California DMV — Marin County guide

Driver’s License / ID Card Application

Driver’s License & ID Card Online Renewal

AB 60 Driver’s Licenses

REAL ID

New Registration

Vehicle Registration Online Renewal

Vehicle Registration & Licensing Fee Calculators

Field Offices

Appointments

Knowledge and Drive Tests Preparation

Online Learning

Title Transfers and Changes

Disabled Person Parking Placards & Plates

Driver’s Record Request

DMV does not provide counter service for vehicle registration renewal, driver’s license/ID card renewal (unless specified on notice), driver and vehicle records, or replacement driver’s licenses. These services must be done online, at a DMV kiosk, with a DMV business partner, or by mail.

After submitting your application, you will need to visit a DMV office to complete it.

Be prepared to create a DMV online account, if you have never done so previously. If you have, be prepared to log in to your DMV online account. (DMV uses two-factor authentication to prove your digital identity; it requires an email address and a way to receive a phone call or text message.)

The application is available in 10 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.

Yes, but because each form has a unique barcode on it, it cannot be downloaded and printed. A new paper version of the driver’s license application is available in field offices for customers who choose not to complete the electronic version.

If you are over 18 years of age and you have never had a DL in any state or country, you may obtain an instruction permit until you are ready to take your driving test. Note A provisional instruction permit is only for drivers under the age of 18. An instruction permit would be issued to a person over age 18. Once you complete the requirements of the instruction permit, you can take the driving test to get a California DL.

To allow for sufficient testing time, we do not administer knowledge tests within 30 minutes of closing.

Until further notice, the California DMV cannot issue, reissue, or renew limited-term legal presence (non-domiciled) commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).

If you are age 70+ and renewing your driver’s license, you might not need to take a test. Check your renewal notice to be sure.

AB 60 driver’s licenses are for individuals who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States, but who meet California DMV requirements and are able to provide proof of identity and California residency.

If you need an interpreter, call 1-800-777-0133.

No. A REAL ID driver’s license or identification card is optional. A REAL ID is needed if: You wish to continue to use your driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights within the U.S. Enter secure federal facilities. If you want to continue to use a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, enhanced driver’s license, or other federally accepted identification to do those things, you do not need to get a REAL ID, however, it is recommended.

ONE identity document that shows your date of birth and true full name, such as a valid U.S. passport, certified copy of U.S. birth certificate, valid Permanent Resident Card, etc. Note If the true full name shown on your document does not match your current true full name, additional name change documentation is required. TWO different documents proving California residency that include the first and last name and mailing address that will be shown on your REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. Examples include a mortgage bill, home utility or cell phone bill, vehicle registration card, and bank statement. Examples to get Onboard with REAL ID (PDF) Provide Social Security number on REAL ID application (exceptions may apply)

Bring the original documents submitted online to your REAL ID appointment. Save your confirmation code – you will need it for your office visit.

Individuals applying for or renewing an AB 60 driver’s license are not eligible to receive a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card.

Vehicle license plate number Last 5 digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Hull Identification Number (HIN) Payment information

Even if you pay your registration fees, if your vehicle needs smog certification you will need to complete that before your registration renewal can be finalized.

To make sure your new registration is mailed to your updated address, wait 3 business days between changing your address online and renewing your registration so the system can update your information.

If you bring a vehicle into California that was previously registered in another state or country, you must register it within 20 days of becoming a resident or bringing it into the state.

There are a variety of fees that may be required when applying for or renewing vehicle registration. Determining Fees Registration fees are based on: Your vehicle type (auto, motorcycle, etc.). Your vehicle’s purchase price or declared value. Dates (for example, the date you purchased your vehicle, or the date your vehicle entered California). The city and/or county you live in. The city and/or county your business is based in. The unladen or declared gross vehicle weight (GVW) and the number of axles your vehicle may have. Any special license plates your vehicle may have.

Any change in ownership or lienholder must be reported to DMV within 10 days, and the title must be updated.

Sellers must also submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 days.

What you need: California Certificate of Title If the title is missing you must complete Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF) first. Buyer and seller/lienholder signatures Payment of transfer fee

Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form (call the DMV’s automated voice system at 1-800-777-0133 to have a form mailed to you)

To apply for a DP parking placard: Apply online using the Disabled Person Parking Placard Form Application. OR Apply by mail or in office: Complete and sign an Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195) (PDF). Have a licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, optometrist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife that has knowledge of the disease and/or disability complete and sign the Medical Provider’s Certification of Disability section of your application REG 195 (PDF). Submit applicable fees when requesting a temporary placard. Mail the original completed and signed application to the address on the form.

Permanent parking placard for permanent disabilities. Valid for two years. Expires on June 30 of every odd-numbered year. You are only allowed to have one permanent placard at any given time. Temporary parking placard for temporary disabilities. Valid for up to 180 days (six months) or until the date noted by your qualifying licensed medical professional on the application (whichever time frame is shorter). Can not be renewed more than six times in a row.

Online requests are limited to viewing and printing only. If you would like a certified copy mailed to you, complete the INF 1125 (PDF) form and mail it with the required fee to the DMV Headquarters address listed on the form.

If you close the shopping cart confirmation page before printing, you will need to make another purchase to access the record again.

DMV will be launching a newly designed eLearning platform. You must complete the current eLearning course by November 6, 2026. If the current course is not completed by November 6, 2026, you will lose all progress, any associated bookmarks created and will need to restart the course on the new platform.

All processing times are estimated. Some orders need extra review for accuracy and completeness, and may take longer than the averages below.

Vehicle Registration Renewal • DMV Kiosk: Instantly if all renewal requirements are met • Online: 1 week • Phone: 1 week • Mail: 2 weeks

Title Transfers Online: 4 weeks • Replacement Title Online: 2-3 weeks

Driver’s License / ID Card Application

REAL ID Checklist

Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195) (PDF)

Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF)

INF 1125 (PDF)

License ClassClass CApplication– Original – Renewal – Adding a motorcycle license (Class M1/M2)Fee$46

IDRegular ID cardApplication– Original – Renewal – Replacement (lost or stolen) – Change DL/ID Information – Emancipated minorFee$40

IDSenior Citizen (age 62 or older) ID cardApplication– Original – Renewal – Replacement (lost or stolen) – Change DL/ID InformationFeeNo fee

Two dollars ($2) for each record requested by electronic interface with the department’s Internet website.

Five dollars ($5) for each record requested by mail.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Phone: 800-777-0133

TTY 1-800-368-4327

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

DMV Renewal PO Box 942897 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Department of Motor Vehicles

Novato Field Office 936 7th Street A, Novato, CA 94947 Online Services Complete It Now! Most services are available online with the DMV or with a DMV-authorized partner! View all online services Renew Your Vehicle Registration Renew your Driver’s License or ID Card Driver’s License/ID Card Application Change your Address Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability Request a Replacement Driver’s License Special Interest or Personalized Plates Request your Driver’s Record Office Closed Many services are available online! Sunday Oct. 11 closed Monday Oct. 12 8am-5pm Tuesday Oct. 13 8am-5pm Wednesday Oct. 14 9am-5pm Thursday Oct. 15 8am-5pm Friday Oct. 16 8am-5pm Saturday Oct. 17 closed Sunday Oct. 18 closed Monday Oct. 19 8am-5pm Tuesday Oct. 20 8am-5pm Wednesday Oct. 21 9am-5pm Thursday Oct. 22 8am-5pm Friday Oct. 23 8am-5pm Saturday Oct. 24 closed current wait times appt Closed min no appt Closed min Nearby wait times Petaluma Closed Corte Madera Closed Vallejo Closed El Cerrito Closed Services Provided Licensing Services Testing Title Transfers Registration Plates, Permits, & Placards Replace Lost/Stolen/Damaged Records Request miscellaneous original documents

Sunday Oct. 11 closed Monday Oct. 12 8am-5pm Tuesday Oct. 13 8am-5pm Wednesday Oct. 14 9am-5pm Thursday Oct. 15 8am-5pm Friday Oct. 16 8am-5pm Saturday Oct. 17 closed Sunday Oct. 18 closed Monday Oct. 19 8am-5pm Tuesday Oct. 20 8am-5pm Wednesday Oct. 21 9am-5pm Thursday Oct. 22 8am-5pm Friday Oct. 23 8am-5pm Saturday Oct. 24 closed

Corte Madera Field Office 75 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Corte Madera, CA 94925 This office has a self-serve kiosk to avoid waiting in line. DMV kiosks are convenient and offer services that are quick and easy. No wait times and open daily! Online Services Complete It Now! Most services are available online with the DMV or with a DMV-authorized partner! View all online services Renew Your Vehicle Registration Renew your Driver’s License or ID Card Driver’s License/ID Card Application Change your Address Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability Request a Replacement Driver’s License Special Interest or Personalized Plates Request your Driver’s Record Office Closed Many services are available online! Sunday Oct. 11 closed Monday Oct. 12 8am-5pm Tuesday Oct. 13 8am-5pm Wednesday Oct. 14 9am-5pm Thursday Oct. 15 8am-5pm Friday Oct. 16 8am-5pm Saturday Oct. 17 closed Sunday Oct. 18 closed Monday Oct. 19 8am-5pm Tuesday Oct. 20 8am-5pm Wednesday Oct. 21 9am-5pm Thursday Oct. 22 8am-5pm Friday Oct. 23 8am-5pm Saturday Oct. 24 closed current wait times appt Closed min no appt Closed min Nearby wait times Novato Closed San Francisco Closed El Cerrito Closed Petaluma Closed Services Provided Licensing Services Testing Title Transfers Registration Plates, Permits, & Placards Replace Lost/Stolen/Damaged Records Request miscellaneous original documents Self Service Terminals

Sunday Oct. 11 closed Monday Oct. 12 8am-5pm Tuesday Oct. 13 8am-5pm Wednesday Oct. 14 9am-5pm Thursday Oct. 15 8am-5pm Friday Oct. 16 8am-5pm Saturday Oct. 17 closed Sunday Oct. 18 closed Monday Oct. 19 8am-5pm Tuesday Oct. 20 8am-5pm Wednesday Oct. 21 9am-5pm Thursday Oct. 22 8am-5pm Friday Oct. 23 8am-5pm Saturday Oct. 24 closed