Key takeaways
- The only official California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov. Type it in yourself instead of clicking search ads.
- The DMV warns about lookalike websites that charge unnecessary fees and says it never offers discounts on registration renewals.
- The DMV will never text you asking for personal or financial information.
Searching for "DMV" can lead to lookalike websites that charge extra fees or collect your personal information. Text scams claiming to be the DMV or a toll agency are also common. Here's what the California DMV itself says, and how to protect yourself.
About this site: we're an independent guide, not the DMV. We don't process transactions, charge for DMV services, or ask for your personal details. We link you to the official site to get things done.
Use only dmv.ca.gov
- The official California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov.
- The DMV warns about fake websites that look like the official site but charge unnecessary fees.
- Its advice: type the address into your browser, and don't trust search ads or unknown links.
The DMV doesn't offer discounts
In a June 2025 warning, the DMV said it doesn't offer discounts on vehicle registration renewals and doesn't offer special deals through unauthorized third parties or on social media. Ads promising cheaper registration are a red flag. Use dmv.ca.gov or an authorized DMV business partner.
Text-message scams
The DMV has warned about texts asking people to pay unpaid tolls or fees through a link. The DMV says it will never text you asking for personal or financial information. If you get one:
- don't tap the link and don't reply;
- check any real toll balance by going directly to your toll agency's official website; and
- delete the message.
Red flags at a glance
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| A web address that doesn't end in .ca.gov | Not the official California DMV |
| A website other than dmv.ca.gov that adds its own "processing" or "service" fee | The DMV warns that lookalike sites charge unnecessary fees |
| Promises of discounted registration or special deals | The DMV says it doesn't offer discounts or deals through third parties or social media |
| Requests for your Social Security number, banking information or full driver's license number by text or email | The DMV says it won't ask for these this way |
| Pressure to pay immediately to avoid penalties | A classic scam tactic |
If you were scammed
- Contact your bank or card issuer to dispute the charge.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, as the DMV advises.
- If you shared your SSN, consider a credit freeze with the three credit bureaus.
- Complete your actual task on dmv.ca.gov.
What the DMV says it will never do
The DMV's scam alert lists things a real DMV message won't do. According to the DMV, it:
- doesn't send text messages with links to make payments;
- won't ask for your Social Security number, banking information or full driver's license number by text or email;
- won't threaten arrest, fines or suspension in an unsolicited message; and
- won't ask you to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or apps like Venmo or Zelle.
Some DMV offices may send official reminders. A reminder that asks for any of the above is a scam.
Check before you pay
- Look at the address bar. It should read dmv.ca.gov. Close the tab if it doesn't.
- Don't arrive by ad or link. Type the address yourself or use a bookmark.
- Compare the fee. Your renewal notice lists your DMV fees. A website other than dmv.ca.gov that adds its own "service" or "processing" charge is a warning sign. Card payments at DMV Now kiosks carry a 1.95% service fee, and authorized business partners may charge their own service fees. Check that a business is authorized on dmv.ca.gov.
- Ignore urgency. Real deadlines are on your notice, not in a text demanding payment today.
- When in doubt, call. DMV customer service is at 1-800-777-0133.
Frequently asked questions
Is dmv.ca.gov the only official California DMV website?
Yes. The official California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov. The DMV suggests you bookmark it and type it into your browser instead of clicking search ads or unknown links.
Does the California DMV send text messages?
The DMV says it doesn't send texts with links to make payments, and it will never text you asking for personal or financial information. Some offices may send official reminders, but those won't ask for your SSN or bank details, or include a link to pay.
I got a text saying I owe unpaid tolls. Is it real?
Treat it as a scam. The DMV has warned about texts claiming unpaid toll fees that link to fake payment pages. Don't tap the link or reply. Check any real toll balance by going directly to your toll agency's official website.
Does the DMV offer discounts on registration renewal?
No. In June 2025 the DMV said it doesn't offer discounts on registration renewals or special deals through unauthorized third parties or social media. Pay the amount on your notice through official renewal options.
Why did a DMV website charge me an extra fee?
You were likely on a lookalike site rather than dmv.ca.gov. The DMV warns that these sites charge unnecessary fees. Contact your bank or card issuer to dispute the charge, then complete your task on the official site.
Where do I report a DMV scam?
The DMV points people to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For questions about a message that claims to be from the DMV, you can call DMV customer service at 1-800-777-0133.
Is this website the DMV?
No. Golden State Explained is an independent guide. We don't process DMV transactions, charge for DMV services or ask for your personal details. To see what you can do yourself on the official site, read our list of DMV online services.
Sources
We use primary sources: statutes, court rules, official forms and government pages. Read our editorial standards.