How to Reschedule Your California DMV Appointment

You can reschedule online, by phone, or through the DMV website — but the method depends on what type of appointment you have

The fastest way to reschedule is through the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. Log into your account, find your appointment, and select a new date and time. This works for most services — license renewals, written tests, behind-the-wheel exams, and ID card appointments. The system shows available slots immediately, and you get confirmation right away.

If you cannot reschedule online, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Have your driver's license or ID number ready, along with your current appointment confirmation number. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or on weekdays. The phone line can also reschedule most appointment types, though some specialty services (like commercial driver's license testing) may have separate procedures.

Do not show up at a field office without rescheduling first. The DMV does not accept walk-ins for most services, and you will be turned away. Rescheduling takes minutes and prevents a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

• The DMV website at dmv.ca.gov is the fastest way to reschedule — you can pick a new date in minutes and see available times immediately.
• You need your driver's license or ID number and your appointment confirmation number to reschedule by phone at 1-800-777-0133.
• Some specialty appointments like commercial driver's license tests may require calling instead of using the online system.
• Rescheduling online or by phone is free and does not cost extra, even if you move your appointment multiple times.
• The DMV does not accept walk-ins for most services, so you must have a confirmed appointment before visiting a field office.

Rescheduling through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and click "Schedule an Appointment" or "Manage Your Appointment." Sign in with your driver's license number and date of birth, or with your MyDMV account if you have one. The system will show your current appointment and a calendar of available dates at your preferred location.

Select a new date and time, then confirm. You will see a new confirmation number on screen and receive an email confirmation. Save both. The new appointment replaces your old one — you do not need to cancel the original separately.

The online system works for standard services: driver's license renewal, written knowledge tests, behind-the-wheel driving tests, ID card appointments, and some commercial driver's license services. If your appointment type does not appear in the system, you will need to call instead.

Rescheduling by phone

Call 1-800-777-0133 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Have ready: your driver's license or ID number, your appointment confirmation number, and the location where you want to reschedule. The representative will show you available times and book a new slot.

Phone lines are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Early morning (8 to 9 a.m.) or late afternoon (4 to 5 p.m.) typically has shorter waits. If you reach a busy signal, hang up and try again in a few minutes rather than staying on hold.

Some field offices also have direct phone numbers listed on dmv.ca.gov. Calling your specific office may be faster than the statewide line, though they handle fewer calls and may not answer immediately.

What happens if you miss your appointment

If you do not show up and do not reschedule beforehand, the DMV cancels your appointment. You will need to schedule a new one through the website or by phone. There is no penalty or fee for a missed appointment, but you lose your time slot and may wait longer for the next available date.

If you know you cannot make your appointment, reschedule as soon as possible. Available times fill up quickly, especially in urban areas and near the end of the month. The sooner you move your appointment, the more options you will have.

Rescheduling specialty appointments

Commercial driver's license (CDL) appointments, motorcycle endorsement tests, and some other specialty services may not appear in the online scheduling system. For these, call 1-800-777-0133 and tell the representative what service you need. They can reschedule you or direct you to the correct office.

If you are rescheduling a behind-the-wheel test, the system may require you to retake your written test first if too much time has passed. Ask the representative whether you need to do this before booking your new driving test date.

Rescheduling when no appointments are available

Some DMV locations run out of appointment slots, especially for popular services like license renewals. If the calendar shows no open times, try searching for a different location. Many people find slots at offices outside their immediate area.

Check back frequently — the DMV releases new appointment slots throughout the day and week. Slots often open up a few days before they are needed. If you need an appointment urgently, try searching early in the morning or late in the evening when fewer people are booking.

You can also renew your driver's license by mail if you are not due for a vision test or a new photo. Visit dmv.ca.gov and look for "Renew by Mail" to see if you may have access to. This avoids the appointment system entirely and takes about two weeks.

What to bring when you reschedule

Rescheduling itself requires nothing — you do the whole thing online or over the phone. When you show up for your new appointment, bring the same documents you would have brought to the original one. Your confirmation number is your proof of appointment; the DMV does not mail appointment cards.

Take a photo of your confirmation number or write it down. If you lose it, you can look it up on dmv.ca.gov by signing in again, but having it written down saves time at the field office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule multiple times?

Yes. There is no limit to how many times you can reschedule. Each time you book a new appointment, it replaces the previous one. Rescheduling is free and does not affect your place in the system.

What if I reschedule but then need to cancel entirely?

You do not need to formally cancel — simply do not show up. However, if you know you will not need the appointment, rescheduling it frees up the slot for someone else and keeps the system moving. You can reschedule to a date far in the future or just let it go unused.

Do I need to reschedule if I am just a few minutes late?

No. If you are running late, go directly to the field office. The DMV typically allows a grace period of 15 to 30 minutes. If you are more than 30 minutes late, you may lose your appointment slot and need to reschedule.

Can I reschedule someone else's appointment?

No. The online system requires the appointment holder's driver's license number and date of birth to reschedule. If someone else needs to reschedule, they must do it themselves or call the DMV and authorize you to act on their behalf.

What if the website says my appointment cannot be rescheduled?

Some appointments, particularly specialty services or those scheduled far in advance, may be locked in the system. Call 1-800-777-0133 and explain your situation. The representative can often reschedule appointments that the website cannot.