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Moving to a new home is exciting, but updating your address is an essential step that many California residents overlook. Whether you’re relocating within the state or moving to California for the first time, you’ll need to update your address with various agencies and services to stay compliant with state laws and ensure you continue receiving important mail.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including how to complete your California DMV change of address for your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and more. You’ll also learn how to update your voter registration, change your address with utility providers, and what to consider if you’re breaking a lease in California.
Fortunately, you can often complete your California DMV change of address online, while others may require a visit to the DMV office. Regardless, we will make your CA DMV change of address smooth and stress free.
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CA DMV Change of Address
Whether you’re moving to San Diego County or another popular county in California, you’ll have to complete a CA DMV change of address. Depending on the circumstances, you can complete a CA DMV change of address online or fill out an address form at the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV form and whether or not you can change your address online depends on whether or not you already reside in California.
Here’s what you need to know about a California DMV address change for both California and non-California residents.
California DMV Change of Address | Current California Residents
If you are completing a California DMV change of address and you already live in California, then the address process is fairly straightforward. You can complete your CA DMV change of address online (by requesting a DMV form) or head to your local DMV office. These are the options for completing your change of address as a California resident.
Request a California change of address form by calling 1 (800) 777-0133
Go to the DMV and update your old address in person
Print out form DMV 14 at home and then fill it out and mail it in
Changing your address in California is free, but the California DMV will not cover any postal charges. As such, completing your CA DMV change of address online is the most affordable way to go. After you move to your new home, you’ll have 10 days to complete your CA DMV change of address. To update your driver’s license, these are the items you’ll need to have on hand:
Your current driver’s license or replacement driver’s license
Proof of date of birth
Proof of both your old and new addresses (pay stubs, bank statements, bills, etc)
Your social security card
It is important to note that the following may prohibit you from completing your CA DMV change of address online. If any of the following apply to you, then you’ll need to fill out the DMV 14 Form and mail it to your local DMV office instead of being able to change your address online.
You do not have a California driver’s license
You do not have a social security number
Your residence is in another state, but you have a commercial license issued by the state of California
You have an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office address
You have an address outside of the United States
You are leasing a vehicle
You have applied for but do not have a REAL ID DL/ID card
You want to change the address on your disabled person placard
California DMV Change of Address | Non-California Residents
If you’re heading to California and need to undergo a CA DMV change of address, you are not able to change your address online. Instead, you must head to the DMV office and fill out the DMV form in person. The best way to ensure you can complete your California DMV change of address form in a prompt manner is to schedule an appointment online.
You will have 10 days after moving to complete your CA DMV change of address.
When filling out the DMV change of address form, you’ll also need to apply for a new driver’s license. When preparing to get your new driver’s license, you will not need to take a driving test as long as you pass the written test and vision test first.
Change of Address California DMV for Vehicle Registration
After finishing up your CA DMV change of address form, you’ll want to make sure you figure out all of the vehicle registration details. Just like the DMV form, the vehicle registration process is different for California vs. non-California residents.
If you already live in California, it’s important to note that the DMV will not automatically update your CA DMV change of address when you complete your address form. Instead, you must access your MyDMV account to complete your DL/ID card and your vehicle registration. When you complete your registration online, you can change your address on your driver’s license as well as on your vehicle registration card at the same time. It is required to update your vehicle registration within 10 days of your move. To do this, you’ll need:
Proof of your old and new addresses
Your driver’s license number and most recent registration card
The name of the company you lease your vehicle from (if applicable)
The address where your trailer coach or vessel is located (if applicable)
For non-California residents, the process is a bit more complicated. You’ll need to head to your local DMV office and make sure you bring these items:
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): You’re usually able to do this at the DMV office, but it can also be done by a licensed verifier or at a California Highway Patrol office.
Registration certificate or renewal notice: This must be from the current year (or a letter from the last registration jurisdiction verifying the vehicle’s registration period)
REG 343 Form: This is your application for title or registration and needs to be signed by all registered owners of the vehicle.
Out-of-state title: You’ll only need to bring this if you’re changing the registered owner.
Smog certificate: If applicable.
Weight certification: If applicable.
Once you submit this information to a DMV employee, your car will be inspected on-site and you’ll be required to pay the base registration fee of $60. If your car passes the inspection, you will receive your registration certificate which should be kept in your glovebox.
California Drivers License Address Change
Once you’ve completed your CA DMV change of address and your vehicle registration, you need to get your new California driver’s license. After your California DMV change of address has been processed, you will not be sent a new driver’s license at your new address. Instead, you must request a new license on the DMV’s website. Another great alternative to requesting a California driver's license address change online is to locate a DMV kiosk and complete the process there. At the kiosk, you will need to provide:
Your first and last name
Your driver’s license or ID card number
Your date of birth
Your mailing address as it appears on your driver’s license or ID card
After submitting your information, you should receive your new driver’s license in the mail within three to four weeks. This can be longer if you are waiting for a commercial driver’s license.
In addition to completing your CA DMV change of address, you’ll also want to make sure your information is changed with the United States Postal Service (USPS). This can be done by visiting your local post office or filling out the prompts on the USPS website. If you choose to forgo the post office and update your new address online, you’ll need to pay a $1.10 fee so the post office can verify your identity through your credit card.
If you choose to visit the post office in person, then you’ll need to be sure and bring along your license, birth certificate, or ID to verify your identity as well as your new address. You can ask the USPS employees for a free Mover’s Guide packet before filling out the PS Form 3575 found inside the packet. Then, return this to the employee along with your address form and your photo ID.
Once your address is changed, the USPS will forward your mail for 12 months. During this time, make sure you take the proper steps to change your address with any important companies so they will know where to continue sending you mail. USPS will not forward packages.
Tax Agencies Change of Address in California | IRS Change of Address
When you move, it’s essential to update your mailing address with tax agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to ensure you receive important tax documents.
How to Change Your Address With the IRS
The IRS allows you to update your mailing address in several different ways. The most convenient option is to complete Form 8822, Change of Address, and mail it to the appropriate IRS office listed on the form’s instructions. If you’re changing the address for a business, use Form 8822-B instead.
Alternatively, if you’ve already filed your most recent tax return, you can notify the IRS of your new address by writing it in the designated section when filing your next return. If you need to update your address immediately, you can call the IRS directly at 1 (800) 829-1040, though they may require identity verification.
Updating Your Address with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)
For state taxes, California residents should update their address with the Franchise Tax Board to ensure they receive state tax notices and refunds. You can update your address online by logging into MyFTB, the state’s secure tax portal. Another option is to submit Form FTB 3533, Change of Address, by mail. If you prefer, you can also update your address when filing your next California state tax return.
Updating your voter registration with your new address is essential to making sure you can vote in upcoming elections. In California, your voter registration must reflect your current residence to determine your correct polling place and local election districts.
The easiest way to update your voter registration is online through the California Secretary of State’s website. You’ll need to provide your California driver’s license or identification number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. You can also update your registration by filling out a paper Voter Registration Application, which is available at most post offices, libraries, and DMV offices.
California allows voters to update their voter registration up to 15 days before an election. However, if you miss this deadline, you can still complete Same-Day Voter Registration at your county elections office or polling place during early voting on Election Day.
California Change of Address for Utilities
Whether it’s San Diego utilities, Los Angeles utilities, or San Francisco utilities, you’ll want to transfer utilities to your new address within a week of your move. If you’re moving to the state for the first time, you’ll likely have to start from scratch, signing up for each individual utility. If you’re moving from another California city, you should always double check to see if you’re using any of the same providers. A few of the most common utility providers in California are:
Other Ways to Complete Your California Address Change
Make sure you consider these things when completing your California address change.
Subscriptions: Get your subscriptions forwarded to your new home. (Please note that USPS will only forward subscriptions for 2 months)
Insurance: Ensure your auto, homeowners, and renters insurances are all updated. This will help you avoid any denied claims.
Passport: Your passport is still valid with your old address (as long as your passport has not expired).
Bank and credit cards: Make sure your bank and credit card companies all have your new address to ensure you don’t accrue any late charges or run into other issues.
Social Security: If you receive Social Security benefits, head to the company’s website to make sure your address is updated.
Let Republic Moving & Storage Help With Your Relocation
Now that you know how to complete your CA DMV change of address, are you ready to get settled in the area? If you’re ready to call the area home, then get in touch with Republic Moving & Storage for any and all of your moving needs. Our expert team will get you settled into your new home in no time, making the entire process smooth and stress free. Give our team a call today at (610) 591-0079 to get started with a free quote.
Bill Lovejoy
Bill Lovejoy is the president of Republic Moving and Storage. Purchasing the assets of Republic Relocations in May 2008. In 2008, Republic did $700K of business and today is over $15 Million. Republic was named AMSA’s 2010 Agent of the Year for Service Excellence after only two years in business.
Bill is proud that he grew up doing every facet of the business from a local mover, over the road driver, salesperson, operations manager, and general manager. (and just about everything else in between) Before purchasing Republic, Bill was with Bekins Moving and Storage where he served as a Senior Vice President and was a partner. He was responsible for three HHG companies as well as two logistics companies.
A proud Father of six children, and a lovely wife, Carol, Bill constantly works to keep a balance between work and family Life. Bills “stress relieving” hobbies include racket ball, basketball, tennis, and golf.
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