DMV online and in person
Which DMV tasks you can finish online or at a kiosk, when you need an office visit, and how to make sure you're on the official site.
Statewide guides
What You Can Do Online Without Visiting the DMV
The California DMV tasks you can finish online, through the DMV Virtual Office or at a kiosk, and the ones that still need an office visit.
DMV online and in personHow to Change Your Address With the California DMV
California requires you to report a new address to the DMV within 10 days. How to update your license and vehicles online or by form DMV 14.
DMV online and in personHow to Spot Unofficial DMV Websites and Text Scams
How to tell dmv.ca.gov from lookalike sites that charge extra fees, the DMV's warnings about discount and toll-text scams, and where to report fraud.
DMV online and in person at a glance
Many DMV tasks can now be done online at dmv.ca.gov, through the DMV Virtual Office or at a kiosk. These guides explain what you can do yourself, when you still need an office visit, how to report a new address, and how to avoid lookalike sites. We're an independent guide, not the DMV, so always finish your task on the official site.
| Item | Rule | Guide link |
|---|---|---|
| Change of address | Tell the DMV within 10 days of moving, for your license or ID and each registered vehicle | Change your address |
| Online address change processing | Allow up to three days | Change your address |
| Online license renewal window | Within 90 days before or 12 months after expiration, with no address or description change | DMV online services |
| Drivers 70 and older | Must renew in person every five years | DMV online services |
| DMV Now kiosk card payments | 1.95% service fee | DMV online services |
Where to start
- If you need to know which tasks you can finish online, at a kiosk or only at an office, read what you can do online without visiting the DMV.
- If you need to update your address after a move, read how to change your address with the California DMV.
- If you need to check whether a website or text is really from the DMV, read how to spot unofficial DMV websites and text scams.
Frequently asked questions
Is dmv.ca.gov the only official California DMV website?
Yes. The DMV warns about lookalike sites that charge unnecessary fees. Type dmv.ca.gov into your browser instead of clicking search ads or unknown links.
Can I get a REAL ID online?
Not your first one. You can start the application and upload documents online, but you must finish at a DMV office with your originals.
Can I change my address at a DMV kiosk?
No. DMV Now kiosks can't process address changes. Use the online change-of-address system instead, and select both your license or ID and your vehicles so they update together.