What a DMV NOW Kiosk Does and Where to Find One
A DMV NOW kiosk is a self-service machine at select locations in California where you can renew your driver's license or ID card without waiting for an appointment or speaking to staff. The kiosk takes a new photo, prints your renewed license on the spot, and you walk out with it the same day. You cannot use a kiosk for your first license, a commercial license, a Real ID upgrade, or to change your address — only for standard renewals when your current license is still valid or expired less than five years.
To find a kiosk near you, go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Find a DMV Office or Service," then filter by "DMV NOW Kiosk" in the location type dropdown. The search will show you every kiosk in California with its address and hours. Kiosks are located inside grocery stores, pharmacies, and some DMV field offices — not standalone buildings. Hours vary by location; many are open early morning through evening, including some Saturdays.
The DMV updates this list regularly as new kiosks open and locations change. If you see a kiosk listed online but want to confirm it is still operating before you drive there, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and give them the kiosk address.
Key Takeaways
- DMV NOW kiosks renew valid or recently expired driver's licenses and ID cards on the spot, with no appointment needed.
- You can find kiosk locations and hours by searching dmv.ca.gov and filtering for "DMV NOW Kiosk" in the location type.
- Kiosks cannot handle first licenses, commercial licenses, Real ID upgrades, or address changes — only standard renewals.
- Bring your current driver's license or ID card, a payment method (debit or credit card), and be ready for a new photo.
What You Need to Bring to a DMV NOW Kiosk
Bring your current California driver's license or ID card — the kiosk scans it to pull up your record. You also need a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee, which is the same as renewing by mail or at a field office. The kiosk does not accept cash, checks, or money orders.
You do not need to bring proof of residency, a Social Security number, or any other documents. The kiosk uses the information already on file from your current license. If your address, name, or other details have changed since your last renewal, you cannot update them at a kiosk — you will need to visit a DMV field office or renew by mail instead.
Wear something you would wear in a normal photo ID. The kiosk takes a new photo as part of the renewal, and California law requires that photo to show your face clearly and without a hat or sunglasses (religious head coverings are permitted).
How the Kiosk Renewal Process Works
The kiosk walks you through each step on its screen. First, you insert your current license into the scanner slot. The machine reads it and displays your information on the screen so you can confirm it is correct. If anything looks wrong, stop — do not proceed. You will need to visit a field office to fix errors before renewing.
Next, the kiosk takes your photo. You stand in front of the camera, and the screen shows you a preview. If you do not like how it looks, you can request a retake — most kiosks allow one or two retakes. Once you approve the photo, the kiosk asks you to review your information one more time and confirm that you have not had any changes to your medical conditions, vision, or driving restrictions.
Then you pay with your debit or credit card. The kiosk prints your new license while you wait — this usually takes two to three minutes. Your new license comes out of a slot at the bottom of the machine, and you are done. Your old license is returned to you or destroyed depending on the kiosk model.
When a Kiosk Renewal Will Not Work for You
Do not use a kiosk if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. The kiosk will reject it. Do not use a kiosk if you need to add or remove restrictions — for example, if you got corrective lenses and need to add a vision restriction, or if you had a restriction removed by a doctor. Do not use a kiosk if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement.
Do not use a kiosk if you are upgrading to a Real ID. California's Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and require proof of citizenship or legal residency, which a kiosk cannot verify. If your current license does not have the gold star and you want one, you must visit a field office.
Do not use a kiosk if your name, address, or other information has changed. The kiosk renews only what is already on file. If you need to update your record, visit a DMV field office or renew by mail and include a form DL 43 (process for Duplicate or Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card) with your changes noted.
Kiosk Renewal Fees and Timeline
The renewal fee at a kiosk is the same as renewing by mail or at a field office. As of 2024, a standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $64, and a ten-year renewal costs $128. An ID card renewal is $38 for five years or $76 for ten years. Fees can change, so check dmv.ca.gov for the current amount before you go.
Your new license is valid when ready when the kiosk prints it. You do not have to wait for anything in the mail. If you need to show proof of renewal for insurance or employment purposes, the printed license serves as that proof.
One advantage of kiosk renewal over mail renewal is speed — you leave with your license the same day instead of waiting seven to ten business days for mail delivery. The tradeoff is that kiosks are only available during their posted hours and only at specific locations, whereas you can mail in a renewal form anytime.
Scam Alert: Fake DMV Kiosk Websites
Do not search for "DMV NOW kiosk near me" on Google and click on ads or websites that are not dmv.ca.gov. Scammers create fake DMV websites that look almost identical to the real one and charge you a fee to "find" a kiosk location or to "process" your renewal. The real DMV does not charge for location information, and you do not need a third-party website to find a kiosk.
Always go directly to dmv.ca.gov to search for kiosk locations. Bookmark the official site so you do not accidentally land on a fake one. If a website asks you to pay money before showing you kiosk locations or before you can renew, it is a scam. Report it to the California Attorney General's office at oag.ca.gov.
Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the DMV and offering to renew your license for you. The DMV does not send unsolicited emails asking you to click a link and renew. If you receive one, do not click the link — it is almost certainly a phishing attempt designed to steal your personal information.
Alternatives If No Kiosk Is Near You
If the nearest kiosk is too far away, you have two other options: renew by mail or visit a DMV field office. Mail renewal takes seven to ten business days and requires you to fill out form DL 43, include a check or money order, and mail everything to the address on the form. You cannot change your address or add restrictions by mail — only renew a standard license or ID.
A field office visit lets you renew in person and also make changes to your record, add restrictions, or upgrade to Real ID. You will need an appointment, which you can book on dmv.ca.gov. Wait times at field offices vary widely by location and time of day; some locations have same-day or next-day appointments available, while others may be booked weeks out.
If you are in a hurry and no kiosk is nearby, a field office appointment is faster than mail renewal. If you have no changes to make and do not mind waiting, mail renewal is the least hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license at a kiosk if it expired more than five years ago?
No. Kiosks only renew licenses that are currently valid or expired less than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a DMV field office to renew. The office may require you to retake the written test and driving test depending on how long it has been expired.
What happens if the kiosk rejects my license?
The kiosk will display an error message explaining why it cannot process your renewal — for example, "License suspended" or "Information mismatch." Write down the error message and visit a DMV field office with your license. Staff can look up your record and tell you what needs to be fixed before you can renew.
Can I use a kiosk to renew someone else's license?
No. The person whose license is being renewed must be present at the kiosk. You cannot renew a license for a family member or friend. The kiosk requires the cardholder to approve the photo and confirm the information on screen.
Do I need an appointment to use a DMV NOW kiosk?
No. Kiosks are first-come, first-served. You do not need to book a time slot. Just go to the kiosk location during posted hours and use it. If the kiosk is broken or out of service, a sign usually indicates that, or you can call the DMV to confirm before you drive there.
Will my new kiosk license work for Real ID purposes like flying?
Only if your new license has the gold star in the upper right corner. If you renewed at a kiosk and your old license did not have the star, your new one will not either — kiosks do not upgrade to Real ID. To get a Real ID license, you must visit a field office and bring proof of citizenship or legal residency.