What to expect at the Fairfield DMV office

The Fairfield DMV office is located at 1150 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533, and handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and identification cards for Solano County residents. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You cannot walk in without an appointment — California DMV requires you to reserve a time slot before arriving, either online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133.

Wait times at the Fairfield location typically range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually busier than Mondays or Fridays. The office has limited parking on the street and in a small lot; arriving 10 minutes early gives you time to find a space and locate the entrance.

The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or renewals — those services are only available at select DMV locations. If you need CDL services, you will need to travel to Sacramento or another approved testing site. The Fairfield office also does not offer behind-the-wheel driving tests; those are scheduled separately through the DMV's online system or by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You must book an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133 before visiting the Fairfield office; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • The office is located at 1150 Texas Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed on state holidays.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and any documents related to your specific transaction, such as a vehicle title or current license.
  • The Fairfield location does not offer commercial driver's license testing or behind-the-wheel driving tests.
  • Scammers often pose as DMV offices online; only use dmv.ca.gov or the official phone number 1-800-777-0133 to book appointments.

Documents you need to bring

What you bring depends on why you are visiting. For any transaction, bring a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license) and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will also need to prove you live in California — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for this.

If you are renewing a driver's license, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you are explore for a new license after moving to California, bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. For vehicle registration or title work, bring the vehicle's current registration, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), and proof of insurance.

If you are changing your address on your license or registration, bring proof of your new address. The DMV will not accept a PO box as proof of residency. If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet, bring two documents showing your name and old address plus one document showing your new address (such as a lease signed by both you and your landlord).

How to book an appointment

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Book an Appointment" from the homepage. Choose "Fairfield" as your location and select the service you need from the dropdown menu — for example, "Driver License Renewal," "Vehicle Registration Renewal," or "Address Change." The system will show you available dates and times for the next several weeks.

Pick a date and time that works for you. You will need to enter your name, phone number, and email address. The DMV will send you a confirmation email with your appointment number and a reminder 24 hours before your visit. Save your confirmation number — you will need it when you arrive.

If you cannot book online, call 1-800-777-0133. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Have your driver's license number or state ID number ready when you call. Phone wait times can be long, especially mid-morning and mid-afternoon, so try calling early in the morning or late in the day.

What happens during your visit

Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time. Check in at the front desk with your confirmation number and a valid ID. You will receive a ticket with a number and be directed to wait in the lobby. When your number is called, proceed to the counter assigned on your ticket.

The DMV representative will review your documents, ask you questions about your transaction, and tell you if anything is missing. If all documents are in order, they will process your request. For driver's license renewals and address changes, this usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. For vehicle registration or title work, it may take longer if there are liens or ownership questions.

You will pay any required fees by card or cash at the counter. The DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, as well as cash and checks. After payment, you will receive a receipt and information about when to expect your new license, registration, or ID card in the mail — typically 10 to 14 business days for standard processing.

Scams and safety warnings

Fake DMV websites are common. Scammers create sites that look almost identical to dmv.ca.gov and charge fees to "process" your renewal or registration. The real DMV website is dmv.ca.gov — check the URL carefully. If you are unsure, call 1-800-777-0133 to confirm you are on the right site. Never pay a third party to renew your license or registration; you can do it yourself for the official fee.

Phone scams claiming to be the DMV are also active. The DMV will never call you asking for payment, your Social Security number, or your credit card information. If someone calls claiming to be from the DMV, hang up and call 1-800-777-0133 yourself to verify. Do not give any information to an unsolicited caller, even if they have your name or partial information.

Be cautious of "DMV services" businesses near the office. Some private companies operate near DMV locations and advertise fast processing or may provide results. These are not affiliated with the DMV. You can handle most transactions yourself for less money. If you need help, use only a licensed notary public or an attorney, and verify their credentials before paying.

If you cannot visit in person

Some transactions can be completed by mail or online without visiting the office. Driver's license renewals, vehicle registration renewals, and address changes can often be done through dmv.ca.gov if you meet certain requirements — for example, your license must not be expired by more than five years, and you cannot have changed your name or address too many times recently.

To renew online, log into your DMV account at dmv.ca.gov, select your transaction, and follow the prompts. You will pay the fee online and receive your new license or registration by mail. This process takes about two weeks and costs the same as renewing in person.

If you cannot visit and your transaction is not available online, you can request a mail-in form from the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. Fill out the form, include copies of your documents, and mail everything to the address provided. Mail processing takes longer — usually three to four weeks — so plan ahead if you have a important date.

Parking and directions

The Fairfield DMV is at 1150 Texas Street, near the intersection of Texas and Civic Center Drive. Street parking is available on Texas Street and nearby residential streets, though spaces fill up during peak hours (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). A small parking lot is adjacent to the building with approximately 15 spaces; it fills quickly on busy days.

If you are using GPS or a mapping app, enter "1150 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533." The building is a single-story office structure with the DMV sign visible from the street. Public transit is limited in this area; the nearest bus stop is several blocks away. If you do not have a car, consider asking a friend for a ride or using a rideshare service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license or registration without an appointment?

No. California DMV requires all visitors to book an appointment in advance. Walk-ins are not accepted at any DMV office, including Fairfield. You must reserve a time slot at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133 before you arrive.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your appointment, you will need to book a new one. You can cancel or reschedule your existing appointment through dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. If you do not show up and do not cancel, your appointment slot is released and you will need to book again.

How long does it take to get my new license or registration after my visit?

Standard processing takes 10 to 14 business days. You will receive your new license, registration, or ID card by mail at the address you provided. If you need it faster, the DMV offers expedited mail service for an additional fee, which takes about five to seven business days.

Do I need an appointment for a behind-the-wheel driving test?

Yes, but you cannot book it at the Fairfield office. Behind-the-wheel tests are scheduled through a separate system at dmv.ca.gov or by phone. The Fairfield location does not administer driving tests; you will be directed to a testing site in your area when you book.

What should I do if the Fairfield office has no available appointments?

If appointments are full, check back frequently — cancellations open up regularly. You can also try booking at a different DMV location in Solano County or a nearby county if you are willing to travel. Some locations have shorter wait times than others.