DMV Accessibility and Assistance

If you have a disability, the DMV offers multiple ways to help you access services.

Online Services

Certain DMV tasks can be completed through our online portal (if eligible), making a physical trip into an office potentially unnecessary:

• Applying for a driver license or ID card
• Renewing your driver license or ID card
• Renewing your vehicle registration
• Take a driver license at-home online knowledge test
• Chat Online

Telephone Assistance

Contact Centers: 1-800-777-0133 (toll-free)

TTY: 1-800-368-4327 (toll-free)

You can speak with a DMV specialist over the phone or request assistance with making arrangements to have someone help you at a DMV field office. Our Contact Center Agents offer information on nearly all services available at the DMV, such as:

• Vehicle registration
• How to obtain a driver license (DL)
• Where to take a DL test
• What to expect at that test
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) restrictions and much more
  

Visiting a DMV Office

• “Start Here” Sign: All DMV Offices have a “Start Here” Appointments/Persons with Disabilities Only sign. When visiting a DMV office, go to the “Start Here” sign to request any assistance or accommodation you might need.
• Disability Service Counter: After checking in, you may receive a ticket for priority assistance.
• The Office Manager: You can speak to the office manager at any DMV office that you call or visit. They are trained to help with disability-related needs.
• Driver Safety Offices: All DMV Driver Safety Office listings now include a map showing where people with disabilities can park and get building access for that specific office.

For Speech Impaired, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing

If you have a speech or impairment or are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call a TTY toll-free number for assistance with DMV services. This number only accepts and responds to typed messages from another TTY.

TTY toll-free: 1-800-368-4327

Or use our Online Chat option to connect with a Contact Center Agent.

Interpreter Services

The DMV provides interpreters, including ASL interpreters, at no additional cost to those who need them.

If you need an ASL interpreter, please let DMV staff know and together you can schedule an appointment when an ASL interpreter is available.

To make arrangements for an ASL interpreter, call: 

• 1-800-735-2929 using California Relay Telephone Service from TDD phones.
• 1-800-735-2922 from voice phones.

Or use our Online Chat option to connect with a Contact Center Agent.

Driver License and Knowledge Test Accommodations

The DMV provides the following testing accommodations, in addition to using the in-office TouchScreen Terminal (TST). Make your accommodation request by choosing one of the options mentioned on the top of the page to interact with the DMV.

• Online Learning and Tests
• Paper
• Audio
• Person-to-Person
• Pre-recorded DVD in ASL

Service Animals in DMV Offices

Your service animal is welcome in all DMV field offices. You cannot be denied service because you use a service animal.

Service animals are not required to wear special harnesses or IDs.

Staff may only ask:

• Is your animal a service animal?
• What tasks has the animal been trained to perform?

However, these questions may not be asked:

• What is your disability?
• Does your service animal have an ID card?
• Has your animal been certified as a service animal?

A service animal may be asked to leave only if it is out of control or poses a direct threat to others. You may continue your DMV business without the animal if this occurs.

What is a Service Animal?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is any dog or animal specifically trained to assist an individual with a disability. Regardless of breed, size, or lack of official certification, these are considered working animals, not pets.

• guides people who are blind
• alerts people who are hearing impaired
• pulls wheelchairs
• alerts and protects a person who may have seizures
• performs other special tasks

How Should You Be Treated?

As a customer with a service animal, you are entitled to the same treatment and access as any other visitor. You cannot be charged extra fees, required to pay a deposit, or segregated from other customers. While you are guaranteed equal access, having a service animal does not entitle you to faster or preferential service.

You should not be asked to remove your animal from the office unless:

• the animal is out of control and you are not trying to control it, or
• the service animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of other people. If this happens, you have the option of conducting your DMV business without having your animal on the premises.

For additional information about service animals in places of business, visit:

ADA Guidance on Service Animals

U.S. Department of Justice: Service Animals and Assistance Animals

 Note County/city ordinances regarding leash laws apply to service animals as well as pets. Service animals must be leashed when inside a DMV field office if local county/city ordinances require it.