Reviewed and updated October 12, 2026 by the SearchSystems.net editorial team. Every fact on this page was read from the California DMV's own pages that day, and the DMV page each fact came from is linked where it appears.
How to update a California driver's license or ID card with the DMV: the free change of address and its 10-day rule, the name change that starts at Social Security, the gender marker, the documents for a REAL ID or a standard card, the office visit and the fee. A lost or stolen card is on the replacement guide, an expiring one on the renewal guide.
In this guide: Changing your address, Changing your name, Changing your gender marker, What each change costs, Questions about updating a California license or ID
Changing your address
An address change is free and does not need an office visit. The DMV takes a Change of Address (DMV 14) three ways: online in a MyDMV account on its change of address page; by mail, with the DMV 14 downloaded or requested by phone at 1-800-777-0133 (the DMV says a mailed form can take up to 5 days to arrive) and sent to the address printed on the form; or in person at any DMV office, where a representative submits it to DMV headquarters.
California law requires you to notify the DMV within 10 days of changing your address.
Changing your name
First, the Social Security Administration. When you apply with a new name, the DMV's first step is to verify it with the SSA, so the SSA must already have the new name. If the records do not match, the application is denied and the DMV sends a Request for Verification of Information letter.
Then a new application. Use the DMV's online application to apply for a new license, ID card or commercial license in the new name; the application lets you choose a REAL ID.
The documents. For a REAL ID: proof of identity, your Social Security number and two proofs of California residency. For a non-REAL ID card: proof of your true full name only. For a commercial license: proof of your true full name, a 10 Year History Record Check (DL 939) if you have held a license of any kind in another state or jurisdiction in the last 10 years, and a copy of the Medical Examiner's Certificate from your current commercial medical examination. If you have ever legally changed your name before, the DMV may ask for proof of all former name changes, whether or not it was told of them: name change documents showing the name before and after, marriage certificates, dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership documents showing the resulting name, documents forming a domestic partnership, or adoption documents showing the resulting name. The acceptable documents lists are linked from the DMV's update page.
The office visit. The change is not complete until you come into a field office, with an appointment or as a walk-in. Bring your current license or ID and the proof documents, pay the licensing fee, and have your thumbprint scanned. A license applicant leaves with a temporary license valid for 60 days; an ID card applicant with a receipt as proof of application. The new card arrives by mail within three to four weeks; after 60 days without it, check the DMV's status page.
Changing your gender marker
Since January 1, 2019, the DMV lets you self-select a gender identity of male (M), female (F) or nonbinary (X) for the license or ID card. The steps are a new online application with the updated gender category; the REAL ID documents (proof of identity, Social Security number, two proofs of California residency) if the updated card is to be a REAL ID; and a field office visit with your current card and any required documents, the licensing fee, and a thumbprint scan. A license applicant gets a temporary license valid for 60 days, an ID applicant a receipt, and the card arrives within three to four weeks. If you are also changing your name, the DMV says to follow the name change steps as well.
What each change costs
| Change | Fee |
|---|---|
| Address change (DMV 14), any card | No fee |
| Name or other information change, Class C, M1 or M2 license | $37 |
| Information change, noncommercial Class A or B license | $37 |
| Information change, regular ID card | $40 |
| Information change, reduced fee ID card | $11 |
| Information change, senior citizen ID card | No fee |
Source: the DMV's licensing fees page. The commercial license fees and the office card service fee are on the California DMV fees page.
Questions about updating a California license or ID
How long do I have to report a new address?
California law requires you to notify the DMV within 10 days of changing your address, according to the DMV's update page. The notice is free.
Do I have to go to an office for a name change?
Yes. The DMV says the name change is not complete until you come into a field office, with or without an appointment, bringing your current card and the proof documents.
Can I change my name and my gender marker at the same time?
Yes. The DMV says to follow the name change steps in addition to the gender category steps, in one application.
What if Social Security still has my old name?
The DMV verifies the new name with the Social Security Administration first. If the records do not match, the application is denied and the DMV sends a Request for Verification of Information letter saying what to do.
What does a name change cost?
An information change on a Class C, M1, M2 or noncommercial Class A or B license is $37 on the DMV's fee schedule; on an ID card it is $40, or $11 for a reduced fee card, and nothing for a senior citizen card.
Written by SearchSystems.net from the California DMV's update page, change of address page and licensing fees page, read on October 12, 2026.