DMVCA
California DMV services & transactions — complete guide
Reviewed by the DMVCA editorial team
Last updated June 28, 2026
The DMV does far more than issue licenses — it’s a catalog of transactions, and the smartest move is almost always to find the channel that avoids an office visit. This guide maps every California DMV service to how you actually do it: online through MyDMV and the Virtual Field Office, at a DMV Now kiosk, by mail, through AAA, or — only when truly required — in person.
Most renewals, address changes, and record requests are online and take minutes. The handful of things that still need an office — first licenses, REAL ID, and behind-the-wheel tests — are flagged clearly below.
At a glance 8 metrics
Online services
Many
via MyDMV & Virtual Field Office
MyDMV account
Free
renew, records, address
DMV Now kiosks
Statewide
offices + grocery stores
AAA members
Many transactions
at branches
Driving record
$2
online ($5 mail / in person)
Address change
Free
online in minutes
Appointments
Online booking
or walk in
Virtual Field Office
Select transactions
upload & review
Quick start
Top tasks
Renew online License and registration renewals via MyDMV. Make or cancel an appointment Book or cancel online; same-day via Get in Line. Change your address Free, online, a few minutes. Get your driving record Official record, online or in person. Find a DMV Now kiosk Self-service for stickers & records. Use the Virtual Field Office Some transactions by document upload.
Browse by topic
7 clusters · ordered by user journey, not alphabet.
01 Online services MyDMV, Virtual Field Office, renewals, address change, records, forms. 02 In-person services What still requires an office visit — first license, REAL ID, road tests. 03 DMV Now kiosks Self-service kiosks at offices and grocery stores; what they do. 04 Business partners & AAA What AAA and registration services can handle, and their fees. 05 Mail-in services What you can do by mail and where to send it. 06 Driving records Driver records, employer pull-notice, points, official vs unofficial. 07 Check your status Where to check a license, registration, or application status.
Most searched
The 8 questions readers ask most
01 MyDMV login and account setup 02 California DMV change of address online 03 How to get your California driving record 04 DMV Virtual Field Office — what you can do 05 DMV Now kiosk locations near me 06 Make a DMV appointment online 07 What DMV services AAA can do 08 Full list of California DMV online services
How to
Use a California DMV service — 5 steps
Most transactions start by checking whether you even need an office.
1
Check if it's online
Most renewals, address changes, and record requests are online. See online services ›
2
Sign in to MyDMV
A free account at dmv.ca.gov handles renewals, records, and address changes in one place.
3
Pick the right channel
4
Complete the transaction
Follow the prompts; in-person items may need an appointment and documents.
5
Save your confirmation
Keep the confirmation number or printout; mailed stickers and cards typically arrive within a couple of weeks (license cards can take longer).
Eligibility at a glance
What you can do online, at a kiosk, by mail, through AAA, or only in person.
TransactionOnlineKioskMailIn person
Registration renewal YesYesYesYes
License renewal (under 70) UsuallySometimesSometimesYes
Change of address YesNoYesYes
Driving record YesYesYesYes
First license / REAL ID NoNoNoRequired
Behind-the-wheel test NoNoNoRequired
Documents you'll need
What to have ready before you start.
1 MyDMV account Email + your DL/ID number to register 2 Plate & VIN (for vehicles) License-plate number + last 5 of the VIN 3 Payment method Card or e-check online; cash in person 4 Documents (in-person only) Identity, SSN, residency for first license / REAL ID
Tip. Before driving to an office, check whether your task is online — most renewals, record requests, and address changes are. See online services ›
By channel
Pick the channel that fits your transaction.
The bigger picture
How services connect to the rest of the DMV system
DMV services are the "how" behind every other pillar. You renew a driver's license or vehicle registration through these channels, the forms and fees for each transaction live in the forms & fees library, and anything that must be done in person happens at a DMV office. The goal of this pillar is simple: help you avoid an office trip whenever the task can be done online, by kiosk, by mail, or through AAA.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do at the California DMV online?
Most renewals, address changes, driving-record requests, appointment booking, and many forms — through MyDMV and the Virtual Field Office.
What is MyDMV?
A free account at dmv.ca.gov that centralizes your DMV transactions — renew, request records, change your address, and check status. See online services.
What is the Virtual Field Office?
An online channel that lets you complete certain transactions by uploading documents online; a DMV representative reviews them and contacts you to finalize — useful for items that once required an office. See online services.
What still requires an in-person visit?
First licenses, REAL ID upgrades, behind-the-wheel tests, and some commercial transactions. See in-person services.
What can a DMV Now kiosk do?
Registration renewals, DL/ID renewals, replacement stickers and cards, and driving-record requests — printed on the spot. See DMV Now kiosks.
Can AAA handle DMV transactions?
Yes — AAA members can complete many registration and title transactions at a branch, often same-day. See business partners.
How do I change my address with the DMV?
Free and online in a few minutes through change of address; it updates both your license and registration records.
How do I get my California driving record?
Order an official driver record online through MyDMV ($2), at a kiosk, by mail (form INF 1125, $5), or in person ($5). See driving records.
Do I need an appointment?
For office visits, an appointment is faster than a walk-in. Book online; kiosks and many online services need no appointment. Find an office ›
Can I do DMV transactions by mail?
Some — registration and license renewals and certain forms. See mail-in services.
How do I avoid the DMV line?
Check if your task is online first, use a kiosk for stickers/records, or book an appointment. Most renewals never need an office. Start online ›
What's new in California DMV services for 2026?
The Virtual Field Office and mobile driver's license pilots continue to expand. See the DMV news for current changes.
Service tools
Calculators & checkers tied to this pillar.
MyDMV portal Your account dashboard Live
Find a DMV office Closest office by ZIP Planned
Appointment finder Soonest slot nearby Planned
Kiosk locator Nearest DMV Now kiosk Live Driving record request Order your driver record online Live Sources. California DMV — Online services · California DMV — Virtual Field Office · California DMV — DMV Now kiosks · California DMV — Driving records
Last verified June 28, 2026 · reviewed quarterly and after any policy change.