Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

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Description

The California Department of Motor Vehicle’s vision is to be a recognized leader in public service. To accomplish this vision our mission is to serve the public by providing quality licensing and motor vehicle-related services.

Services

Change Home Address

You can change your residence or mailing address for your California Driver License, Identification Card, vehicle, or vessel. A new driver license, identification card or registration card is not issued when changing your address. Temporary mailing addresses are not allowed. U.S. CITIZENS ONLY. The law requires you to update your voter registration when you move to a new permanent residence. Please note that when changing your address, you may have to inform your postal service or other entities separately.

Launch service: Change Home Address

Change Name on ID Card

If your name has changed, please update it on your ID Card or Driver License by coming in to a DMV office. Please note that you will have to update this information the the Social Security Administration separately.

Launch service: Change Name on ID Card

Find a Traffic School

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

Launch service: Find a Traffic School

Learn More about DMV for DACA

Learn more about DMV for DACA.

Launch service: Learn More about DMV for DACA

Release of Liability

Reporting the sale or transfer of a vehicle or vessel to the DMV does not constitute a transfer of ownership. The record is not permanently transferred out of your name until the DMV receives a completed application for transfer of ownership and payment of appropriate fees from the new owner. The vehicle record for International Registration Program (IRP) vehicles with IRP license plate number configurations may be submitted, however, the vehicle record for that license number will not be updated. When this form is properly completed and the information is recorded by the DMV, liability for parking and/or traffic violations and civil litigation resulting from operation after the date of sale becomes the responsibility of the new buyer.

Launch service: Release of Liability

Renew Driver License

In order to process your renewal, you must be the person named on the renewal notice and not have a change of address. Note: If you wish to apply for a Reduced Fee Identification Card, you must bring the original, completed Verification for Reduced Fee Identification Card (DL 937) to the DMV along with your payment and your Renewal Notice. Verification for Reduced Fee Identification Card (DL 937) must be presented to DMV within 60 days of its completion by the governmental or non-profit entity.

Launch service: Renew Driver License

Renew Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle or renew registration. When using this online service, enter your License Plate Number for vehicles or CF Number for vessels/boats and Vehicle Identification Number to get started.

Launch service: Renew Vehicle Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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.
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
Where can I find more FAQs regarding Vehicle Registration?

Visit the full FAQ