Are you relocating to or within the Golden State? Ensuring that all of your address updates are promptly and accurately managed can seem daunting, but it’s essential for maintaining your records and responsibilities.
If you are moving to California for the first time or moving within California to a new city, preparing ahead of time can make the transition much easier. From updating your DMV records to organizing your belongings and settling into your new home, having a clear moving checklist helps ensure nothing gets overlooked during your relocation
Whether you’re a new resident or a long-time Californian moving to a new place, knowing the ins and outs of the California change of address process will save you time and hassle.
In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps for updating your address with various California agencies, including the California DMV, tax agencies, and voter registration offices. We’ll also dive into vehicle registration and getting your new California driver’s license.
CA DMV Change of Address
Whether you’re breaking a lease in California and moving to a new home, moving from one California city to another, or are new to the Golden State entirely, you’ll need to get in touch with the California DMV. The DMV office can assist you with your DMV change of address as well as your vehicle registration. However, the California DMV change of address process varies based on whether or not you already reside in California.
CA Change of Address | California Residents
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Are you completing a California DMV change of address as a current resident of California? If you’re just moving to a new California county, such as San Mateo County or Alameda County, then you are able to complete a change of address from the comfort of your own home if you choose! These are the California change of address options for California residents:
- Change your address online using the change of address form.
- Request a California change of address form to be mailed to you. Call 1-800-777-0133 to request a form via mail, which should be sent to you within five days.
- Head to the DMV and fill out a California DMV change of address form in person.
- Print out form DMV 14 at home, fill it out, and mail it in.
After moving to your new home, you will have 10 days to complete your California DMV change of address. This change of address is free of charge; however, the California DMV does not cover postal charges. Therefore, changing your address online is the most affordable way to complete the process. When getting ready to change the address on your new California driver’s license or identification card, you will need:
- Your current California driver’s license
- Your social security card with a clearly printed social security number
- Proof of your date of birth
- Proof of your old and new address (this could be in the form of utility bills, pay stubs, bank statements, etc.)
Although most people can change their address online, there are a few things that may prevent you from doing so. If you meet any of the following criteria, you will not be able to change your address online.
- Do not have a California driver’s license/ID card
- Do not have a social security number
- Have a commercial driver’s license issued by California, but your residence is in another state
- Have an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office address
- Have a leased vehicle
- Have an address outside of the United States
- Have applied for but do not own a REAL ID DL/ID card
- Want to change the address on your disabled person placard
If any of the above criteria apply to you, you will need to complete the Change of Address DMV14 form and mail it to the DMV office.
California DMV Change of Address | Non-California Residents
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If you are moving to California for the first time, then you cannot get a California driver’s license online. Instead, you must go to the California DMV directly and apply for a change of address and a new driver’s license via the address form. It is advised to schedule an appointment online so you don’t need to wait in long lines at your local California DMV.
When you apply for your new driver’s license at the California DMV, you can expect to pay a fee. Change of address fees vary based on several different factors, so make sure you check the California driver’s license/identification card application fees page to see what applies to you.
As long as you pass the written test and vision test, you will not need to take a driving test to get your new driver’s license. However, if you are moving from another country, you will need to complete a driving test at the California DMV in order to receive your driver’s license.
Just like the California change of address for current residents, you have 10 days to complete your California DMV address change as a non-resident.
Change of Address California DMV for Vehicle Registration
Once your California DMV address change is complete, you’ll want to get started on the vehicle registration process. The vehicle registration process is once again different for those who are moving to California from out of state and those who already live in the state.
For those relocating to California, you must register your vehicle with the California DMV within 20 days of establishing residency. To do this, you will need to visit a local DMV office in person. When heading in, make sure you bring the following items:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This can usually be completed at the DMV office, but it may also be done by a licensed verifier or at a California Highway Patrol office.
- REG 343 Form (Application for Title or Registration): This should be filled out and signed by all registered owners of the car.
- Out-of-state title: This is only necessary if there will be a change of registered owner and a California title request.
- Registration certificate or renewal notice: This should be the form from the current year, or a letter from the last registration jurisdiction verifying the vehicle’s registration period.
- Smog certificate: if applicable.
- Weight certification: if applicable.
When you arrive at the DMV, your car will be inspected by a California DMV employee. The base registration fee is $60. After completion, you will get a registration certificate, which you should file away with your vehicle registration records.
If you already live in California, then this process is a bit easier. While the DMV will not automatically update your California change of address across documents when you fill out the change of address form, you have the option in your MyDMV account to change both your DL/ID card and your vehicle registration at the same time. This means that you can change your address on your driver’s license as well as your vehicle registration at the same time if you use the online portal.
California residents must update their vehicle registration within 10 days of their move. To change your address for your vehicle’s registration, you’ll need:
- Proof of your old and new mailing address
- Your most recent registration card
- The name of the company you lease your car from (if applicable)
- The address where your trailer coach or vessel is located (if applicable)
California Drivers License Address Change
Now that you’ve changed your address, what do you do with your current driver’s license and how do you get your new California driver’s license?
After your CA DMV change of address is complete, the California DMV will not send you a new California driver’s license. After your change of address is complete, you can request a replacement driver’s license or replacement registration card online.
Alternatively, you can request your new driver’s license at a DMV kiosk. If you choose to visit the kiosk for your new license, you will need to type in the following information:
- First and last name
- Driver license or identification card number
- Date of birth
- Address as it appears on your driver license or identification card
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If you choose this option for replacing your driver’s license, make sure you have changed your address online at least 72 hours prior to using the kiosk.
California USPS Change of Address
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After completing your CA DMV change of address for your driver’s license and vehicle registration, you’ll want to ensure you change your information with the United States Postal Service (USPS). This ensures that your mail gets forwarded to your new address.
To complete your California change of address with the post office, you’ll need to visit your local post office in person or complete the change online. To update your address online, you’ll simply want to head to the USPS website and fill out the prompts. This requires a $1.10 fee as the company will verify your identity through your debit or credit card.
Another option is to visit your local US postal service location in person. You will want to bring your license, birth certificate, or ID with you in order to verify your identity. Once here, make sure you request a free Mover’s Guide packet. From there, fill out the PS Form 3575 found inside the packet and then return it to the retail associate. Then, the employee will use the address form and your photo ID to verify your identity and process your change of address request.
The postal service will only forward your mail for 12 months, so make sure you pay attention to the senders as your mail comes in. This gives you the opportunity to change your address so companies will know where to send mail in the future.
Tax Agencies Change of Address CA | IRS Change of Address
Updating your new address with tax agencies is fairly straightforward. As long as you are not waiting on a tax refund or other important document, you can simply update your address when filing your next tax return. All you need to do is enter your new address into the address section.
However, if you are waiting on a tax return or simply require a quick address update, then you’ll want to get in touch with the IRS. The easiest way to do this is to fill out Form 8822. When filling out this form, you’ll need to have your date of birth, new address, social security number, ITN, EIN, and photo ID.
You may also let the IRS know in writing that your address is changing. To do this, you will need to provide the IRS with your full name, old and new addresses, social security number, individual taxpayer identification number, or employee identification number, and your signature.
Lastly, you can call the IRS to let them know that your address is changing. To do this, you will need everything above (minus the signature).
If your last tax return was a joint return and you are now establishing a separate residence, then you’ll want to fill out California Form 3533 with your new address. You’ll then get this form mailed to the Franchise Tax Board.
California Voter Registration Address Change
If you are moving, especially to a different district or state, it is incredibly important to update your voter registration. Making sure the state is aware of your new address ensures that you can vote in local elections that affect you in your new residence. It also ensures that you are assigned to the correct polling location.
To register to vote in California or check your registration status, head over to the California Online Voter Registration portal on Register to Vote. From here, you can either establish yourself as a first-time California voter or check your current registration status and update your address.
California Change of Address for Utilities
At least one week before moving, make sure you transfer your utilities to your new home. This will need to be done individually with each utility, and if you do not have a service in your name, you will likely need to set up new utility services. If you have already updated your USPS address, your final statement should be forwarded to your new home.
After arriving at your new home, you’ll want to talk to the utility company in charge of your new services to ensure you get a new account opened up. Some common companies within the state of California are:
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
- Southern California Edison (SCE)
- San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E)
- Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)
Other Ways to Complete Your California Address Change
Here are a few other things to consider when completing your California change of address.
- Insurance: Make sure your auto, renters, homeowners, and umbrella policies are all updated to avoid any denied claims.
- Bank and credit card companies: All financial institutions should have your current address on hand to ensure your finances are taken care of.
- Social Security: If you receive Social Security benefits, make sure your address is updated through Social Security. You can do this directly on the company’s website.
- Passport: Your U.S. passport will still be valid with your old address as long as it has not expired.
- Subscriptions: Make sure all of your subscriptions are forwarded to your new home. USPS will only forward magazine subscriptions for 60 days, and packages are not forwarded at all.
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Now that you know the steps for a California address change, including a CA DMV change of address, you’re ready to get started! If you are planning a move in the near future, then let AMS Relocation help you along the way! Give us a call today at (650) 284-2931 to get started with a free estimate!
