Cancel through the DMV website or by phone

You can cancel a California DMV appointment online through the DMV's website or by calling the DMV directly. The online method is fastest — you can do it anytime without waiting on hold. If you need to cancel by phone, call 1-800-777-0133 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time).

To cancel online, go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Appointments," then select "Cancel an Appointment." You'll need your driver's license or ID number and the confirmation number from your appointment email or text message. The system will show your scheduled appointment and let you cancel it when ready.

When you cancel, the DMV releases that time slot for other people to book. You can reschedule a new appointment right after canceling, or wait and book one later.

Key Takeaways

  • Cancel online at dmv.ca.gov under "Appointments" using your driver's license number and confirmation number, or call 1-800-777-0133 during business hours.
  • Canceling online takes two minutes and works 24/7, while phone cancellations require waiting during business hours.
  • You can reschedule when ready after canceling or book a new appointment whenever you're ready.
  • If you miss an appointment without canceling, the DMV may charge a no-show fee or require you to reschedule through a different process.
  • Keep your confirmation number from your appointment email or text — you'll need it to cancel.

What you need to cancel online

Gather two pieces of information before you start: your driver's license or ID number and your appointment confirmation number. The confirmation number appears in the email or text message the DMV sent when you booked the appointment.

If you can't find your confirmation number, check your email inbox (including spam or promotions folders) or your text messages. The DMV sends confirmations to the phone number or email you provided when you made the appointment. If you still can't locate it, you can call 1-800-777-0133 and provide your driver's license number — the DMV can look up your appointment and help you cancel over the phone.

Canceling by phone instead of online

Call 1-800-777-0133 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Have your driver's license or ID number ready. Tell the representative you want to cancel your appointment and provide the date and time of your scheduled visit. They will confirm the cancellation and you're done.

Phone lines are busiest in the morning and early afternoon. If you reach a long wait, try calling later in the afternoon or on a different day. The online cancellation method avoids this wait entirely.

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

If you don't show up for your appointment and don't cancel beforehand, the DMV may charge you a no-show fee. The fee amount varies depending on the type of appointment. You'll also lose that appointment slot and need to book a new one.

To avoid this, cancel as soon as you know you can't make it. Even if you're canceling the day of your appointment, canceling is better than not showing up. If you've already missed an appointment without canceling, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask about the fee and how to reschedule.

Rescheduling after you cancel

After you cancel, you can book a new appointment right away through the same dmv.ca.gov website. Click "Appointments," then "Make an Appointment," and follow the steps to choose a new date and time. You can also wait and reschedule later if you need time to figure out your schedule.

Appointment availability changes based on location and time of year. If you need an appointment soon, check multiple DMV offices in your area — some locations have more open slots than others. You can also check back frequently, since people cancel appointments regularly and new slots open up.

If you can't cancel online or reach the phone line

If the online system isn't working or you can't reach the phone line, visit a DMV office in person during business hours. Bring your driver's license and your appointment confirmation number if you have it. A staff member can cancel your appointment at the counter.

DMV office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Check your local office's hours on dmv.ca.gov before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can cancel anytime before your appointment. Cancel as soon as you know you can't make it. If you cancel the day of your appointment, do it as early as possible so the DMV can offer that slot to someone else.

Will I get charged a fee for canceling?

No, canceling your appointment is free. You only face a fee if you don't show up and don't cancel beforehand. Canceling protects you from that no-show charge.

What if I lost my confirmation number?

Call 1-800-777-0133 and give the representative your driver's license number. They can look up your appointment in the system and cancel it for you without needing the confirmation number.

Can I cancel someone else's appointment?

No, you need the driver's license number and confirmation number of the person whose appointment it is. The DMV won't cancel an appointment for someone else without that person's information.

How long does it take to cancel?

Online cancellation takes about two minutes. Phone cancellation takes longer because you have to wait on hold, but the actual cancellation process is quick once you reach a representative.