Location and Basic Information

The San Bernardino DMV office at 500 North Waterman Avenue is one of two full-service locations in San Bernardino County. This office handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, title transfers, and identification cards. It is located in central San Bernardino, accessible from Interstate 10 and near downtown.

The building is a standalone DMV facility with its own parking lot. Street parking is also available on North Waterman Avenue, though lot capacity varies by time of day. The office does not require an appointment for most transactions, but you will receive a number and wait your turn at a service window.

Key Takeaways

  • The North Waterman Avenue office is open Monday through Friday, with hours that typically run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though you should confirm current hours before visiting.
  • You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter wait times than afternoons or Fridays.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction — a lease, utility bill, or vehicle title depending on what you need.
  • The office handles renewals, replacements, address changes, vehicle registration, and title work, but not all services are available at every window.
  • If you need a Real ID or REAL ID-compliant driver's license, bring a passport, birth certificate, or other federal ID document along with proof of your current address.

Current Hours and When to Visit

The San Bernardino DMV on North Waterman Avenue operates during standard business hours Monday through Friday. The office typically opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m., though hours may vary by season or due to staffing. Call the office directly at (909) 884-6564 to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are planning a visit on a Friday or during a holiday week.

Wait times are shortest early in the morning, typically between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) are generally faster than Mondays or Fridays. Afternoons after 3 p.m. tend to be busy. If you have a flexible schedule, a Wednesday or Thursday morning visit will usually get you through faster than other times.

The office closes for federal holidays. If a holiday falls on a weekday, the office will be closed that day. Check the California DMV website or call ahead if you are visiting around a holiday.

Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on your specific transaction, but all visits require proof of identity and proof of residency. A current California driver's license or ID card counts as proof of identity. If you do not have one, bring a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID.

Proof of residency must be a document showing your current address and your name. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option.

For a driver's license renewal or replacement, bring your current license and proof of residency. For a vehicle registration renewal, bring your registration notice and proof of insurance. For a title transfer, bring the signed title from the previous owner, a bill of sale, and proof of residency. For an address change on your license or ID, bring your current license and proof of your new address.

If you are explore for a Real ID or REAL ID-compliant driver's license, bring an additional document proving citizenship or legal presence: a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or visa. Real ID processing takes longer than a standard renewal and costs more.

Services Available at This Location

The North Waterman Avenue office is a full-service DMV, meaning it handles most common transactions. You can renew or replace a driver's license, renew or replace an ID card, change your address, register a vehicle, transfer a title, and obtain a duplicate registration. The office also issues Real ID driver's licenses and ID cards, though these require additional documents and take longer to process.

Some specialized services may not be available at every window or may require you to visit during specific hours. If you need to register a commercial vehicle, obtain a commercial driver's license, or handle a complex title issue, call ahead to confirm the office can handle your specific transaction. The DMV website also lists which services are available at each location.

The office does not issue disabled person parking placards at the window, but you can request an process form and submit it by mail or through the DMV website. It also does not handle organ donor registration at the counter — you can register online through the DMV website instead.

Parking and Accessibility

The DMV building has a dedicated parking lot with spaces for general parking and accessible parking for people with disabilities. The lot usually has available spaces, though it fills during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon). Street parking on North Waterman Avenue is also available if the lot is full.

The building is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking spaces near the entrance. The interior has accessible restrooms and seating areas. If you need information or have mobility concerns, staff can help direct you to the appropriate service window or provide a seat while you wait.

Fees and Payment Methods

DMV fees vary by transaction type. A driver's license renewal costs less than a replacement, and a Real ID costs more than a standard license. Vehicle registration renewal fees depend on the vehicle's value and weight. Title transfers have a separate fee. The DMV website lists exact fees for each transaction type.

The North Waterman Avenue office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some transactions may have a credit card processing fee. Ask at the service window what payment methods are accepted for your specific transaction.

Alternative Locations and Online Options

San Bernardino County has a second full-service DMV office in Victorville at 15010 Amargosa Road. If the North Waterman Avenue office has long wait times or you are closer to Victorville, that location handles the same services. There are also DMV field offices in Barstow and Needles, though these handle a limited range of services.

Many transactions can be completed online or by mail without visiting an office. Driver's license and ID card renewals can often be done online if you are not changing your address or photo. Vehicle registration renewals can be completed online through the DMV website. Address changes can be submitted by mail. Check the California DMV website to see which of your transactions can be handled without a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment at the North Waterman Avenue office?

No. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive a number when you arrive and wait for your turn at a service window. However, you can check estimated wait times on the DMV website before you visit.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You will need to bring a document showing your current address and name dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, contact the office before your visit to ask what alternative documents they will accept. Some situations allow a notarized statement of residency in place of a standard document.

Can I renew my license online instead of visiting the office?

You may be able to renew online if you are not changing your address, photo, or name. Visit the California DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License or ID Card" to check whether your renewal is may be able to access. Online renewals are faster and cost less than in-person renewals.

How long does a Real ID take to process?

Real ID processing typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive your card by mail. If you need it faster, ask the DMV about expedited processing options, which may cost extra. Standard driver's licenses are usually issued the same day or within a few days.

What is the phone number for the North Waterman Avenue office?

The office phone number is (909) 884-6564. Call to confirm hours, ask about wait times, or verify that your specific transaction can be handled at this location before you visit.