Where to book your Daly City DMV appointment

The Daly City DMV office is located at 333 90th Street, Daly City, CA 94015. You cannot walk in without an appointment — California's DMV requires you to book a time slot before you arrive. The fastest way to schedule is through the official California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov, where you can see real-time availability and confirm your appointment when ready.

You can also call the DMV appointment line at 1-800-777-0133 to book by phone. The line is typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Have your driver's license number or ID number ready when you call, along with the type of service you need — this helps the system show you available slots that match your transaction.

Some services, like renewing an expiring license or replacing a lost one, can be handled online through dmv.ca.gov without an in-person visit. Check what you need before booking an appointment, because you may not need to go to the office at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your appointment through dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133; walk-ins are not accepted at the Daly City office.
  • The Daly City DMV is at 333 90th Street and serves residents across the Bay Area, so appointment slots can fill weeks in advance.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction — the DMV website lists what each service requires.
  • Some transactions like license renewals can be completed online or by mail, which avoids the need for an appointment altogether.
  • If your appointment slot is unavailable, check nearby offices like San Francisco or South San Francisco, which sometimes have earlier openings.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a license renewal, bring your current California driver's license or ID card, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing after your license has expired, you may also need to pass a vision test.

For a first-time license or permit, bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of your legal presence in the United States. If you are getting a Real ID-compliant license, bring a second form of identification like a passport card or military ID.

The DMV website shows the exact list of acceptable documents for your specific transaction. Check the requirements before your appointment so you do not have to reschedule because you brought the wrong paperwork.

How far in advance to book and what to expect on the day

The Daly City office is one of the busier DMV locations in the Bay Area, so appointment slots often fill 3 to 6 weeks ahead. If you need a license or ID soon, book as early as the system allows — usually 60 days out. If all nearby slots are full, you can book at a less busy office in a different county, though you will need to travel.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment time. Bring all required documents, your completed process form (which you can fill out online before you arrive), and a payment method if you are paying a fee. Most transactions have a fee — license renewals, replacements, and new permits all cost money, and the DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

The appointment system assigns you a service window, usually 15 to 30 minutes long. If you arrive late, you may lose your slot and have to reschedule. If you need to cancel or change your time, do it through dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133 at least 24 hours ahead so someone else can use that slot.

When the Daly City office is open

The Daly City DMV is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can change seasonally or for maintenance, so check dmv.ca.gov before you travel to confirm the office is open on your appointment day.

If you cannot make a weekday appointment, some DMV services are available online 24 hours a day through dmv.ca.gov. You can renew your license, replace a lost or damaged card, update your address, and handle several other transactions without visiting an office at all.

What to do if you cannot get an appointment in Daly City

If the Daly City office is fully booked, check nearby locations. The San Francisco DMV at 1377 Mission Street and the South San Francisco office at 2035 Westborough Boulevard sometimes have earlier openings. You can book at any California DMV office, not just the one closest to you, though you must go to the office where you booked.

Another option is to handle your transaction online or by mail if the DMV offers it for your service type. Renewals, address changes, and duplicate licenses can often be completed without an appointment. The DMV website shows which services are available online and which require an in-person visit.

If you are in a time-sensitive situation — for example, your license expires in a few days — call 1-800-777-0133 and explain your situation. The DMV sometimes holds same-day or next-day slots for urgent cases, though availability varies.

Real ID and what it means for your appointment

California's Real ID-compliant driver's license and ID card meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant. You can renew to a Real ID license at your appointment, but you will need to bring additional documents — a second form of ID like a passport, passport card, or military ID.

Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses, and the appointment process is the same. The main difference is the documents you bring and the fact that you cannot renew a Real ID license online — you must do it in person. If you are not sure whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, check dmv.ca.gov or bring it to your appointment and ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person who needs the service must book their own appointment using their own ID number or driver's license number. If someone cannot book online, they can call 1-800-777-0133 and a representative can book for them over the phone, but the person must be present at the appointment.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

If you do not show up, your appointment slot is lost and you will need to book a new one. The DMV does not charge a fee for missing an appointment, but you will have to wait for the next available slot, which may be weeks away. If you know you cannot make it, cancel through dmv.ca.gov or by phone so someone else can use that time.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your California driver's license up to 60 days before it expires. This is useful if you want to avoid a gap in your license or if you need a Real ID-compliant card. Book your appointment and bring your current license and proof of residency.

Is there a way to skip the appointment and go to the DMV without one?

No. The Daly City DMV does not accept walk-ins. You must have a scheduled appointment. If you do not have an appointment, staff will not serve you, and you will have to leave and book a time slot online or by phone.

What if I need to change my appointment time?

Log into dmv.ca.gov with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, find your appointment, and select the option to reschedule. You can also call 1-800-777-0133. Make changes at least 24 hours before your appointment time if possible.