How to Change Your Personal Information at a California DMV

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Changing your personal information at a California DMV is one of the quickest and easiest ways to update your records. Given you have personal documents ready and a bit of free time, you shouldn’t run into any snags when updating your name or changing your address at a DMV.

There are many instances where you may need to change your personal information. One may find themselves at the end of a divorce. Or, maybe it’s because you recently got married or had a gender reassignment surgery. Whatever your reason, we’ve got you covered in this post.

The CA DMV makes it easy to update your information by filing many forms you’d already processed, like during driver’s licensing or vehicle registration. Keep reading to learn how these items are done.

How to Change Your Name at a California DMV

Getting your driver’s information updated – especially with a name change – is essential because you may face fines and penalties if your information doesn’t match. You’ll want to update your information immediately to avoid any hassles.

Here is how you can update your name at the DMV:

  1. Visit a California DMV office
  2. File the document of your choice:
    1. Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
    2. Driver License or Identification Card Application or Commercial Driver License Application
    3. 10-Year History Record Check (DL 939) for CDL holders
    4. Birth Date/Legal Presence document
    5. Marriage license, divorce decree, or court order
  3. Provide proof of ID
    1. Birth certificate
    2. Certificate of citizenship
    3. S. Armed Forces ID card
  4. Turn in your old driver’s license
  5. Pay the ID or driver’s license application fee
  6. Get your fingerprint and photo taken

The DMV will confirm your name change by contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA). If your information cannot be verified, you will not receive an updated license or ID. You may also want to use this opportunity and apply for a REAL ID as you’re submitting most of the required information.

You will get a temporary driver’s license for 90 days until you receive the new DL or ID by mail.

How to Update Your Address at a California DMV

Changing your address on your vehicle’s registration won’t take long when you’re at the DMV.

Here is the process:

  1. Get your registration document
    1. Download or request a Change of Address (DMV 14)
    2. Request a copy via Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title (REG 227)
    3. Have the DMV employee gather your records (if paperless)
  2. Choose how you’ll update the address
    1. Visit a local DMV
    2. Use the Change of Address online form
  3. Complete your form(s)
  4. Submit your documents and complete the Change of Address Certificate card (DL 43)
  5. Pay any applicable fees

Don’t Forget: Update Your Auto Insurance

Forgetting about your auto insurance can be easy, depending on how and why your name or address changed. Yet, you’ll want to update this information as soon as you can else you may run into problems if pulled over! Go to your insurance’s website to complete this action.

Don’t have insurance? See our California auto insurance comparison to find the best offers for when you’re ready to get behind the wheel.

Conclusion

Congratulations on updating your address at the DMV! Make sure you update your auto insurance records with this change–all of your information must be accurate and up-to-date. And if you don’t already have car insurance, use our California Auto Insurance Comparison tool to find the best offers for when you’re ready to get insured!

Thank you for using dmvconnect.com. We hope this guide has been helpful and informative! If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us—we’re always happy to help.