How to reschedule your California DMV appointment online or by phone
You can reschedule a California DMV appointment through the same system where you booked it: the DMV's online appointment portal at dmv.ca.gov, or by calling the DMV appointment line at 1-833-636-4636. The online method is faster — you log in with your confirmation number and appointment details, select a new date and time, and confirm. If you call, have your confirmation number ready and the representative will find available slots in your area.
You can reschedule up until the day before your appointment. If you miss your appointment without rescheduling, you may lose your spot and have to book a new one, which could mean waiting weeks depending on your location and service type.
Key Takeaways
- Reschedule online at dmv.ca.gov using your confirmation number, or call 1-833-636-4636 during business hours.
- You must reschedule before the day of your appointment; canceling without rescheduling forfeits your spot.
- Available appointment times vary by location and service type, so check multiple dates if your preferred time is full.
- If you cannot reschedule online or by phone, visit a DMV office in person to change your appointment.
Rescheduling through the DMV website
Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Appointments" section in the main menu. Click "Manage Your Appointment" and enter your confirmation number (found in your appointment confirmation email or text) and the phone number or email you used to book. The system will pull up your current appointment and show you available dates and times at the same location.
Select your new date and time, then confirm the change. You will receive a new confirmation number by email or text. Save this number — you will need it if you need to reschedule again or if the DMV contacts you about your appointment.
The online system works 24 hours a day, so you can reschedule at any time before your original appointment date. If the system tells you no times are available, try searching for dates further out, or check back the next day — new slots sometimes open as other people reschedule.
Rescheduling by phone
Call 1-833-636-4636 during DMV business hours. Have your confirmation number ready. The representative will ask which location you want to keep and what dates work for you. They will then search for open slots and offer you options. Once you pick a new time, they will confirm your new appointment and give you a new confirmation number.
Phone wait times can be long, especially in the morning and early afternoon. If you reach a busy signal, try calling back in 15 minutes or use the online method instead. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific time.
What to do if you cannot reschedule online or by phone
If the online system will not accept your confirmation number or you cannot reach the phone line, visit a DMV office in person. Bring your confirmation email or text and a photo ID. A staff member can reschedule you on the spot, usually within a few minutes. This is also the fastest option if you need to move your appointment to a date that is not showing as available online.
Find your nearest DMV office at dmv.ca.gov by entering your zip code. Some offices are appointment-only, so you may need to book a quick visit to reschedule, or you can walk in during open hours at offices that accept walk-ins.
Rescheduling to a different DMV location
If you need to move your appointment to a different city or county, you can reschedule to a new location through the online portal or by phone. When you reschedule, the system will let you choose a different location instead of keeping the original one. Availability varies widely by location — rural areas often have more open slots than busy urban offices.
Keep in mind that some services (like commercial driver's license tests) may only be available at certain locations. If you are switching locations for a specialized service, check that your new location offers it before confirming your reschedule.
What happens if you miss your rescheduled appointment
If you do not show up for your appointment and do not reschedule beforehand, your appointment is forfeited. You will have to book a new appointment from scratch, which means starting at the back of the queue. Depending on your location and the service you need, this could add weeks to your wait time.
If you realize you will miss your appointment, reschedule as soon as possible — even if it is the same day. The sooner you move it, the sooner you can get in at a new time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reschedule my appointment the day of?
No. You must reschedule before the day of your appointment. If you realize on the morning of your appointment that you cannot make it, call 1-833-636-4636 as soon as the line opens and reschedule when ready. If you miss the appointment without rescheduling, you lose your spot.
How far in advance can I reschedule?
You can reschedule anytime after you book, up until the day before your appointment. There is no rule against moving your appointment further out — you can push it back weeks or months if needed through the online system or by phone.
Will I lose my place in line if I reschedule?
No. Rescheduling keeps you in the same position. You are straightforward moving to a different available time slot. Canceling without rescheduling is what causes you to lose your spot and have to rebook.
What if my confirmation number does not work online?
Double-check that you entered it correctly — confirmation numbers are case-sensitive. If it still does not work, call 1-833-636-4636 or visit a DMV office in person with your confirmation email or text and a photo ID to reschedule.
Can I reschedule someone else's appointment?
No. You need the confirmation number and the phone number or email associated with the appointment. If you are helping a family member, ask them for their confirmation details, or have them reschedule themselves through their own account.