The Redwood City DMV location on Brewster Avenue

The California Department of Motor Vehicles operates a full-service office at 1455 Brewster Avenue in Redwood City. This location handles standard DMV transactions including driver's license renewals, vehicle registration, title transfers, and written tests. It is one of several DMV offices in San Mateo County and typically serves residents of Redwood City, Atherton, Menlo Park, and surrounding communities.

This office does not require an appointment for most services, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. You can walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait to be called. The office is located in a commercial area with street parking and a nearby parking lot.

Key Takeaways

  • The Redwood City DMV at 1455 Brewster Avenue is open Monday through Friday, with hours varying by day — check the DMV website or call ahead before you go.
  • No appointment is needed for most transactions, but you will wait in line; arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction (vehicle title, insurance card, etc.) to avoid being turned away.
  • This location does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or certain specialized services; the DMV website lists which services are available at each office.
  • Parking is available on Brewster Avenue and in nearby lots; the office is accessible by public transit through Caltrain and local bus routes.

Hours and when to visit

The Redwood City DMV is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though the office closes for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. on some days. Hours may shift seasonally or for holidays, so confirm the current schedule on the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) or by calling the office directly at (650) 363-4368.

The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. If you need to renew your license or registration and cannot visit during the week, you can also complete many transactions online through the DMV website, by mail, or through an authorized third-party service.

Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings before 10:00 a.m. Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier. If you arrive after 4:00 p.m., you may not be served before closing.

What documents to bring

The documents you need depend on your specific transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current California driver's license or ID card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you are renewing after your license has expired, you may need to take a vision test or written test depending on how long it has been expired.

For vehicle registration renewal, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). For a title transfer, bring the signed title from the previous owner, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in California, bring the out-of-state title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, a bill of sale, and proof of a smog check (if required).

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents. If any document is not in English, bring a certified translation along with the original.

Services available at this location

The Redwood City Brewster Avenue office handles most routine DMV services. These include driver's license and identification card issuance and renewal, written knowledge tests, driving tests, vehicle registration and renewal, title transfers, duplicate registration cards, and address changes. You can also pay registration fees, parking violation fines, and other DMV-related charges here.

This office does not administer commercial driver's license (CDL) tests or issue CDL permits. CDL testing is available at select DMV locations; check the DMV website to find the nearest CDL testing site. Specialized services such as disabled person placard issuance and certain international driving permit applications may also require a visit to a different office.

Parking and public transit access

Street parking is available on Brewster Avenue and surrounding streets. The office is also near a commercial parking lot. Parking is typically free or low-cost in this area, and spaces are usually available during business hours, though you may need to walk a short distance from your car to the office entrance.

If you use public transit, the Caltrain Redwood City Station is approximately one mile away. Local bus routes operated by SamTrans also serve the Brewster Avenue area. Check the SamTrans website or Google Maps for the nearest bus stop and current route information.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

Many DMV transactions can be completed without visiting an office. Driver's license renewals, vehicle registration renewals, and address changes can often be done online at dmv.ca.gov if you meet certain requirements (such as having a valid license and no medical conditions that need to be reported). Online transactions are typically faster and cost the same as in-person service.

You can also mail renewal applications to the DMV. The DMV website provides forms and mailing addresses for each transaction type. Processing times for mail-in requests are typically two to three weeks longer than in-person service. If you need a new license photo or must take a test, you will need to visit an office in person.

Authorized third-party services in the Redwood City area can handle some transactions, such as vehicle registration renewals and address changes. These services charge a fee on top of the DMV fee, but may have shorter wait times. Search the DMV website for "authorized third-party services" to find locations near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Redwood City DMV?

No. This office operates on a walk-in basis for most services. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your turn. However, you can call ahead to confirm the current wait time and whether the service you need is available that day.

Can I renew my vehicle registration online instead of going to the DMV?

Yes, if your vehicle is registered in California and you have no outstanding violations or fees. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Register a Vehicle," and follow the online renewal process. You will receive your new registration card by mail within two weeks.

What if I need a driving test, not just a written test?

The Redwood City DMV administers both written and driving tests. Driving tests are scheduled by appointment only. Call the office at (650) 363-4368 or visit dmv.ca.gov to schedule a test appointment. You will need to bring a vehicle, proof of insurance, and a valid permit.

Is this office open on Saturdays?

No. The Redwood City DMV on Brewster Avenue is open Monday through Friday only. If you cannot visit during the week, consider using online services or visiting an authorized third-party service, which may have weekend hours.

What if I moved and need to update my address on my license?

You can update your address online at dmv.ca.gov without visiting an office. You will need your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The change takes effect when ready online, and you will receive an updated card by mail.