Book your Daly City DMV appointment through the California DMV website or by phone

The Daly City DMV office is located at 333 90th Street, Daly City, CA 94015. To schedule an appointment there, you must use the official California Department of Motor Vehicles website at dmv.ca.gov or call the DMV's automated phone line at 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are not accepted at most California DMV offices, including Daly City, so an appointment is required.

The online booking system lets you choose your specific date and time slot. When you call, have your driver's license or ID number ready, along with details about what you need — renewing your license, getting an ID card, taking a written test, or scheduling a driving test. The phone line can be busy during peak hours, so early morning or late afternoon calls often connect faster.

Appointment availability varies by location and service type. Some services have longer wait times than others. If no slots appear for Daly City on your preferred dates, you can check nearby DMV offices in San Francisco, South San Francisco, or Hayward to see if earlier times are available there.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule appointments only through dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133; the Daly City office does not accept walk-ins.
  • Have your driver's license or ID number and details about your transaction ready before you book.
  • If Daly City has no available slots, check other nearby Bay Area DMV offices for earlier appointment times.
  • Bring all required documents listed in your appointment confirmation to avoid delays or rescheduling.
  • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your appointment confirmation number ready to show at the counter.

What documents to bring to your Daly City DMV appointment

The documents you need depend on your specific transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are renewing by mail or online instead, you may not need an appointment at all — check dmv.ca.gov to see which renewals can be handled without visiting an office.

For a first-time ID card or a replacement after loss or damage, bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change.

For a written test or driving test, bring your current ID or passport, your appointment confirmation, and any test study materials if you want to review before your turn. The DMV office will provide the written test on a computer terminal. For a driving test, bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition, along with proof of insurance.

How to prepare before your appointment

Review the DMV's checklist for your specific service on dmv.ca.gov before you go. Each transaction type has a different list, and bringing the wrong documents means you will have to reschedule. Print or save your appointment confirmation number — you will need it when you arrive.

If you are taking a written test, study the California Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. The handbook covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can also take practice tests online through dmv.ca.gov to see which topics need more review.

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The Daly City office can be busy, and arriving early gives you time to find parking and locate the entrance. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out any forms by hand, though most transactions now use digital check-in.

What to expect when you arrive at the Daly City DMV

When you walk in, look for the check-in area near the entrance. You will be asked to confirm your appointment and provide your ID. The staff will verify your documents and may ask clarifying questions about your transaction. This process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

After check-in, you will receive a number and wait for your turn at a service window. Wait times vary depending on how busy the office is that day. During peak times (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays), you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. Early morning appointments (before 10 a.m.) or late afternoon slots (after 3 p.m.) typically have shorter waits.

At the service window, the DMV representative will process your transaction. For a license renewal, this takes 10 to 15 minutes. For a written test, you will be directed to a computer terminal and given 30 minutes to complete it. For a driving test, you will be called to the lot where an examiner will inspect your vehicle and conduct the test, which lasts 15 to 20 minutes.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment date or time, log into your account on dmv.ca.gov and select the option to modify your reservation. You can also call 1-800-777-0133 to reschedule by phone. Cancel as soon as you know you cannot make it so the time slot opens for someone else.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer for the next available slot. Some services have longer backlogs than others, so rescheduling sooner rather than later is important if you need to change your plans.

Nearby DMV offices if Daly City is full

If the Daly City office has no available appointments for your needed date, several other Bay Area offices may have earlier slots. The South San Francisco DMV is at 1111 Airport Boulevard, about 10 minutes south. The San Francisco DMV is at 1377 Fell Street, about 15 minutes north. The Hayward DMV is at 24101 Mission Boulevard, about 30 minutes south.

All California DMV offices use the same booking system and accept the same documents, so you can schedule at whichever location has the soonest opening. Your appointment confirmation will specify which office to visit, so check it carefully before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in without an appointment?

No. The Daly City DMV office requires an appointment and does not accept walk-ins. You must schedule through dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133 before you visit.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or letter from the IRS, along with your other required documents.

How long does a driver's license renewal take at the appointment?

The transaction itself takes 10 to 15 minutes at the service window. Your total time at the office, including check-in and waiting, is usually 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is that day.

Can I reschedule my appointment online?

Yes. Log into your account on dmv.ca.gov, find your appointment, and select the option to modify it. You can also call 1-800-777-0133 to reschedule by phone.

What if I fail my driving test?

You can schedule another driving test appointment through dmv.ca.gov or by phone. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may want to practice more before your next test. Each attempt has a separate fee.