediately – the DMV updates its records but doesn’t automatically issue new licenses or registrations. If you need to know what documents do you need to change your address on your license, the DMV 14 form itself contains all the instructions.  

Sacramento DMV Office Visits

Walk into any California DMV office to update your address in person. Bring identification and proof of your new address. If you’re wondering how to change address with DMV in person, the process is straightforward but requires proper documentation. “Your DMV address update is more important than many realize – it ensures emergency services can locate you correctly and that vital documents reach you without delay,” CaliforniaHealthline.org states. Acceptable address verification documents include:

• Utility bills (gas, electric, water)
• Cell phone bills
• Bank statements
• Mortgage documents
• Rental or lease agreements
• Employment documents

The DMV staff will update your information in their system while you wait. Ask for a receipt confirming your address change. Some offices experience long wait times, so consider making an appointment through the DMV website beforehand. Many people choose to change address DMV transactions in person when they have questions about their specific situation. Sacramento Area DMV locations include:

Sacramento DMV Field Office
4700 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820
Hours: 8a – 5p Tues, Thurs, Fri | 9a – 5p Weds | CLOSED Sat, Sun, Mon

Sacramento-Florin IBC DMV Field Office
7226 Florin Mall Dr., Sacramento, CA 95823
Hours: 7a – 4p Tues, Thurs, Fri | 8a – 4p Weds | CLOSED Sat, Sun, Mon

Sacramento South DMV Field Office
7775 La Mancha Way, Sacramento, CA 95823
Hours: 8a – 5p Tues, Thurs, Fri | 9a – 5p Weds | CLOSED Sat, Sun, Mon

West Sacramento Commercial Drive Test Center DMV Field Office
2528 Evergreen Avenue, West Sacramento, CA 95691
Hours: 7a – 4p Tues, Thurs, Fri | 8a – 4p Weds | CLOSED Sat, Sun, Mon

Carmichael DMV Field Office
5209 North Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608
Hours: 8a – 5p Tues, Thurs, Fri | 9a – 5p Weds | CLOSED Sat, Sun, Mon

For more information, visit the California DMV’s Sacramento page.

 

Update Your Sacramento Address by Phone

California DMV offers phone-based address changes through their automated system. Call 1-800-777-0133 and follow the prompts for address updates. The system operates 24/7, though speaking with a representative requires calling during business hours (8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday). “As California continues to digitize government services, the online DMV address change system represents a significant improvement in efficiency compared to traditional in-person visits,” says TechTimes.com. Have your driver’s license number ready when you call. The automated system will guide you through entering your new address using your phone’s keypad. You’ll receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.  

Vehicle Registration Considerations

Your vehicle registration address must match your driver’s license address. When you update one address, update both. The DMV doesn’t automatically sync these records. “Keeping your DMV records updated is essential not just for compliance but for ensuring you receive important notifications about license renewals and vehicle registrations,” says AutoInsurance.org. For vehicle registrations, you can update your address through the same channels: online, by mail, in person, or by phone. The process mirrors the driver’s license address change, but you’ll need your vehicle license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN). The DMV registration address change ensures that your registration renewal notices go to the correct location. To change your address on registration, you’ll use the same DMV 14 form or online process. When completing the form, be sure to check the box indicating you’re updating both your driver’s license and vehicle registration addresses. Change vehicle registration address processes are particularly important for ensuring you receive registration renewal notices on time. California doesn’t require new registration cards after an address change. Your existing registration remains valid until its expiration date. The DMV will mail renewal notices to your new address.  

Special Circumstances

Commercial driver license (CDL) holders face different requirements. CDL address changes must happen in person at a DMV office. Federal regulations mandate this restriction for commercial licenses. “Failing to notify the California DMV of an address change can result in missed communications about license suspensions, registration renewals, and traffic violations—potentially creating costly legal issues,” says LegalMatch.com. Several special situations require different approaches to address changes:

• Moving out of state – Notify the DMV within 10 days of leaving California
• New California residents – Register vehicles within 20 days and get a CA license within 10 days
• Military personnel – Extended deadlines apply during deployments
• PO Box users – Can use PO boxes for mail, but must provide a physical residence for a license
• International moves – Require special handling for license and registration status

Out-of-state moves require different procedures. When leaving Sacramento, California, permanently, notify the DMV within 10 days of your move. This prevents issues with vehicle registration, insurance, and driver’s license matters. The DMV will update your records to show you’ve moved out of state, but they don’t forward mail to out-of-state addresses. New California residents must register their vehicles within 20 days of establishing residency and obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days. Different documentation requirements apply when transferring licenses from another state. PO Box considerations affect many residents. The California DMV allows P.O. boxes for mailing addresses but requires a physical residential address for your driver’s license or ID card. You can list both on your DMV records – the residential address appears on your license, while DMV correspondence goes to your P.O. box. If you’re wondering “can you use a PO box on your driver’s license” or need guidance about PO box on driver’s license requirements, the answer is only for mail delivery, not as your official address on the license itself. International moves need special attention. Contact the DMV before leaving the country to discuss maintaining or canceling your California driver’s license and vehicle registration.  

After Your Address Update

Check your mail carefully after submitting an address change. The DMV sends confirmation letters to verify successful updates. These letters arrive at your new address within two weeks of processing. You can also check the status of your address change online through the DMV website or by calling their customer service line. For those wondering how to check the status of my change of address, simply log into your DMV online account or call 1-800-777-0133 with your confirmation number ready. “It is your responsibility to ensure DMV has your correct mailing address on record,” says the California Driver Handbook. After completing your address change, remember these important follow-up steps:

• Write your new address on the back of your license in the designated area
• Request a change of address sticker if desired (available at DMV offices)
• Set up mail forwarding with USPS (DMV mail won’t automatically forward)
• Update your voter registration separately (unless requested during DMV transaction)
• Notify your auto insurance company within 30 days
• Consider ordering replacement documents if needed ($35 for new license/ID)

Your physical driver’s license and ID card won’t display your new address immediately. Sacramento and the state of California allow you to write your new address on the back of your license in the designated change of address on license area. This handwritten update serves as legal proof of your current address. Alternatively, you can request a DMV change of address sticker to place on your license. If you want to update your driver’s license address with a new physical card, you’ll need to order replacement documents. The change of address on the license doesn’t automatically generate a new card. New driver’s licenses cost $35, while ID cards cost $35 for standard versions. The DMV website offers online ordering for replacement documents, which arrive by mail within 3-5 weeks. Many people ask, “What do I need to do to change my address on my license?” The answer depends on your method: online requires your license number and personal information, while in-person visits require proof of your new address. To change the address on your license online, you’ll need: 

• Your driver’s license number
• Last four SSN digits
• Date of birth

Update your voter registration separately for your new address. The California DMV address change doesn’t automatically update your voter registration unless you specifically request this service during your DMV transaction. Review your insurance policies after moving. Auto insurance rates vary by location, and your insurer needs your current address for accurate coverage and pricing. Contact your insurance company within 30 days of moving to avoid coverage gaps or claim denials. Remember that the DMV doesn’t provide DMV mail forwarding to your new address. Any correspondence sent to your old address may not reach you unless you’ve set up mail forwarding through the US Postal Service. This makes updating your address promptly particularly important for receiving registration renewals and other critical documents. The notice of change of address you submit only updates DMV records, not mail delivery services. Updating your address promptly is particularly important for receiving registration renewals and other critical documents.