What DMV kiosks do and where to find them
California DMV kiosks are self-service machines located at DMV field offices and some other public locations. They let you handle certain transactions without waiting in line — things like renewing your vehicle registration, paying registration fees, or getting a duplicate registration card. Not every transaction works at a kiosk; they handle routine renewals and payments, not new licenses, address changes, or complex cases.
To find a kiosk near you, go to the official California DMV website and use their office locator tool. Search by city or ZIP code, and the results will show which offices have kiosks available. The locator tells you the office address, hours, and services offered. Some kiosks are also placed at AAA offices, certain grocery stores, and other partner locations — the DMV website lists these separately under "self-service kiosk locations."
Kiosks are typically available during the same hours as the DMV office they're in, though some locations keep kiosks accessible after hours. Check the specific office page to confirm hours before you go.
Key Takeaways
- DMV kiosks handle vehicle registration renewals, duplicate registration cards, and fee payments, but not new licenses or address changes.
- The official California DMV website has a location finder that shows which offices have kiosks and their exact addresses.
- You will need your vehicle registration notice, driver's license or ID, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to use most kiosks.
- Kiosks operate during DMV office hours, and some locations keep them open after-hours — check your specific office for times.
- If a kiosk is out of service or your transaction is not supported, you can still walk into the office and take a number for a staff member.
What you need to bring to use a kiosk
Bring your vehicle registration notice — the pink or white card that came in the mail with your renewal reminder. You will also need a valid form of ID, such as your California driver's license or state ID card. If you do not have your registration notice with you, some kiosks can look it up using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number, but this varies by location.
For payment, bring a debit or credit card. Most kiosks do not accept cash, checks, or money orders. If you are renewing registration for multiple vehicles, bring the notice for each one.
If you are getting a duplicate registration card because yours was lost or damaged, you will need your driver's license and the vehicle VIN. The kiosk will print a temporary registration card on the spot.
Step-by-step: using a kiosk for vehicle registration renewal
When you arrive at the kiosk, select your language and then choose "Vehicle Registration Renewal" or the equivalent option on the main menu. The kiosk will ask you to enter your vehicle information — either by scanning your registration notice barcode or by typing in your VIN and license plate number.
Review the information on the screen to make sure it is correct. The kiosk will show you the renewal fee, any penalties or late fees, and the new registration expiration date. If everything looks right, proceed to payment. Insert or tap your debit or credit card when prompted. The kiosk will process the payment and print your new registration card and a receipt.
Keep the receipt. Your new registration is valid when ready, and you can drive with the printed card until your physical registration arrives by mail, usually within two to three weeks. If the kiosk rejects your card or the transaction fails, try a different payment method or ask a staff member inside the office for help.
Transactions that require an office visit instead
Kiosks cannot handle new driver's license or ID card applications, address changes, name changes, or license renewals. If you need to change your address on your registration, you must go to a DMV office and speak with a staff member. The same applies if you are registering a vehicle for the first time, transferring ownership, or dealing with a smog check failure.
If your vehicle has a lien (meaning the bank or lender owns it until you pay off the loan), some kiosks cannot process your renewal. Check the kiosk screen when you enter your vehicle information — it will tell you whether your transaction can be completed at the kiosk or if you need to see a staff member.
Duplicate registration cards, replacement plates, and commercial vehicle transactions also vary by location. If the kiosk does not offer what you need, take a number inside the office and wait for a staff member.
Scams and safety when using kiosks
Never give your personal information to anyone who approaches you at a kiosk. Scammers sometimes pose as DMV staff or "helpers" and ask for your driver's license number, Social Security number, or payment card details. DMV staff will never ask for this information unsolicited, and kiosk machines do not require you to hand over documents to anyone.
Be cautious of websites or phone numbers that claim to help you "find kiosks near you" or "speed up your renewal." The only official source is dmv.ca.gov. Do not pay a third party to use a kiosk or to renew your registration — the DMV does not charge for this service beyond the standard registration fee.
If a kiosk asks you to enter information that seems unusual or if the screen looks damaged or tampered with, do not use it. Report the problem to a staff member inside the office. Kiosks are regularly maintained, but if one is broken or displaying errors, the DMV needs to know.
What to do if the kiosk is broken or out of service
If you arrive at a kiosk and it is not working, offline, or showing an error message, you have two options. First, check the DMV website again — sometimes kiosks are taken offline for maintenance and the status updates within a few hours. Second, go inside the office and take a number. You will wait in line with everyone else, but a staff member can process your renewal at a counter.
If you came specifically because you wanted to avoid a long wait, consider visiting a different DMV office that has a working kiosk. The location finder on dmv.ca.gov shows which offices have kiosks and their current status. Some offices are less busy at certain times of day — early morning or late afternoon often has shorter lines than midday.
You can also renew your vehicle registration online through the DMV website if you do not want to visit an office at all. Online renewal is available for most standard renewals and takes about 10 minutes from home.
Kiosks versus online renewal versus office visits
California offers three main ways to renew vehicle registration: at a kiosk, online, or in person at an office. Kiosks are fastest if you are already near a DMV office and want your new registration card printed when ready. Online renewal through dmv.ca.gov is the most convenient — you can do it anytime from home, and your new registration arrives by mail within two to three weeks. In-person office visits are necessary only if your transaction is not supported by kiosks or the online system.
Online renewal is free to start, though you still pay the registration fee. Kiosk renewal costs the same as office renewal. If you need your new registration card right away and cannot wait for mail delivery, a kiosk is your best option. If you have time and prefer not to leave home, renew online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration at a kiosk if I have a smog check failure?
No. If your vehicle failed a smog check or you have not yet submitted a passing smog check result, you must visit a DMV office in person. A staff member will review your smog history and help you understand what comes next. Kiosks cannot process renewals with smog issues.
What if the kiosk prints the wrong information on my registration card?
Take the card and your receipt to a staff member inside the office when ready. They can reprint it or correct the error. Do not drive with an incorrect registration card — if you are stopped by police, the wrong information could cause problems. The DMV will fix it at no extra charge.
Do I need an appointment to use a kiosk?
No. Kiosks are first-come, first-served and do not require an appointment. However, if the kiosk is broken or the office is very busy, you may have to wait or come back another time. Check the DMV website before you go to confirm the kiosk is working.
Can I use a kiosk to renew my driver's license?
No. Kiosks only handle vehicle registration and related transactions. Driver's license and ID card renewals must be done online through dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
What happens if my payment card is declined at the kiosk?
The kiosk will display an error message and cancel the transaction. Try a different card if you have one, or go inside and ask a staff member if you can pay by another method. Some offices accept cash or checks at the counter, though kiosks do not.