Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Contact

• Phone: 800-777-0133

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Change to DMV paperless notices

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

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Fee Calculator

Calculate Car Fees and Payments

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Find a DMV Form

You need a DMV form for various reasons like applying for, renewing, replacing, correcting, or updating a driver's license or identification card, or to apply for license endorsements.

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Find a Traffic School

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

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Get your vehicle registration status

Use this service to check your vehicle registration status.

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Learn More about DMV for DACA

Learn more about DMV for DACA.

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Mobile Driver License (DMV Wallet)

The Mobile Drive License (mDL) offers a quick and secure identity-check at airports, without handing over your phone. Speed through TSA at SFO and LAX. Use this service to enroll in the pilot program.

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Online Appointment Scheduler

Appointments for Behind-the-Wheel Drive Tests are only available after you submit an application. Use the “Get in Line” service when available for same day visits.

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Register your Vehicle

If you need to register a vehicle for use on California roadways, waterways, or trailways, you’ve come to the right place.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Request Vehicle Record

DMV maintains the public records of statistical information about vehicle registration (VR), driver’s licenses (DLs), occupational licenses (OLs), and more. Use this service to request this information from DMV and pay a fee to access it.

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Transfer Title

When you buy a vehicle, you need to transfer the vehicle’s title to establish yourself as the new legal owner.

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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.

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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