The California DMV has separate regional offices in San Francisco and San Diego

California's Department of Motor Vehicles operates two major regional offices serving the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego County. Each office handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, identification cards, and other DMV services for residents in their region. The offices are not interchangeable — you will need to visit or contact the one that serves your area, or use the statewide online and mail options that work from anywhere in California.

Both offices operate under the same California DMV rules and fees, but they have different addresses, phone numbers, and appointment availability. Knowing which office serves you and how to reach it can save you a trip or a long wait on hold.

Key Takeaways

  • San Francisco DMV serves the Bay Area and can be reached at 1-800-777-0133 or visited at 30 Van Ness Avenue; San Diego DMV serves San Diego County and can be reached at the same statewide number or visited at 1111 Third Avenue.
  • Both offices require appointments for most services, which you can book online at dmv.ca.gov or by phone.
  • Many common transactions — renewing a license, registering a vehicle, or ordering a replacement card — can be completed online or by mail without visiting an office.
  • Wait times and appointment availability vary by season and service type; checking the DMV website before you plan your visit will show current wait estimates.
  • If you cannot reach a local office, the statewide customer service line at 1-800-777-0133 can direct you to the right office or help you complete your transaction by phone or mail.

San Francisco DMV office location and hours

The San Francisco DMV is located at 30 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. This office serves residents of San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, and surrounding Bay Area counties. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

You must have an appointment to be seen at this office. Walk-ins are not accepted. You can book an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov by selecting the San Francisco office and the service you need, or you can call 1-800-777-0133 to schedule by phone. Appointment slots fill quickly during peak times (typically mid-month and before holidays), so booking at least one week in advance is recommended.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots, though street parking in this neighborhood can be difficult. Public transit (BART, Muni) serves the Van Ness Avenue location. If you are using public transportation, allow extra time to find the office and account for transit delays.

San Diego DMV office location and hours

The San Diego DMV is located at 1111 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. This office serves residents of San Diego County. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

Like the San Francisco office, the San Diego DMV requires an appointment. You cannot walk in without one. Book your appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. The San Diego office also experiences high demand, especially mid-month and before holidays, so plan ahead if possible.

The Third Avenue location is downtown and has limited street parking. Several parking garages are within one block. If you are using public transportation, the San Diego Trolley and local bus routes serve this area. Check the transit schedule before you go, as service frequency varies by time of day.

Services you can complete without visiting an office

The California DMV allows you to handle many transactions online, by mail, or by phone without going to either office. These include renewing an expiring driver's license (if you are not changing your address or photo), renewing vehicle registration, ordering a replacement license or ID card, and updating your address on an existing license or registration.

To renew your license online, visit dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License or ID Card." You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Vehicle registration renewal can also be done online at dmv.ca.gov. You will need your vehicle registration number and renewal notice. If you have a smog check requirement, you must complete that before renewing online. Mail-in renewal is available if you prefer not to use the website.

How to reach the statewide DMV customer service line

The California DMV customer service number is 1-800-777-0133. This line serves all regions of the state and can help you with questions about either the San Francisco or San Diego office, schedule appointments, or direct you to online services that might work for your situation.

Wait times on this line vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Calling early in the morning (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) or late in the afternoon (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) often means shorter waits than mid-day. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

If you cannot reach someone by phone, you can submit a question through the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov under "Contact Us." Email responses typically take 5 to 7 business days.

What documents to bring to either office

The documents you need depend on your specific transaction, but most in-person visits require proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or registration. Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you have one.

For a driver's license or ID card, you will need a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. For vehicle registration, bring your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency.

The DMV website lists the full document requirements for each service. Check dmv.ca.gov before your appointment and bring everything listed — missing a single document may mean your appointment is cancelled and you have to reschedule.

Scam alert: Fake DMV websites and phone numbers

Scammers create fake DMV websites and advertise fake phone numbers that look similar to the real California DMV contact information. These sites charge fees for services that are free or cheaper through the official DMV, or they collect personal information for identity theft.

The only official California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov. The only official customer service number is 1-800-777-0133. Do not use any other website or phone number, even if it appears in a search result or advertisement. If you are unsure whether a website is real, type dmv.ca.gov directly into your browser instead of clicking a link.

Never pay a third party to renew your license, register your vehicle, or change your address. These services are available directly from the DMV at no markup. If someone offers to do it "faster" or "easier" for a fee, that is a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to the San Francisco office if I live in San Diego, or vice versa?

No. You must visit the office that serves your county of residence. If you live in San Diego County, you must use the San Diego office. If you live in the Bay Area, you must use the San Francisco office. However, many services can be completed online or by mail regardless of where you live, so check dmv.ca.gov first.

What if I cannot get an appointment for several weeks?

If appointment slots are full, try booking for an earlier time of day (8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. appointments often have more availability) or a different day of the week. You can also check whether your transaction can be completed online or by mail instead. If you need to renew your license and it has not yet expired, you can renew online without an office visit.

How long does an appointment usually take?

Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents. Bring everything listed on the DMV website for your specific service. If documents are missing or incomplete, your appointment may be cancelled and you will have to reschedule.

What if I need to change my address but do not need a new license?

You can update your address online at dmv.ca.gov without visiting an office or getting a new license card. The change takes effect when ready for registration and license records, though your physical card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it.

Is there a way to avoid the phone line wait?

Yes. Use the online appointment system at dmv.ca.gov to book directly, or submit a question through the website's contact form if you need help. The website is faster than the phone line for most routine questions and appointment bookings.