How to Schedule a DMV Appointment at the Daly City Office

The Daly City DMV is in San Mateo County, and you must book online before you go

The Department of Motor Vehicles office in Daly City is located at 333 90th Street, Daly City, CA 94015. Unlike some smaller offices, this location does not accept walk-ins — you must schedule an appointment through the California DMV website before arriving. The office handles standard services like driver's license renewals, ID card replacements, vehicle registration, and written tests.

Appointments at Daly City typically fill up one to three weeks in advance, especially on weekdays. If you see no available times, check back the next day or try booking for an earlier time slot, as cancellations open up regularly. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours that vary by month.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment on the official California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov — no phone booking is available for this location.
• You will need to know what service you need (renewal, replacement, registration, test) before you start the booking process.
• Bring your confirmation number, a valid ID, and any documents specific to your service — the DMV website lists what each service requires.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early; the office is strict about appointment times and may not see you if you arrive more than 15 minutes late.

How to book your appointment online

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" from the homepage. You will be asked to choose your service type first — for example, "Driver License Renewal," "ID Card Replacement," or "Vehicle Registration." Be specific, because the system uses this to estimate how long your appointment will take and to route you to the correct counter.

Next, select "Daly City" as your location. The system will show you available dates and times for the next several weeks. Pick a slot that works for you and enter your contact information. You will receive a confirmation number by email and text message. Save both — you will need the confirmation number when you arrive at the office.

If you do not see any open appointments, the office is fully booked. Check back the next morning at 8 a.m., when the DMV typically releases cancellations. You can also try booking for a different time of day or a weekday that is less popular, like Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

What documents to bring

The documents you need depend on your service. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. For a vehicle registration, bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's title or registration document.

If you are taking a written test, bring your confirmation number, a valid ID, and proof of residency. The DMV website has a full checklist for each service type — search for your specific transaction before you go, because missing documents will delay or cancel your appointment.

Bring originals, not copies, unless the DMV website specifically says copies are acceptable. The office staff will not accept photocopies of licenses, titles, or insurance cards.

Parking and location details

The Daly City office is at 333 90th Street, near the intersection of 90th Street and Mission Street. Street parking is available on 90th Street and nearby residential streets, though it can be tight during business hours. There is no dedicated DMV parking lot. Arrive early to allow time for parking and walking to the office.

The office is about two blocks from the Daly City BART station if you use public transit. From the station, walk south on Mission Street and turn east on 90th Street. The DMV is on the north side of the street.

What to expect when you arrive

Check in at the front desk with your confirmation number and ID. You will be given a number and directed to wait in the lobby. The office uses a digital queue system, so watch the display screens for your number to be called. Service times vary — a simple renewal might take 15 minutes, while a registration with complications could take 45 minutes.

Bring something to read or do while you wait. The office is often busy, and wait times can exceed the estimated appointment length, especially mid-morning and mid-afternoon. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled time, you may lose your appointment and have to reschedule.

If your appointment is cancelled or you need to reschedule

If the DMV cancels your appointment (which happens occasionally due to staffing), you will receive an email and text notification. You can reschedule immediately through the same website. If you need to cancel or move your appointment yourself, go back to dmv.ca.gov, select "Manage Your Appointment," and enter your confirmation number.

Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance do not count against you. If you cancel within 24 hours or miss your appointment without cancelling, you may have to wait longer to get your next available slot.

Common reasons appointments get delayed or denied

Missing documents are the most common reason an appointment does not go smoothly. Double-check the DMV's document list for your service before you arrive. Bring originals, not copies. If you are renewing a license and your address has changed, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you are taking a written test, arrive with time to spare. The DMV stops admitting test-takers 30 minutes before the office closes. If you show up at 4:45 p.m. for a 5 p.m. closing, you will not be allowed to test that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment by phone for the Daly City office?

No. The California DMV does not offer phone booking for any location. You must book online at dmv.ca.gov. If you have trouble using the website, you can call the DMV's general line at 1-800-777-0133, but they cannot book the appointment for you — they can only help you navigate the website.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you will have to reschedule. You may not be able to book another appointment for several weeks, depending on how busy the office is. If you realize you will be late, call the office directly at the number on your confirmation email to ask if they can hold your slot.

How long does a typical appointment take?

Most appointments take 15 to 45 minutes from check-in to completion, depending on the service and how busy the office is. Renewals are usually faster than new registrations or tests. The DMV estimates service time when you book, so your confirmation should give you a rough idea.

Can I do my transaction online instead of going to the office?

Some services can be done online through dmv.ca.gov — driver's license renewals, address changes, and certain registration renewals are available online if you meet the requirements. Check the DMV website to see if your specific transaction qualifies. If it does, you can skip the office visit entirely.

What if the Daly City office has no appointments available?

Try booking at a different DMV location in San Mateo County, like San Mateo or Redwood City, which may have earlier openings. You can also check back at Daly City daily — cancellations typically appear in the morning. Some services, like renewals, can be done by mail or online, which may be faster than waiting for an appointment.