Reschedule Your California DMV Appointment Online or by Phone

You can reschedule a California DMV appointment through the DMV's online system, by phone, or in person at a field office. The online method is fastest — you log in with your appointment confirmation number and driver's license number, then pick a new date and time from available slots. If you cannot reach the online system or prefer to speak with someone, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 (TTY 1-800-368-4327) during business hours, or visit a local field office in person.

You must reschedule before your current appointment date. If you miss your appointment without rescheduling, you may lose your spot and have to book a new one, which can add weeks to your wait time depending on your county and service type.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV online appointment system at dmv.ca.gov is the fastest way to reschedule and shows you available times when ready.
  • You need your appointment confirmation number and driver's license number to reschedule online.
  • If the online system is unavailable or you prefer phone support, call 1-800-777-0133 during DMV business hours.
  • Rescheduling must happen before your current appointment date, or you lose the slot and must book again from scratch.
  • Some service types and counties have longer wait times between available appointments, so reschedule as soon as you know you cannot make your original time.

Reschedule Online Through the DMV Website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Appointments" from the main menu. Click "Reschedule an Appointment." You will be asked to enter your appointment confirmation number (found in your confirmation email or text message) and your driver's license number. The system will pull up your current appointment and show you available time slots in your county for the same service type.

Select your preferred new date and time, then confirm the change. You will receive a new confirmation number by email or text, depending on how you originally booked. Save this confirmation — you will need it if you have to reschedule again or if questions come up before your appointment.

The online system is usually available 24 hours a day, but you may see a message that no appointments are currently open for your service type in your county. This means the queue is full. Check back the next day or call the DMV to ask when new slots typically open.

Reschedule by Phone

Call 1-800-777-0133 (TTY 1-800-368-4327 for hearing-impaired callers) during DMV business hours. Have your appointment confirmation number and driver's license number ready. A representative will look up your appointment and offer you available times in your area.

Wait times to reach a representative can be long, especially on weekdays. The DMV recommends calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reach someone faster. If you reach a busy signal, hang up and try again — the DMV does not use a callback system.

Reschedule in Person at a Field Office

You can walk into any California DMV field office and ask to reschedule your appointment at the service counter. Bring your appointment confirmation and your driver's license. A staff member will reschedule you for an available time, usually on the same day or within a few days.

Field offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. If you go early (right when the office opens) or near closing time, you may wait less. Check the DMV website for your local office's hours before you go.

What Happens If You Miss Your Appointment Without Rescheduling

If you do not show up and did not reschedule beforehand, your appointment is cancelled. You will have to book a completely new appointment through the online system or by phone, which puts you back in the queue. Depending on your county and the service you need, this can mean waiting several weeks for the next open slot.

Some services (like commercial driver's license tests) have longer waits than others. If you know you cannot make your appointment, reschedule when ready rather than hoping to reschedule later — the sooner you move your slot, the more options you usually have.

Services You Can Reschedule and Those You Cannot

Most appointment types can be rescheduled: driver's license renewals, identification card renewals, written tests, behind-the-wheel tests, and address changes. A few services do not use the appointment system at all — you walk in without booking, like some title and registration transactions at certain offices.

If you are unsure whether your service type uses appointments, check the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. The representative can tell you whether you need an appointment and whether it can be rescheduled.

Rescheduling When No Appointments Are Available

If the online system or phone line tells you no appointments are open in your county for your service type, you have a few options. First, check if a nearby county has open slots — you can travel to a different field office if the wait is shorter. Second, ask the DMV when new appointments typically open; many counties release new slots on specific days of the week.

Third, consider whether your service can be handled by mail or online. Some renewals and address changes do not require an in-person visit. Check dmv.ca.gov to see if your transaction qualifies. If you absolutely need an appointment and none are open, call 1-800-777-0133 and ask whether you can be placed on a waitlist or whether the office has emergency slots for time-sensitive situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule someone else's DMV appointment?

No. Only the person whose name is on the appointment can reschedule it. You will need their appointment confirmation number and driver's license number. If you are helping a family member or friend, they must provide those details to you, or they can reschedule themselves online or by phone.

How far in advance can I reschedule my appointment?

You can reschedule anytime before your current appointment date. There is no minimum notice period. However, if you reschedule far in advance (weeks or months ahead), you may see fewer available slots than if you reschedule closer to your appointment date.

Will rescheduling cost me money?

No. Rescheduling an appointment is free. You only pay fees when you complete your transaction at the DMV (like a renewal fee or test fee), not for booking or changing your appointment time.

What if I reschedule and then need to reschedule again?

You can reschedule as many times as you need before your appointment. Use the same process: go online, call, or visit a field office. Each time you reschedule, you get a new confirmation number.

Can I reschedule if my appointment is tomorrow?

Yes, as long as your appointment has not already occurred, you can reschedule. However, available slots may be limited if you are rescheduling at the last minute. Try the online system first to see what times are open, or call 1-800-777-0133 to ask about same-day or next-day options.