How to change your California DMV appointment
You can change your California DMV appointment online, by phone, or in person — but the method depends on how you originally booked it. If you scheduled through the DMV website or the DMV Now app, you can reschedule online without calling. If you booked by phone or in person, you'll need to call or visit a field office to make changes. The DMV does not charge a fee to reschedule.
The fastest route is usually the online system. Log into your DMV account at dmv.ca.gov, find your appointment under "My Appointments," and select the option to reschedule. You can pick a new date and time from available slots at the same office or request a different location. Changes made online take effect when ready.
If you cannot reschedule online, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Have your driver's license number or identification number ready. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; calling early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter holds. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.
Key Takeaways
- Reschedule online through dmv.ca.gov or the DMV Now app if you booked your appointment through those channels.
- Call 1-800-777-0133 during business hours if you booked by phone or in person, or if you cannot access the online system.
- You can change your appointment to a different date, time, or office location without paying a fee.
- If you need to cancel entirely rather than reschedule, use the same method — online, by phone, or in person — and your appointment slot will open for other customers.
- Bring the same documents you would have brought to your original appointment if you reschedule for a different service type.
Rescheduling through the DMV website or app
The DMV Now app and the website both show your scheduled appointments if you created a DMV online account. Open your account, select "My Appointments," and look for the appointment you want to change. Click or tap the reschedule option next to it.
You will see a calendar of available times at your selected office. Some offices have more open slots than others, and availability changes daily. If no times work at your current location, you can choose a different DMV field office from the dropdown menu. Once you select a new date and time, the system confirms the change when ready and sends a confirmation email to the address on file.
If you do not have a DMV online account, you can create one at dmv.ca.gov using your driver's license number or state ID number. You will need to verify your identity with information from your license or ID. After you log in, you can view and reschedule any appointments you made through the website or app.
Rescheduling by phone or at a field office
Call 1-800-777-0133 to reschedule an appointment you made by phone or in person. A DMV representative will pull up your appointment using your driver's license number or ID number and ask what date and time work better for you. They will check availability and confirm the new appointment before you hang up. You will receive a confirmation number and a new appointment notice by mail or email, depending on how you originally booked.
You can also walk into any DMV field office during business hours and ask to reschedule at the service counter. Bring your driver's license or ID. Wait times at the counter vary, but this method works if you are already in the area or prefer to handle it in person. The staff member will reschedule you on the spot and provide a new appointment notice.
What to do if your appointment is soon and you cannot reschedule
If your appointment is within a few days and you cannot find an available slot, you have two options: keep the original appointment and go, or cancel it and book a new one when slots open up. The DMV regularly releases new appointment slots, especially in the early morning hours or on weekday mornings.
If you cancel without rescheduling, your slot becomes available for other customers, and you will need to book a new appointment when you are ready. Check dmv.ca.gov or the DMV Now app frequently — slots fill quickly, especially in busy counties. Some customers find success checking late at night or very early in the morning when the system updates.
If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your spot and have to book again from scratch. The DMV does not automatically reschedule missed appointments.
Changing your appointment type or service
If you originally booked for one service — such as a license renewal — but now need a different service, you should cancel that appointment and book a new one for the correct service. The DMV appointment system is organized by service type, and changing the service may require a different office location or a longer appointment window.
When you reschedule online or by phone, confirm with the DMV representative that the new appointment is for the correct service. If you are unsure which service code you need, check the DMV website or call before you reschedule. Showing up for the wrong service type can result in being turned away and having to book again.
Canceling an appointment without rescheduling
To cancel an appointment entirely, use the same method you used to book it. Online customers can log into their DMV account, select the appointment, and choose the cancel option. Phone or in-person bookers can call 1-800-777-0133 or visit a field office to cancel. There is no fee to cancel.
When you cancel, your appointment slot opens when ready for other customers. If you decide later that you need the appointment, you will have to book a new one. Canceling is useful if you have resolved the issue you needed the DMV for — such as completing your registration renewal online instead — or if your circumstances have changed.
Troubleshooting common rescheduling problems
If you cannot see your appointment in the online system, it may have been booked through a different method than you remember. Try calling 1-800-777-0133 with your driver's license number; the representative can locate it and reschedule over the phone. If you booked more than a year ago, the appointment may have expired and been removed from the system.
If the online reschedule option is grayed out or not appearing, try logging out and back in, or clearing your browser cache. If the problem persists, use the phone line or visit a field office instead. Some older appointments or those booked through third-party services may not be editable online.
If you receive an error message saying no appointments are available, try searching for a different office location or checking back later. The DMV releases slots throughout the day, and availability changes frequently. You can also call to ask if a representative can find an opening that is not showing online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reschedule my appointment to a different DMV office?
Yes. When you reschedule online or by phone, you can select a different office location from the available options. Some offices have shorter wait times or more open slots than others. Keep in mind that offices in rural areas may have fewer appointment times available than those in cities.
What if I need to reschedule but I do not have my confirmation number?
You do not need your confirmation number. The DMV can look up your appointment using your driver's license number or state ID number. Call 1-800-777-0133 or log into your online DMV account, and the system will show all your scheduled appointments.
How far in advance can I reschedule my appointment?
You can reschedule to any available date and time that the DMV has open, which typically ranges from a few days to several weeks out depending on your location and the service you need. There is no rule preventing you from rescheduling far in advance or just days before your appointment.
Will I lose my place in line if I reschedule?
No. Rescheduling does not affect your priority. You will be seen in the order of your new appointment time, just as you would have been for your original appointment.
What happens if I reschedule but then cannot make the new appointment?
You can reschedule again using the same method. There is no limit to how many times you can change your appointment. If you know you will not be able to make it, cancel instead so the slot becomes available for someone else.