The DMV Has My Mailing Address Wrong

You can fix or change your DMV address, online.

We're glad you received your registration card and sticker despite the DMV having your mailing address incorrect. The DMV uses the USPS address database to determine correct mailing addresses. The system can at times record addresses incorrectly. An incorrect address does not invalidate your registration card or registration sticker. Both registration card and sticker are valid and you may use them. In fact, it is perfectly legal to write-in, on your registration card, your correct address. If required to present your registration card to law enforcement at anytime, simply explain your printed address is incorrect, and you've written in your correct address on your registration card.

Important Note: In order to be legally allowed to write-in your correct address on your vehicle's registration card, you will first have to submit a Change of Address request with the DMV, either online, in-person, or by mail. We'll explain the process of obtaining a new registration card with your correct (residence or mailing) address below, but first let's look at how to perform a Change of Address.

Change of Address Online

Please note you may not change your address online if any of the following apply to you:

Before you begin changing your address online, you must have your vehicle's or vessel's last issued registration card. If you are not eligible to change your address online, you must use a DMV 14 form (Notice of Change of Address) and either mail it to the DMV or turn it in at a local DMV branch office.

DMV Change of Address Online Here: Change Address Online

Note: You may also perform a Change of Address online through NeedTags when ordering a replacement registration card and sticker. Read "How do I get a new registration card with my correct address?" below.

Change Address In-Person

Download the DMV 14 here. Complete the form and visit a local DMV office. You will be given a Change of Address Certificate card (DL 43) to carry with your vehicle's registration card.

Change Address By Mail

Download the DMV 14 here. Complete the form and mail it in to:

DMV CHANGE OF ADDRESS
P.O. Box 942859
Sacramento, CA 94259-0001.

Allow at least 4 weeks for the DMV to update your address information in their system.

How do I get a new registration card with my correct address?

Once you complete the address change process with the DMV, the mailing address for your CA drivers license, ID card, vehicle registration card, and/or vehicle certificate of title (pink slip) will all be updated. Note however, you will not receive any new documents with your updated address until you request replacements. Below we'll explain the process of requesting an updated vehicle registration card with your correct mailing and/or physical address. You have three (3) options to do so, online, in-person, or by mail.

Important: If you updated your address online, please allow at least 10 days before you request a new registration card with your corrected address. If you requested an address change by mail, allow 3-4 weeks before requesting a new registration card.

Getting a new vehicle registration card online

The quickest way to get a registration card with my correct address, and one that requires the least effort and time, is to order it online, through NeedTags. You'll receive a free digital copy of your registration card instantly, and actual registration card as fast as overnight. Remember to first perform a Change of Address with the DMV and allow at least 10 days before placing your registration replacement order online.

If you have not yet performed a DMV Change of Address, not to worry. NeedTags can update DMV records with your correct address while we process your replacement registration card order. The new registration card you receive from us will have your updated and correct address. We do require address verification in the form of an official document, so please contact us prior to placing your order online. We will provide you instruction on how to email us your address verification (proof of address) document.

Acceptable forms of Proof of Address documents include:

• Property rental or lease agreement
• Mortgage bill
• Home utility bills (including cell phone)
• School documents
• Medical documents
• Employment documents
• Insurance documents
• Internal Revenue Service or California Franchise Tax Board tax return
• Change of Address Confirmation by the USPS (Form CNL 107)
• Record of any state or national bank, savings associations, trust company, loan company, credit union, and credit card company

Getting a new vehicle registration card in-person

You may request a new vehicle registration card with your correct address at a DMV branch office in-person. We recommend making a DMV appointment to save time. Bring with you:

• A completed REG 156 (Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, and Documents)
• $27.00 payment (Cash, Check, Money order, or ATM/Debit cards. Credit cards are not accepted in DMV offices.)

The DMV clerk will process your replacement request and issue you a new registration card. Visit the DMV only after you've completed a Change of Address request at least 10 days before your visit.

Getting a new vehicle registration card by mail

You may also request a new registration, with your updated address, by mail. Allow 3 to 4 weeks for processing and delivery. Download and complete the REG 156 (Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, and Documents). Mail the REG 156 and $27.00 payment (check or money order only) to:

Department of Motor Vehicles Registration Operations
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, California 94269-0001

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