Where to Find the Daly City DMV Office

The Daly City DMV is located at 111 Westlake Center, Daly City, CA 94015. This office serves residents of Daly City and surrounding areas in San Mateo County. The building sits near the Daly City BART station, which makes it accessible by public transit if you prefer not to drive.

Street parking is available around the office, though it can fill during peak hours. If you arrive early in the morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday, you are more likely to find a spot nearby. The office itself is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible.

Hours of Operation and When to Visit

The Daly City DMV is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. The busiest times are typically Tuesday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., so visiting on a Monday or Friday, or arriving before 9:00 a.m., usually means shorter wait times.

The office does not accept walk-ins for all services. Many transactions now require you to take a number through the California DMV's online appointment system or to use the kiosk inside the office when you arrive. Even with an appointment, you may wait 30 to 60 minutes depending on the complexity of your transaction and how many people are ahead of you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Daly City DMV is at 111 Westlake Center, near the BART station, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You can reserve a time slot online through the California DMV website before you visit, which reduces wait time but does not eliminate it.
  • Common services at this office include driver's license renewal, address changes, vehicle registration, and title transfers.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — the office staff will tell you what you need when you check in, but having documents ready speeds up the process.
  • If you need a Real ID compliant driver's license or state ID, plan for a longer visit and bring proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Services Available at the Daly City Office

The Daly City DMV handles most routine transactions: driver's license renewal and replacement, address changes on your license or ID, vehicle registration and renewal, title transfers, and duplicate registration documents. You can also take the written driving test and the behind-the-wheel driving test at this location, though you must schedule the driving test in advance.

Real ID compliant driver's licenses and state IDs are issued here. This requires additional documentation beyond a standard renewal — you will need to bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The Real ID process takes longer than a standard renewal, so budget extra time if this is your first Real ID or if your previous one has expired.

The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or certain specialized services like organ donor registration changes or disabled person parking placard requests. For those services, you may need to visit a larger DMV office or handle the transaction online through the California DMV website.

How to Prepare Before You Visit

Bring your current driver's license or state ID, even if it is expired. Bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance if you are renewing vehicle registration. For an address change, bring a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. The DMV staff will verify the document when you check in.

If you are renewing your license and your vision has changed, bring your current eyeglasses or contact lenses. You will take a vision test at the office. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test and during any driving test you take.

Write down your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN) before you arrive. Having these ready saves time when you fill out forms or check in at the counter. If you have questions about what documents you need for your specific transaction, call the Daly City office at (650) 992-1900 before you visit.

Booking an Appointment Online

The California DMV website allows you to reserve a time slot up to 60 days in advance. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Book an Appointment," choose the Daly City location, and select the service you need. The system will show you available times for the next several weeks. Booking online does not mean you will walk in and be seen when ready — it means you have a reserved time window, and you will still check in when you arrive.

If you cannot find an appointment slot online, the office may be fully booked for that week. You can check back daily, as cancellations open up slots. Alternatively, you can arrive at the office when it opens and take a number from the kiosk, though this means a longer wait. During busy seasons — late summer and early fall — appointments fill up weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you need a specific service by a certain date.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk or use the kiosk to confirm your appointment or take a number. You will be given a ticket with a number and told to wait in the seating area. The digital display shows which number is being served and at which window. Wait times vary widely — some people are called within 10 minutes, others wait an hour or more.

When your number is called, go to the window indicated on the display. The DMV representative will review your documents, ask you questions about your transaction, and may ask you to sign forms or take a photo. If everything is in order, they will process your request and tell you when your new license, registration, or other document will arrive by mail. Most licenses and registrations arrive within 10 to 15 business days.

If the representative finds that you are missing a document or that your documents do not meet the requirements, they will tell you what you need to bring back. You can schedule another appointment or return with the missing items and take a new number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license at the Daly City DMV if it is expired?

Yes. California allows you to renew your license up to one year after it expires. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to retake the written test and vision test, and you may need to retake the driving test.

Do I need an appointment to change my address at the DMV?

You can change your address online through the California DMV website without visiting an office, which is faster. If you prefer to do it in person, you can book an appointment online or arrive and take a number. Bring your current license and proof of your new address.

How long does it take to get a Real ID at the Daly City office?

The process itself takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on wait time and how quickly the staff can verify your documents. Your new Real ID card arrives by mail in 10 to 15 business days. You cannot use an expired Real ID for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight, so plan ahead if you need one by a specific date.

What if I do not have a Social Security number or cannot provide one?

You can still get a California driver's license or state ID. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document showing you have applied for one. The DMV staff will guide you through the process when you arrive.

Can I take my driving test at the Daly City DMV?

Yes, both the written test and the behind-the-wheel driving test are offered at this location. You must schedule the driving test in advance through the DMV website or by phone. The written test can usually be taken the same day you arrive, but availability depends on how many people are ahead of you.