California DMV ? Become a Certified User

Posted by AardvarkCompare.com on July 13th, 2016

Did you know that almost half of Americans don't participate in online activities because they're afraid for their privacy or security¹? That keeps them from benefiting from online services such as banking, shopping... and for Californians: becoming a registered user with the DMV.

Registered users with the California DMV's website are privy to more features and benefits than those who use the site as a guest (i.e. without creating an account and logging in). If you live in California and you're a driver, here's why it makes sense to register.

Your Privacy & the Security of Your Data Are Protected

Californians can rest assured that when they register with the Department of Motor Vehicles, their information is private and secure. In fact, the DMV states that getting certified means they can then actually validate your identity, meaning your information is further protected.

For more information on the DMV's privacy and security policies, you can check out their website here.

Now let's take a look at what's in store for you once you become a registered user.

There are Many Benefits to Becoming a California DMV Registered User

Once you register and become a certified user, you'll have access to a number of very useful services. In the past, before online access, many of these services were only available over the phone (after waiting endlessly on hold) or in person (have you seen the lines at the DMV?).

Therefore, the first and possibly the best benefit of becoming a registered DMV user is the immensely higher level of convenience. Once registered, you may do the following whenever you're logged in:

• renew your driver's license
• change your address with the DMV
• order your driving history

Convinced? Here's How to Get Started

You'll need a short list of things to register, and you'll need to already have a California driver's license (or a California identification card).  Once you're ready to register, gather these items and information and you're almost there:

• a valid e-mail address
• your date of birth
• the last four digits of your social security number
• the number from your California driver's license (or identification card)
• the date of issue from your California driver's license (or identification card)

The DMV Needs My Email Address... Why?

In case you were wondering, the DMV needs your email address to confirm your registration. Plus, in the future if you need to reset your password the DMV will need to send you an email. That's part of the verification process to protect you from identity thieves and hackers. They won't have access to your email so your password can't be changed unless it's really you.

The same applies to address changes. An address change will prompt the DMV system to send you an email notifying you that someone has attempted to change your address in the system. Hopefully, that was you! If not, the email is a protection measure against hacking and identity theft. 

For more information on registering with the California DMV for online services, check out their website. In the meantime, if you're shopping around for a good deal on car insurance in California you're already in the right place. Try our insurance comparison tool at AardvarkCompare.com and get quotes anonymously from over 30 carriers in less than 2 minutes.  You just may save yourself some cash!

Resources

1. Goldberg, Rafi. Lack of Trust in Internet Privacy and Security May Deter Economic and Other Online Activities. National Telecommunications & Information Administration. Retrieved 6/21/20 from https://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2016/lack-trust-internet-privacy-and-security-may-deter-economic-and-other-online-activities
2. Frequently Asked Questions. California Department of Motor Vehicles. Retrieved 6/21/2016 from https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/SelfHelp/faq