You must apply in person at your local DMV office.
Currently,
only four offices accept walk-ins as well as appointments
; the rest are by appointment only. Make an appointment online or by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
Can I go to the DMV without an appointment California?
Most DMV tasks can be taken care of without an office visit
. Use our online services or visit the Service Advisor to find the best service option. Is it safe for me to come to a DMV office? The DMV continues to encourage customers to try to accomplish their DMV tasks online first.
How long is the wait at DMV with an appointment?
Of all regularly scheduled appointments we’ve booked, the average appointment
wait is 23 days
. And that’s across all the locations in California. In the major cities, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, the wait can be double that.
What is the best day to go to the DMV in California?
The best day of the week is usually
Wednesday
. But field offices don’t open on Wednesdays until 9 a.m., one hour later than usual.
What documents do I need for real ID?
- Step 1 of 6: Proof of Identity, Date of Birth and U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Status. …
- Step 2 of 6: Check Your Name. …
- Step 3 of 6: Proof of Your Full Social Security Number (SSN) …
- Step 4 of 6: Provide Proof of Residency. …
- Step 5 of 6: Written Signature. …
- Step 6 of 6: Get Your Documents.
Do I need an appointment for real ID?
In California, a Real ID license is marked in the top right corner with an image of a gold bear with a star on it. For a first-time Real ID, you have to show up at a Department of Motor Vehicles office.
You don’t need an appointment
, however, if you’ve already submitted your documentation online.
California doesn’t have a grace period for renewing your car registrations
/tags and I cannot drive with expired tags. I am liable to be cited for tickets from the very next day. After a period of 6 months, the officials can impound my car if I do not display my renewed tags.
Do you have to take a written test to renew your license in California?
Pass a written examination. You only need to answer the first 18 questions
on the test
. … Your renewal notice will state if you need to take the written examination. Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect.
What day of the week is the DMV least crowded?
The best days to visit the DMV are the middle of the week (
Wednesday or Thursday
) and in the middle of the month. Since most vehicle registrations expire at the end of the month, you can expect that there will be long lines during the first and last weeks.
Which DMV in Southern California has the shortest wait time?
The shortest waits can be found in
Alturas
, near the Modoc National Forest in Northern California. With or without an appointment, most people waited only two minutes to be served.
Why is DMV so slow?
When the DMV is slow, it comes down to a few different things: Lots of people having only one option (or not knowing about alternatives)
for completing certain tasks
. Customers not bringing what they need to complete the task the first time. Understaffed locations with not enough employees to meet the customer demand.
What can be used as forms of ID?
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Birth Certificate.
- State-issued Identification Card.
- Student Identification Card.
- Social Security Card.
- Military Identification Card.
- Passport or Passport Card.
Can I fly without a real ID?
You must present an acceptable ID, such as a
valid passport
, state-issued enhanced driver’s license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified.
Can I get REAL ID at AAA?
Those who are renewing their current standard license or ID card can apply for a REAL ID in person (with required documentation)
at a local AAA branch
.
How do I apply for a REAL ID?
You must apply for a REAL ID or ENDID
at a DMV office and show proofs of identity
. For an NDID you must also provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. You cannot apply online, by phone or by mail. Complete this guide to make sure you have the documents and proofs of identification you need.
If a city police or California Highway Patrol officer sees expired tags on a vehicle,
they can, and will, ticket it
. The DMV doesn’t conduct enforcement efforts for expired tags but if you’re caught, you’ll face a fine and penalties.
