Daly City DMV — Attraction in Daly City

I know most of us can tell horror stories of having to go to the DMV. i have several bad experiences myself. Today I had a truly wonderful experience and I felt the need to leave a great review and give a shout out to the wonderful employees I had the pleasure of dealing with. I needed to renew my license in person. I filled out the application and uploaded the necessary documents to the online system ahead of the appointment. The gentleman who checked me in for my appointment (sorry I did not get any names...my bad...but he is a San Jose Sharks fan) was very welcoming and sweet. I don't have a cell phone so he wrote down my number in line for me. I was sitting for less than 5 minutes (my friend was still in the restroom) and my number was already called. Wow, great! Again, I did not get the gentleman's name, but he was at counter #6. So incredibly friendly and kind. I had made an error on my application but he quickly corrected it for me. Then a problem arose, I am blind in one eye and had to submit a form from my eye doctor documenting this. I had the document. Unfortunately, it expired on August 18th and it was now the 26th. I have a chronic health/pain condition that makes it difficult for me to function. I had already rescheduled my appointment 3 times prior but had to reschedule each time due to being unable to physically get to or handle sitting or standing at the DMV. I knew the form was only good for 6 months and it had been completed in February so I thought well I am still within the 6th month so it should be ok. Unfortunately, that was not the case it is 6 months from the date on the form so it was expired and I would have to get a new one. I was distraught because it had taken so much for me to even make it to this appointment today. I had to get a friend to drive me and come with me so she could help me in case I had trouble walking or any other health related issues. Appointments, in general are so hard for me to keep because I never know what state my body is going to be in on any given day and it is stressful when it is something that is time sensitive. Anyway, the nice gentleman said he would check with his supervisor to see if they could still accept the form. They could not, but I so appreciated that he even offered to see if it might be an option. And even though I have to go back, he gave me a temporary license already, which is vital for me because I really am dependent on myself. I don't have people who can always assist me when I need help. I could take my picture and he scheduled a new appointment for me to drop off the new form. That was fantastic as far as I am concerned. I know dropping off the form will take probably less than 20 minutes, if that, so that is ideal for me. Today I was out in less than 45 minutes and I am sure it would have been even faster but someone was holding up the photo line. And the female employee in photo line A was also super nice and kind. All three of the staff I had the pleasure of interacting with also wished me a happy early birthday because it is in a few days. All three of these individuals made what for me is a difficult experience to get through physically, very pleasant and non-stressful. I have immense appreciation and gratitude for their kindness and friendly demeanor. This DMV's customer service is on point as far as I am concerned. Big thank you to those lovely...

I spent the day at DMV in Daly City yesterday... not too bad (7.5 hours) considering I didn't make an appointment. Of course I could have waited until August; that was the earliest appointment at any DMV. Since I didn't want to drive for 2 months plus without a valid license I didn't make an appointment. When I finally got to see someone (my number took over 3.5 hours to be called, and it took 3 hours to get into the building itself) I asked why I didn't get a notice in the mail when my license expired on my birthday in March. He said, "Don't know." Then I asked if DMV was forcing me to come in to apply for a "Real ID," and he said, "No." You see, come 2020 (Oct) anyone wanting to get into any airport to travel will need, either a passport or a "real id." The old ID card that California gave out will not suffice. (Also any government building that requires an ID will only accept a "Real ID") EVERYONE (including children) will need a passport or real ID to fly. AND the only place to get a Real ID is at a DMV office. My advice is to make an appointment and do it this year. Don't wait until 2019... can you imagine the lines then? Either that or travel with a passport. Passports will be easier to get because you can apply at many post offices. Oh yeah, you need very specific documents to bring to DMV when applying for a real ID. One guy waiting hours and was told to come back because he was missing one document. I didn't know of this new "real ID" so I, too, didn't have the correct documents. (So I applied for the regular license - you can still do that.) When I was renewing my passport I was told to get a current California license as mine was expired, hence I found out that I was not notified before my birthday by DMV as I normally was. In truth it is not the fault of DMV for these long waits. This new necessary process to apply was put on their agenda without any concern of how to accommodate all the citizens needing to apply. There simply is not enough personnel to do the job. I saw whole families waiting for hours at DMV getting their pictures taken for this new id. One bit of advice. If you are simply going there to register a vehicle, there are kiosks at a couple of Safeways (one on 14th street in SF and one on Gellart in SSF) where you can register your car and get a sticker right away. Do that...

Before you arrive review the DMV website throughly. Making an appointment is not mandatory, but is highly suggested. Also keep in mind you can visit any DMV in California.

There is at least one bus that drops off outside the DMV. If you drive there is a small parking lot. By 10am this filled up. Instead of waiting for a parking spot like others, I just went around the block and parked on the street. I walked through a parking lot and arrived at the DMV. It was less than a minute walk.

When you arrive there are two lines (Appointment and No Appointment). The only signs that distinguish these lines are outside. But you will notice that the huge line is for those without appointments. If you are unable to stand for long periods of time go inside to see if you can be seen sooner. I arrived about 20 minutes early for my appointment time. There was a lady just inside the door that was very helpful and pleasant. When you get to the first window they will ask you why you are there. It took me about 15 minutes on a week day with an appointment to be first in line. You will then wait for your number to be called. This would be a good time to confirm you have all the correct paperwork if you're not sure.

After about 30 minutes your number will be called. To give you an idea they call up someone about every 45-60 seconds. Once I was called, it took about 10 minutes for them to process my paperwork. It was there to get a Real ID Drivers License. In all, it took about an hour by the time I arrived until I left. There were simnifically less people in line when I left at 11:30am.

The staff I worked with were all very patient and friendly. I was also friendly to them. The building has two unisex public bathrooms near the front. While you're waiting for your number to be called there is an area outback to get on your phone or smoke. Also seats are available while waiting for your number. When you're outside you will be standing. This allows you to go back inside, without waiting in line or walking around the building. There is not really a service or help desk. All the information you need will be online or you can call before. The building...