Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Contact

• Phone: 800-777-0133

---

Description

The California Department of Motor Vehicles proudly serves the public by licensing drivers, registering vehicles, securing identities, and regulating the motor vehicle industry in pursuit of public safety. Our vision is to deliver an outstanding experience to all our customers, powered by our people and technology.

---

Services

Apply for a REAL ID/DL

Apply for a REAL ID or DL using the DMV online portal. A California REAL ID or DL can be used for travel, proof of residency, personal identification, and other legal purposes. It serves as a government-issued photo identification that proves your identity, age, and legal presence in the United States, allowing you to access various services like opening bank accounts, voting, applying for jobs, purchasing alcohol, and most importantly, driving a vehicle in California if you choose to get a DL.

---

Change Home Address

To change your address on your driver’s license (DL) or identification (ID) card, or on your vehicle/vessel online – it’s fast and easy from the convenience of your MyDMV account. Before you begin: 1. Be ready to login to your MyDMV account or create one. 2. Have your old and new addresses handy. 3. If changing the address for your vehicle or vessel, you will also need your most recent registration card and the address where your trailer coach or vessel is located (if applicable). A new driver's license, identification card, or registration card is not issued when changing your address. Temporary mailing addresses are not allowed.

---

Change your Name or Gender

There are four steps to changing your name on your driver’s license and/or identification card and there are 3 steps to change your gender. Please select the Launch service button to be taken to our Driver’s License or ID Card Updates page for more information.

---

DMV Paperless Notices

DMV offers paperless notices for driver's license and identification cards or vehicle registrations. Use this service to update your preference.

---

Fee Calculator

To help people plan for registration-related fees, DMV provides vehicle registration fee calculators.

---

Find a DMV Form

Most DMV transactions can be completed online through our Online Services or our Virtual Field Office, but sometimes, a traditional form is still needed. The Launch service button will take you to our online forms section.

---

Find a Traffic School

With DMV's Occupational License Status Information System, you can find the latest list of traffic schools in your area.

---

Get Your Vehicle Registration Status

Use this service to check your vehicle registration status.

---

Learn More about DMV for DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients have been authorized to apply for a DL/ID since June 15, 2012, upon presentation of documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For more information select the Launch service button.

---

Mobile Driver License (DMV Wallet)

Be among the first to carry your driver’s license on your phone by joining this voluntary pilot. The pilot is limited to 1.5 million participants, so sign up today.

---

New Registration for Your Vehicle

New Registration for Your Vehicle: If you need to register a vehicle for use on California roadways, waterways, or trailways, the launch service button will take you to the New Registration page that provides for all your registration needs.

---

Online Appointment Scheduler

DMV offices do not provide services for vehicle registration renewal (with no changes), driver’s license/ID Card renewal (with no in-office requirements), driver’s license and vehicle records, or replacement driver’s licenses. These services must be done online, at a DMV kiosk, with a DMV business partner, or by mail. Use the “Get in Line” option (when available) for same day visits.

---

Release of Liability

Sold your vehicle? Completing a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) lets DMV know that you are no longer responsible for parking/traffic violations or civil or criminal actions associated with the vehicle after the date of sale.

---

Renew Driver’s License or ID Card

Renew your driver’s license and or ID card online before they expire.

---

Renew Your Vehicle Registration

Renew your vehicle registration online before it expires.

---

Replacement Driver’s License Request

If your driver’s license (DL) has been lost, stolen, damaged or mutilated, a replacement DL can be requested using this system.

---

Report an Issue or Complaint

The DMV Investigations Division (INV) and the Occupational Licensing Division (OL) protect the programs and interests of the department and public through active fraud/counterfeit detection, investigation, audit, and enforcement services. Use this service if you would like to file a complaint or report an issue.

---

Request Vehicle Record

DMV maintains the public records of statistical information about vehicle registration, driver’s licenses, occupational licenses, and more. DMV’s online system allows you to print your vehicle/vessel registration record.

---

Transfer Title

Any change of the current registered owner or lienholder (legal owner) of a vehicle or vessel/boat requires transferring the title to the new owner. Transfer of ownership between the seller and the buyer must be started with DMV within 10 days of the sale of the vehicle or boat.

---

View Driver's Handbooks

Preparing for a drive test or knowledge test? Here’s what you need to know to pass your tests. Online handbooks are available in a variety of formats.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more FAQs regarding Vehicle Registration?

Visit the full FAQ

Does it matter what browser I'm using?

The DMV recommends you use the latest version of the following web browsers.

• Google Chrome
• Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Firefox
• Opera
• Safari (iOS/OS X)

If you are experiencing issues while using a browser's latest version, try a different browser listed above before you contact our Technical Support.

JavaScript is required for certain DMV website functionality.

Do I need a smog certification? What if I haven't had my vehicle smog checked?

The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.

Additional smog information.

How do I become eligible to renew my registration on the Internet?

You must have

• Access to the internet
• A valid credit/debit card or checking account
• The last five digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the vessel Hull Identification Number (HIN)
• Insurance with one of the participating insurance companies or be renewing a vehicle not requiring evidence of insurance (such as a trailer)
• Smog certification on file at DMV