What the Davis DMV Office Handles
The Davis DMV is a full-service office in Yolo County that handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and address changes. It is located at 1618 Olive Drive, Davis, CA 95616. This office serves Davis residents and surrounding areas in Yolo County, though some transactions may be faster or easier at a different location depending on what you need.
The office processes standard driver's license renewals, replacements, and original licenses. It also handles vehicle registration, registration renewals, title transfers, and the paperwork for address changes on both your license and registration. If you need a Real ID compliant license or ID card, this office can process those applications as well.
Not every transaction requires an in-person visit. The California DMV website lets you renew some licenses and registrations online, and you can change your address on your driver's license through the mail or online without visiting the office. The Davis location is most useful when you need to take a test, provide a signature in person, or handle a transaction that cannot be completed remotely.
Key Takeaways
- The Davis DMV is located at 1618 Olive Drive and handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and address changes for Yolo County residents.
- Hours vary by day and the office is often busiest mid-morning and mid-week, so calling ahead or checking the DMV website for current wait times can save you a trip.
- You will need your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to your specific transaction before you arrive.
- Many transactions including license renewals and address changes can be completed online or by mail instead of visiting in person.
- The office does not handle commercial licenses, CDL renewals, or certain specialized permits — those require a different DMV location.
Hours and Best Times to Visit
The Davis DMV is open Monday through Friday, with hours typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though the office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are not available at this location. Hours can shift seasonally or for staff training, so check the California DMV website or call 916-657-6464 before you go.
Wait times at the Davis office are shortest early in the morning when the doors open and in the last hour before closing. Mid-morning and mid-week afternoons tend to be busier. If you have a choice, arriving before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. usually means a shorter wait. The DMV website displays current wait times for this location, updated throughout the day.
You do not need an appointment at the Davis DMV — it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the DMV's online appointment system lets you reserve a time slot at some locations. Check the website to see if appointments are available for your specific transaction type.
Documents You Need to Bring
What you bring depends on your transaction, but nearly every visit requires proof of identity and proof of California residency. A current driver's license or passport works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address.
For a driver's license renewal or replacement, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport). If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
For vehicle registration or a title transfer, bring your current registration, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of residency, and your driver's license. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in California, bring the out-of-state title or registration and a smog certification if your vehicle requires one. For an address change on your registration, bring your current registration and proof of your new address.
Bring originals or certified copies of documents — photocopies are usually not accepted. If you are unsure what documents your specific transaction requires, call the Davis office at 916-657-6464 or check the DMV website before you visit.
Address Changes at the Davis DMV
You can change your address on your driver's license without visiting the office. The fastest method is online through the California DMV website if your new address is within California and you have a valid driver's license. The process takes a few minutes and your updated license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
If you prefer to change your address in person at the Davis DMV, bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. The office will update your record when ready, though your new license card will still arrive by mail. There is no fee for an address change on your license.
Vehicle registration address changes work differently. You can update your registration address online, by mail, or in person. If you visit the Davis DMV, bring your current registration and proof of your new address. The office will issue a new registration card with your updated address. Some address changes can be completed the same day, though processing times vary.
When to Use a Different DMV Location
The Davis office does not process commercial driver's licenses (CDL) or CDL renewals. If you need a CDL, you must visit a DMV location that handles commercial licenses — the Sacramento office at 7th and L Streets handles CDL testing and processing for the region.
Certain specialized transactions like disabled person parking placards, organ donor registration changes, or veteran designation updates may be handled more quickly at larger regional offices. The Davis office can process these, but if you are in a hurry, calling ahead to confirm they have the right forms in stock is worth your time.
If you live closer to another Yolo County office or a neighboring county DMV, you may be able to complete your transaction there instead. The Woodland DMV and West Sacramento DMV also serve Yolo County residents. Check the DMV website to compare locations and services before deciding where to go.
Online and Mail Options Instead of Visiting
Many transactions do not require a trip to the Davis DMV. You can renew your driver's license online if it is not expired and you do not need to change your name, address, or other information. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in about two weeks. There is a fee, typically around $40 to $60 depending on your license type.
Vehicle registration renewals can also be completed online if your vehicle has no violations and you do not need to make changes to the registration. You can pay the renewal fee online and your new registration arrives by mail. Some registrations require a smog check before renewal — the DMV website will tell you if yours does.
Address changes on your driver's license are fastest online. You enter your new address, pay a small fee if required, and your updated license arrives by mail. For registration address changes, you can mail a completed form to the DMV or update it online. Mailing takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but online processing is usually faster.
Fees and Payment Methods
Driver's license renewal fees vary by license type and validity period. A standard four-year renewal typically costs between $40 and $60. A Real ID compliant license costs more, usually around $75 to $85. Replacement licenses for lost or damaged cards cost around $30 to $40.
Vehicle registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's value, weight, and type. Fees can range from $50 to several hundred dollars for standard passenger vehicles. Title transfers and registration changes have their own fees, which the DMV website breaks down by transaction type.
The Davis DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, make it payable to the State of California. Online transactions accept credit and debit cards only. Exact payment methods may vary, so call ahead if you have questions about what the office accepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to Davis DMV?
Yes, if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your name, address, or other information. You can renew online through the California DMV website in about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. If your license is already expired or you need to make changes, you must visit in person or use the mail-in renewal option.
What is the wait time at Davis DMV right now?
Wait times change throughout the day and vary by transaction type. The California DMV website displays current wait times for the Davis location, updated regularly. You can also call 916-657-6464 to ask about wait times before you visit. Early morning and late afternoon are usually faster than mid-day.
Do I need an appointment at the Davis DMV?
No, the Davis office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments. However, the DMV's online appointment system may offer time slots for certain transactions at some locations. Check the DMV website to see if appointments are available for what you need.
Can I change my address at Davis DMV if I just moved?
Yes, you can change your driver's license address in person at the Davis office by bringing your current license and proof of your new address. You can also change your address online or by mail without visiting. For vehicle registration, you can update your address online, by mail, or in person at the office.
What if I do not have a current utility bill for proof of residency?
A utility bill is one option, but the DMV accepts other documents showing your name and current address: a lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. Bring an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call the Davis office before you visit.