Where the Claremont DMV is located and what it handles
The Claremont DMV office is at 635 West Foothill Boulevard, Claremont, CA 91711. This is a full-service branch, meaning you can handle most routine transactions there: driver's license renewals, identification card replacements, vehicle registration, title transfers, and address changes. The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or certain specialized transactions that require the main regional office in San Bernardino.
Claremont serves the western San Gabriel Valley and surrounding communities. If you live or work in Claremont, Upland, La Verne, or nearby areas, this branch is usually closer than driving to downtown Los Angeles or San Bernardino. The office is in a commercial area near the Claremont Colleges, with street parking available along Foothill Boulevard and in nearby lots.
Key Takeaways
- The Claremont DMV is at 635 West Foothill Boulevard and handles driver's licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration, and title work, but not CDL testing.
- You must take a number and wait in person; the Claremont office does not accept walk-ins without an appointment during peak hours.
- Getting an appointment through the California DMV website or calling 1-800-777-0133 is faster than showing up without one, especially on weekdays.
- Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction (vehicle title, insurance card, etc.).
- Hours vary by day; the office is typically open Monday through Friday but closed on weekends and state holidays.
How to make an appointment at the Claremont office
You can reserve an appointment online through the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) by selecting the Claremont location and choosing your transaction type. The system shows available time slots for the next several weeks. Online appointments are the fastest way to reduce wait time, though you will still wait in line on the day of your visit.
If you cannot book online or prefer to call, dial 1-800-777-0133. A representative can schedule you for a specific date and time. Have your driver's license number or ID number ready when you call. If you arrive without an appointment during busy hours, you may be turned away or told to come back another day.
Walk-ins are sometimes accepted during slower periods, typically mid-morning on Tuesdays through Thursdays, but this is not may provide. Arriving early in the day generally means shorter waits than afternoon visits.
Documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on your transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you are renewing after your license has expired, you may need to pass a vision test.
For vehicle registration or title work, bring your vehicle's current registration card, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's title if you are transferring ownership. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in California, bring the out-of-state title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, a bill of sale, and proof of a smog inspection (if required for your vehicle's year and type).
For an address change on your driver's license or ID, bring your current license or ID and proof of your new address. You do not need to pay a fee for an address-only change. If you are also renewing your license at the same time, fees explore.
Wait times and hours at the Claremont location
The Claremont DMV is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may shift seasonally or for staff training. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Call ahead or check the DMV website to confirm hours before you visit, as they can change without notice.
Wait times at Claremont are generally shorter than at larger regional offices, but they vary by day and time. Tuesdays and Wednesdays mid-morning tend to be less crowded than Mondays or Fridays. During tax season (February through April) and around holidays, expect longer waits. If you have an appointment, you will typically be seen within 15 to 30 minutes of your scheduled time, though this is not may provide.
Transactions you cannot complete at Claremont
The Claremont office does not administer commercial driver's license (CDL) written or behind-the-wheel tests. If you need a CDL, you must go to a DMV office that offers testing, such as the San Bernardino or Los Angeles regional offices. The DMV website lists which locations offer CDL services.
Certain specialized services—such as disabled person placard issuance for some medical conditions, vessel registration, or notary services—may require a trip to a larger office. Call 1-800-777-0133 to confirm whether your specific need can be handled at Claremont before you make the trip.
Parking and directions to the Claremont DMV
The office is located at 635 West Foothill Boulevard, just east of Indian Hill Boulevard. Street parking is available along Foothill Boulevard, and there is a small parking lot adjacent to the building. Parking is free. The location is accessible by public transit; Foothill Transit bus routes serve the area, and you can check the Foothill Transit website for schedules and stops near the DMV.
If you are driving from the 10 Freeway, take the Indian Hill Boulevard exit north, then turn east on Foothill Boulevard. From the 210 Freeway, take the Baseline Road exit and head north to Foothill Boulevard, then turn east. The office is about 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and 20 minutes from San Bernardino, depending on traffic.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
Some transactions can be completed by mail or online without visiting the DMV. Driver's license renewals for people under 70 with no vision correction changes can often be renewed online through the DMV website. Vehicle registration renewals can also be completed online or by mail if you do not need to change vehicle information or address.
If you need to change your address but cannot visit the office, you can submit a change-of-address form by mail to the DMV. However, if you need a new physical ID card or license with your updated address, you will need to visit in person. The DMV website lists which services are available online and which require a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver's license at the Claremont DMV without an appointment?
You can try, but an appointment is strongly recommended. During peak hours, the office may not accept walk-ins. If you arrive without an appointment on a busy day, you may be asked to leave and return with a reserved time slot. Booking online takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.
What is the best time to visit the Claremont DMV to avoid long waits?
Mid-morning on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays typically has shorter lines than Mondays or Fridays. Arriving right when the office opens at 8:00 a.m. can also mean a shorter wait. Avoid visiting during lunch hours (noon to 1:00 p.m.) and late afternoon, when traffic is heaviest.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew my driver's license?
No, you do not need the physical card. Bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2, or straightforward know your number and provide it verbally. The DMV will verify it electronically.
Can I handle vehicle registration for a car I just bought at the Claremont DMV?
Yes, if you have all required documents: the vehicle title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a smog inspection certificate (if your vehicle requires one). Bring these documents to your appointment, and the Claremont office can process your registration.
Is there a way to check wait times before I go to the Claremont DMV?
The California DMV website shows estimated wait times for some locations, though the Claremont office may not always have real-time data posted. Calling 1-800-777-0133 is the most reliable way to ask about current wait times before you visit.