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 booked your appointment through the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov), you can reschedule it yourself without calling. If you made the appointment by phone or in person at a field office, you'll need to contact the DMV directly to change it. The fastest route is usually the online system if you have your confirmation number and driver's license or ID number handy.

You can change your appointment up until the day before it's scheduled. If you need to cancel instead of reschedule, the same methods explore — you're straightforward not booking a new time slot. Keep in mind that some appointment types (like commercial driver's license tests) have stricter rules, so check your confirmation email for any restrictions specific to your transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • Online appointments booked through dmv.ca.gov can be rescheduled through the same website using your confirmation number and driver's license number.
  • Appointments made by phone or at a field office must be changed by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visiting a local office in person.
  • You can change your appointment up until the day before it's scheduled, but canceling without rebooking means you'll lose your time slot.
  • If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer for the next available slot, depending on your local office's policies.
  • Some transaction types have their own rules about rescheduling, so review your confirmation email before attempting to change your appointment.

Rescheduling an appointment you booked online

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" from the homepage. You'll see an option to "Reschedule an Existing Appointment" — click that instead of starting a new booking. Enter your driver's license or ID number and your appointment confirmation number (this is in your confirmation email). The system will pull up your current appointment and show you available times at the same office or nearby locations.

Select your new date and time, then confirm the change. You'll receive a new confirmation email with your updated appointment details. The old time slot is automatically released, so you don't need to cancel separately. Save or print your new confirmation — you'll need it when you arrive at the office.

Changing an appointment made by phone or in person

Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time). Have your confirmation number and driver's license number ready. Tell the representative you want to reschedule, and they'll check availability at your preferred office and time. They'll book the new appointment and cancel the old one in the same call.

If you prefer not to call, you can visit any DMV field office in person and ask staff to reschedule you. Bring your confirmation number and ID. Wait times at offices vary, so going early in the day typically means a shorter wait. You can also ask staff whether the online system will now let you reschedule future appointments yourself — some offices can enable that access on the spot.

What happens if you miss or don't cancel your appointment

If you don't show up for your appointment and haven't canceled it, the DMV will release your time slot to the next person on the waitlist. You won't face a penalty or fine, but you will lose your reserved time. Depending on your local office and the type of transaction, getting another appointment may take weeks or longer.

If you realize you can't make it, cancel as soon as possible — even the day of your appointment. This frees up the slot for someone else and shows the DMV you're not a no-show. If you need to reschedule instead of cancel, do that right away rather than skipping the appointment and hoping to book later.

Scam alert: Fake DMV rescheduling websites

Do not use any website other than dmv.ca.gov to reschedule your appointment. Scammers create lookalike sites that collect your personal information and charge fees for "rescheduling services" that don't exist. The real DMV website is always dmv.ca.gov — check the URL carefully before entering any information.

The DMV will never text you a link to reschedule or ask you to pay a fee to change your appointment. If you receive a text or email with a link claiming to be from the DMV, do not click it. Go directly to dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 instead. Report suspicious messages to the California Attorney General's office at oag.ca.gov.

Special rules for commercial driver's license and behind-the-wheel test appointments

Commercial driver's license (CDL) written tests and behind-the-wheel driving tests have stricter rescheduling windows. You typically must reschedule at least 24 hours before your test, and some offices require 48 hours' notice. Check your confirmation email for the specific requirement for your test type.

If you miss a behind-the-wheel test appointment, you may have to wait significantly longer for the next available slot — sometimes several weeks — because test appointments are more limited than other DMV services. Canceling early gives you a better chance of getting a nearby time slot when you reschedule.

Rescheduling when your local office is closed or has no availability

If your preferred office has no open appointments, the online system will show you available times at other nearby offices. You can reschedule to a different location if it's more convenient or has sooner availability. The DMV serves the same region from multiple offices, so your transaction will be processed the same way regardless of which one you visit.

If all nearby offices are fully booked, check back in a few days — new appointment slots are released regularly as people cancel or reschedule. You can also call 1-800-777-0133 and ask whether a specific office has cancellations or whether a different location might have sooner availability. Some offices release slots at specific times of day, so asking when to check back can save you time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule my appointment the day before or day of?

Yes, you can reschedule up until the day before your appointment through the online system or by calling 1-800-777-0133. On the day of your appointment itself, call the DMV directly — the online system may not process same-day changes. If you're already at the office, staff can sometimes reschedule you in person, though this depends on availability and office workload.

What if I don't have my confirmation number?

Check your email for your DMV confirmation — it contains your confirmation number and appointment details. If you can't find the email, call 1-800-777-0133 with your driver's license number, and the representative can look up your appointment. You can also visit a DMV field office with your ID and ask staff to reschedule you in person.

Do I lose my place in line if I reschedule?

No. When you reschedule to a new time, you're booking a new appointment slot — you're not moving backward in any queue. Your new appointment is a separate booking with its own time. The only exception is if you cancel without rescheduling; then you lose your reserved time and would have to book from scratch later.

Can I reschedule someone else's DMV appointment?

No. The DMV requires the person whose appointment it is to reschedule, using their own driver's license or ID number. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes. If someone else needs to reschedule on your behalf, they should contact the DMV and explain the situation — staff may be able to help depending on the circumstances.

What if I need to reschedule but the website says my confirmation number is invalid?

This usually means the confirmation number was entered incorrectly or the appointment has already been canceled. Double-check the number in your email and try again. If it still doesn't work, call 1-800-777-0133 with your driver's license number and ask a representative to reschedule you. They can access your appointment even if the online system isn't finding it.