California DMV Overview Understanding the California Department of Motor Vehicles
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is your go-to source for vehicle registration, driver's licenses, and identification cards. The DMV also handles commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), driver administrative hearings, and more.
The DMV offers various services through its public offices, dedicated license processing centers (DLPCs), commercial driving test offices, and driver's license safety offices. Not all services are available at every location. This guide provides an overview of the key services and locations to assist you.
DMV Services Comprehensive List of
The DMV provides a wide range of services, including vehicle registration and renewals, driver's license applications and renewals, and identification card issuance. Commercial driver's licenses are also issued and renewed through dedicated offices.
Additional services include administrative hearings, departmental re-examinations, and services related to business licenses. Certain offices also co-locate industry services, such as services for investigative and audit purposes.
Find a DMV Location DMV Locations Near You
Use the location finder to quickly locate a DMV office near you. Below are the links to DMV locations, listed by county. Find your county to see the local information.
You can find DMV locations in the following counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, and Yolo.
“Navigating the DMV shouldn't be a hassle. This guide is designed to help you efficiently access the services you need.
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Driver's License and Permit Information
If you're between 15 ½ and 18 years old, you can apply for a provisional permit with an appointment at a DMV Public Office. Applicants over the age of 18 can apply for a driver's license.
Appointments can be made by phone or online and are not required at DLPCs. For both applications, you must complete a Driver's License or Identification Card Application Form (DL 44), provide your Social Security number, birth date verification, and proof of residence. Provisional permit applicants must also complete a Driver's Ed program and have a parent or legal guardian sign the DL 44.
You will also need to pay an application fee and pass the vision test, written exam, and a driving test. The requirements for a motorcycle or moped license are the same, except that instead of the driving test, you need to submit a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) from an approved training facility if you are under 21 years old.
Popular Cities DMV Locations in Popular California Cities
Find DMV locations and information in these popular California cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, El Cajon, El Monte, Fall River Mills, Fresno, Manteca, Riverside, Sacramento, and San Jose.
Note: Hours and service availability may vary. Contact the specific DMV location for the most accurate and up-to-date details.