I was able to create an account by downloading the CA DMV Wallet app from the App Store. Registering an account through the app successfully triggers the verification email. I was then able to register an account and submit a change of address through the email link. Hope this helps! More on reddit.com

According to the DMV service rep, if you create a new account, it starts as a "basic account" which isn't linked to your DL/ID. So if you are unable to gain access to your account because of a change in phone number or email address, DO NOT create another account, but instead, make sure to recover your old account. Because once you create a "basic account" with a new email address, it cannot be linked to your former account which is still tied to your DL/ID. But you also cannot delete these "basic accounts" without linking them to your DL/ID. In order to actually link them, you have to delete/cancel them both, and that takes 10 days, and you have to call 1-877-563-5213 and wait on hold in order to do this. They must have millions of these "basic accounts" linked to emails that don't do anyone any good, and lock up being able to be linked back to your DL without having to go through a major hassle of canceling and linking, and canceling again. More on reddit.com