San Marcos DMV Starts Appointment-Only Pilot

The newest DMV office in San Marcos is so popular that it's adding an appointment-only pilot on Mondays. The office is located near another DMV location, so residents can choose which one is best for them. The new office offers services that other DMV locations in the county don't have, making it a one-stop shop for many.

What you need to visit the San Marcos DMV office

The San Marcos DMV has some special requirements compared to other locations in the county. You must bring your current California driver's license or identification card and proof of current address, such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or a piece of mail with the current date. You also need a Social Security card or a document from the SSA attesting to your ineligibility for a card, such as an SSN denial letter. Bring a checkbook or cash for the DMV fees.

Appointment-only pilot

The San Marcos office is currently piloting a new appointment-only system on Mondays, the busiest days of the week. The appointment-only days are Mondays and Fridays, the two days the office sees the most customers. The goal of this system is to help keep wait times low and make the experience more efficient for customers. This is a new pilot program, so it is unknown how long the appointment-only system will last. If you plan to visit the office on a Monday or Friday and hope to get an appointment, you will need to call ahead of time to see if any appointments are available.

How to sign up for an appointment

To sign up for an appointment, call 866-DMV-4-U-2-HOME (866-368-4866) and follow the prompts to speak with a representative. You must have your California driver's license or ID card handy. You are required to provide your Social Security number. Signing up for an appointment is a good idea if you have a specific day and time, especially if you hope to visit outside the weekday rush hours. While you can call up to three weeks in advance and up to two weeks in advance for Friday and Monday appointments, it is recommended that you call for an appointment as soon as you know you want to visit the DMV so you can get the earliest available time slot.