California DMV Department of Motor Vehicles

in this page i provide the full information about the California DMV Department of Motor Vehicles

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees vehicle registration, driver licensing, traffic violations, identity cards, and title transfers for the state. There are over 200 DMV field offices plus authorized private partners across California.

Forms

The California DMV provides dozens of forms covering vehicle ownership transfers, driver license applications, renewals, replacements, changes of address, and more. Common CA DMV forms include:

• Title Transfer and Registration Forms – Report of sale, duplicate titles/reg docs
• Driver License Forms – Replace licenses, reinstate revoked ones
• Dealer Forms – Wholesale dealer transfers, interim plates
• Disabled Placards/Plates Forms – Obtain temporary or permanent disability placards

Download CA DMV forms online or pick up copies at any field office. Submit completed forms by mail or in person.

Registration Renewal of California DMV Department of Motor Vehicles

California vehicle registration must be renewed every 2 years before the expiration date. Renewal options:

• Online – Renew up to 18 months early digitally
• By Mail – Return signed renewal notice with payment
• In Person – Visit DMV office or autorenewal kiosk

Provide current insurance info and vehicle odometer reading. Email reminder notices sent 75 days prior to registration expiration.

Appointment Scheduling

The CA DMV offers customers the option to schedule office visits for select services like:

• REAL ID applications
• Driver license permits
• Driving exams
• Vehicle inspections
• VIN verifications

Use the Appointment Scheduling System tool on DMV website to reserve your preferred date/time. Select desired office location.

Driver Exam Stations

There are over 200 CA DMV field offices and commercial driving schools providing:

• Vision, law, road sign tests
• Driving skill exams
• Motorcycle drive tests
• Commercial driver license exams

Drive tests administered by DMV test proctors with specially equipped exam vehicles. Schedule drive test appointments in advance.

2024 Driver’s Manual

The 2024 California Driver Handbook offers guidance on license exams, roadway safety, traffic laws, rules of the road, and safe driving. The guide outlines:

• Applying for a driver license
• Maintaining provisional licenses
• Renewing and replacing licenses
• Traffic signs, signals, lane markings
• Equipment and safety rules

Download the updated CA Driver Handbook PDF to study for permit tests.

License Renewals in California DMV Department of Motor Vehicles DMV

California driver licenses are valid for a max of 5 years and must be renewed before the expiration date. Renew online, by mail, phone, or office visit. Requirements:

• Eye exam (age 65+)
• Name/address change docs (if applicable)
• Application form
• Thumbprint/photo

Updated licenses feature new photos and electronically verified personal data.

License Plates

California issues regular, disabled, historic, and specialty collector license plates. Standard plates must be replaced every 7 years. Obtain replacements:

• Online – Convenient replacement option
• By Mail – Complete Plate Replacement Form
• In Person – Visit local DMV field office

Retain personalized plate configuration on replacements for $98 fee.

Driver’s License

A CA driver license shows driving privileges and serves as official state ID. New CA residents must obtain license within 10 days. Key license services:

• Apply for REAL ID compliant card
• Replace damaged, lost licenses
• Renew expired licenses (every 5 years)
• Reinstate suspended/revoked licenses

Visit CA DMV offices to obtain new license, replace lost one, renew, reinstate driving privileges.

Contact DMV

Contact California DMV for help with:

• Scheduling drive test appointments
• Checking application status
• General questions about services

Phone
Call 800-777-0133 to reach CA DMV customer service representatives.

Online
Ask questions using their Online DMV Contact Form.

In Person Visit DMV field offices from 8am-5pm on weekdays to access services.

Mail
Send physical letters and paperwork to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 825339 Sacramento, CA 94232-5339

Frequently Asked Questions