Where the Burbank DMV is located and what it handles
The Burbank DMV office is at 2235 West Olive Avenue, Burbank, California 91506. This is a full-service office that handles driver's licenses, identification cards, vehicle registration, title transfers, and behind-the-wheel driving tests. It is not a satellite office — you can complete most transactions here without being sent elsewhere.
The office serves Burbank and surrounding areas in the San Fernando Valley. If you live in Burbank proper, this is your local office, though you can visit any California DMV location for most services. Burbank residents who need to renew a license or register a vehicle can choose to come here or go to another office if the wait is shorter.
Key Takeaways
- The Burbank DMV is located at 2235 West Olive Avenue and is a full-service office where you can renew licenses, register vehicles, and take driving tests.
- You must bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction — the office will not process incomplete applications.
- Wait times at Burbank are typically longest on Tuesdays through Thursdays and shortest on Mondays and Fridays, though this varies by season.
- You can check real-time wait times on the California DMV website before you go, and you can reserve a time slot online for many services.
- The office does not handle commercial driver's license tests or certain specialized transactions — call ahead if your task is unusual.
Hours and how to check wait times before you go
The Burbank office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours may change seasonally or for maintenance, so check the California DMV website before you travel.
The DMV website shows real-time wait times for the Burbank location. You can see how many people are ahead of you and what the average wait is for your type of transaction. Wait times are usually longest between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on weekdays, and Mondays and Fridays tend to be less crowded than mid-week days. If you see a wait time over 90 minutes, consider coming back another day or visiting a different office.
You can also reserve a time slot online through the DMV website for many services, including license renewals and vehicle registration. A reserved appointment does not eliminate the wait entirely, but it moves you ahead of walk-in customers and gives you a specific window to arrive.
What documents to bring for a license or ID renewal
For a driver's license or identification card renewal, bring your current California license or ID card, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.
If you are renewing a license that has expired more than five years ago, you will need to take a written test and an eye exam in addition to providing these documents. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office — check the DMV website to see which option applies to you.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will not process a renewal if the name on your process does not match the name on your proof of residency.
What documents to bring for vehicle registration and title transfers
For vehicle registration, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in California, bring the title from your previous state or the bill of sale if you purchased the vehicle in California.
For a title transfer — when you buy or sell a vehicle — bring the signed title from the previous owner, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder's name will appear on the title, and you may need additional paperwork from them. Ask the office staff when you arrive if you are unsure whether you have everything.
Vehicle registration and title work require the vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on your registration card, insurance documents, or the vehicle itself. Have this number ready before you go to the window.
Behind-the-wheel driving tests at Burbank
The Burbank DMV office administers behind-the-wheel driving tests for applicants who are taking their first California driving test or retaking a test they failed. You must schedule a test appointment in advance — you cannot walk in and take a test the same day.
To schedule a test, you must have a valid learner's permit and pass the written knowledge test first. You can take the written test at the Burbank office or at any other California DMV location. Once you pass the written test, you can reserve a behind-the-wheel test appointment online or by phone.
Bring your learner's permit, proof of residency, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, and wipers. If the vehicle does not pass a safety inspection, the test will not proceed and you will lose your appointment.
Parking and getting to the Burbank office
The Burbank DMV has a small parking lot on the property, but spaces fill quickly during peak hours. Street parking is available on Olive Avenue and nearby residential streets, though it may be limited. If you cannot find parking at the office, look for street parking within a few blocks and walk.
Public transit serves the area: the Metro Red Line (subway) stops at North Hollywood Station, about one mile south of the office. From there, you can take a bus or walk. The office is not directly on a major bus line, so check the Metro website for the best route from your location.
If you are driving, the office address is 2235 West Olive Avenue, Burbank, 91506. Enter this into your GPS or mapping app. Arrive at least 15 minutes early if you have a reserved appointment, and 30 minutes early if you are a walk-in, to allow time for parking and finding the entrance.
What to do if you cannot complete your transaction at Burbank
If the office tells you that you need additional documents or that your transaction cannot be completed that day, ask for a written explanation of what is missing. Some transactions, such as commercial driver's license tests or certain out-of-state title transfers, are not handled at every office and may need to be done elsewhere.
If you need to return with more documents, you do not need to take a new number or wait in line again — tell the staff member at the window that you are returning with missing documents, and they will usually process you quickly. If your transaction requires a visit to a different office, the Burbank staff can tell you which location handles it.
If you believe the office made an error or refused to process a valid transaction, you can file a complaint with the California DMV. The DMV website has a form for complaints, and you can also call the DMV customer service line to speak with someone about your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to Burbank?
You may be able to renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. Check the DMV website and enter your license number to see if online renewal is available for you. If it is not, you must visit an office in person.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
Proof of residency must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can use a bank statement, insurance policy, or vehicle registration. If you have none of these, ask the office what alternative documents they will accept.
How long does a behind-the-wheel test take?
The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes, but you should plan to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. The total time at the office, including waiting, is usually 45 minutes to an hour. Bring your learner's permit and proof of residency.
Is there a phone number to call the Burbank office directly?
The Burbank office does not have a direct phone line. You can call the California DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133 to ask questions about services or to report a problem. You can also use the DMV website to send a message to the Burbank office, though responses may take several days.
What if the wait time is too long when I arrive?
If you see a long wait when you arrive, you can leave and come back another day. Your appointment slot (if you reserved one) will be held for you. If you are a walk-in, you can return at a different time without penalty. Check the DMV website for wait times before you make the trip.