Visiting the California DMV: appointments, what to bring and what to expect

What the California DMV no longer does at the counter, what you can finish online, at a kiosk or with a business partner, how appointments and "Get in Line Now" work, and what to bring and how to pay.

Guide · California · Appointments · updated October 29, 2026

In California, one agency handles both driver licenses and vehicles: the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It issues driver licenses, permits and ID cards, including REAL ID, and it titles and registers vehicles. The DMV pushes many routine tasks away from its counters, so the first step is to check whether you need to visit at all.

What the DMV does not do at the counter

The DMV says it does not provide counter service for:

• Vehicle registration renewal
• Driver's license or ID card renewal, unless your renewal notice says otherwise
• Driver and vehicle records
• Replacement driver's licenses

These must be done online, at a DMV kiosk, with a DMV business partner or by mail.

Where you can go instead

• Online. The DMV's Online Services page lists dozens of transactions. They include registration renewal, change of address, title replacement, replacement stickers and registration cards, plate replacement, special interest or personalized plates, driver and vehicle records, and the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability for sellers. You can also start a driver's license or ID application online and finish it at an office.
• DMV kiosks. The DMV says it has 289 self-service kiosks in DMV offices and retail locations. They can renew a registration, so you get your sticker right away. Kiosks can also renew a license or ID, replace a license, print records and replace a registration card or sticker. They cannot process a change of address or accept proof of insurance for a renewal. Vehicle transactions are offered in nine languages, and driver's license transactions in ten.
• Business partners. The DMV authorizes companies such as dealers and registration services to process registration and title work. The DMV stresses that they are not government offices and may charge a service fee.

Appointments and walk-ins

For an office visit, the DMV offers two options: Schedule Appointment and Get in Line Now. Its replacement page also suggests checking the current walk-in wait time for your local office. Field office pages show the office's hours for the coming days and link to current wait times. For example, the El Cerrito office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on most weekdays and opens at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Drive tests always need an appointment. The DMV says driving tests are not given without one. You can book online or call 1-800-777-0133 during regular business hours. Knowledge tests are not given within 30 minutes of closing, and for permits the DMV says they are not available after 4:30 p.m.

For offices near you, see the California DMV office list on this site.

What to bring

For a new license, permit or ID card, you can start the Driver's License or ID Card Application online and finish it at an office. The DMV keeps the application and fee valid for 12 months. At the office you typically:

• Provide your Social Security number.
• Show an original or certified identity document. Your current name must match the name on it.
• Show residency documents if you have never had a California license or ID.
• For a REAL ID, show proof of identity and two proofs of California residency from the DMV's REAL ID checklist.

The step-by-step document list, and how to upload documents in advance, are in REAL ID in California. New residents should also read Moving to California. For a vehicle, bring the title and any forms the DMV lists for your situation. The California vehicle registration guide covers these.

Paying

The DMV's El Cerrito field office page says field offices accept cash, check, credit card, debit card, digital wallet and money order. The DMV's fee table lists a 2.1% service fee for credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay at an office. Online and phone card payments carry a 1.95% fee. Kiosk card payments also carry a 1.95% fee. All DMV offices and some retail kiosk locations accept cash. Fees for licenses and IDs are in the California driver license guide.

At the counter

For a license, permit or renewal at an office, the DMV says you will:

1. Have your thumbprint scanned.
2. Pass a vision exam.
3. Have your photo taken.
4. Pay the nonrefundable application fee.
5. Take any knowledge tests you need. You get three attempts at each test.

The DMV's vision screening standard is at least 20/40 with both eyes together and at least 20/70 in the weaker eye. After you pass, the DMV gives you a temporary license valid for 60 days, and the card arrives by mail within three to four weeks.

Accessibility and help

The DMV's customer service line is 1-800-777-0133, and its TTY line is 1-800-368-4327. Both are open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The DMV's website also offers a chat with a live agent.