What the Long Beach DMV office handles

The Long Beach DMV is located at 2570 North Lakewood Boulevard and serves residents across Long Beach and surrounding areas. This office issues driver's licenses and identification cards, handles vehicle registration and title work, processes commercial driver's license (CDL) applications, and manages license suspensions and reinstatements. You can also renew your registration, transfer vehicle ownership, and obtain duplicate documents here.

Not every transaction requires an in-person visit. Many services—including driver's license renewal, vehicle registration renewal, and address changes—can be completed online through the California DMV website or by mail. Visiting in person is necessary for new driver's license applications, CDL testing, vehicle inspections, and transactions that require your signature or a document the DMV cannot process remotely.

The Long Beach office is one of several DMV locations in Los Angeles County. If you live closer to another office or prefer a different location, you can visit any California DMV for most services. However, some transactions tied to a specific vehicle or license record may need to happen at the office that holds your file.

Key Takeaways

  • The Long Beach DMV is at 2570 North Lakewood Boulevard and handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, CDL services, and license reinstatements.
  • You must make an appointment before visiting; walk-ins are not accepted, and you can book online or by phone at 1-800-777-0133.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction, such as a vehicle title or proof of insurance.
  • Many services including license renewal and registration renewal can be completed online or by mail instead of visiting in person.
  • Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; early morning visits on weekdays typically have shorter lines than afternoons or weekends.

Making an appointment at the Long Beach office

You must schedule an appointment before visiting the Long Beach DMV. The office does not accept walk-ins. You can book an appointment online through the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) by selecting the Long Beach location, choosing your service type, and picking an available date and time. Appointments typically open up 60 days in advance.

If you prefer to book by phone, call 1-800-777-0133. The line is busiest in the morning and early afternoon; calling late in the day or on weekday evenings may result in shorter hold times. Have your driver's license number or ID number ready when you call.

Appointment slots fill quickly, especially for popular services like driver's license testing and vehicle registration. If no appointments are available on your preferred date, check back the next day—the DMV releases additional slots regularly. You can also consider visiting a different DMV location in Los Angeles County if the Long Beach office is fully booked.

Documents to bring for your specific transaction

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a new driver's license or ID card, bring your current valid ID (passport, out-of-state license, or other government-issued document), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two documents proving your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days).

For vehicle registration or title transfer, bring your vehicle's current registration, proof of insurance, the vehicle's title (if transferring ownership), a bill of sale if purchasing from a private party, and your ID. If someone else is signing on your behalf, bring a power of attorney document.

For license reinstatement after suspension, bring your ID, proof of payment for any fines or fees owed, and documentation showing you have met the reinstatement requirements (such as proof of insurance or completion of a required course). The DMV website lists specific requirements by suspension reason; check before you visit.

Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted for most documents. If a document is not in English, bring a certified translation along with the original.

Hours, location, and parking

The Long Beach DMV at 2570 North Lakewood Boulevard is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Hours may change seasonally or for maintenance; check the DMV website before you visit to confirm.

The office is located in a commercial area with a dedicated parking lot. Parking is free and typically available, though it can fill during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment to allow time for parking and check-in.

The office is accessible by public transit. Long Beach Transit bus lines serve the Lakewood Boulevard area; check the transit website for routes and schedules. If you are using rideshare, ask the driver to drop you at the main entrance on Lakewood Boulevard.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive with your appointment confirmation (printed or on your phone) and all required documents. Check in at the front desk when you arrive. You will receive a number and wait in the lobby until your number is called. Even with an appointment, you may wait 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is and the complexity of transactions ahead of you.

When your number is called, go to the assigned window. The DMV representative will review your documents, ask questions about your transaction, and process your request. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to fix. Some issues can be resolved on the spot; others may require you to reschedule.

For driver's license tests (written, vision, or driving), you will be directed to the appropriate testing area. Written tests are administered on computer. Vision tests happen at a dedicated station. Driving tests require you to bring your own vehicle, which must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Avoiding scams and fraudulent services

Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to speed up DMV appointments or processes. Websites that look like the official DMV site but have slightly different URLs (like "dmv-california.com" instead of "dmv.ca.gov") are scams. They collect your personal information and money without providing any real service. The only official California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov.

Avoid paying anyone to fill out DMV forms or to "hold your place in line." These services are unnecessary and often fraudulent. You can fill out forms yourself for free, and appointments are scheduled through the official DMV website or phone line only.

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV asking you to verify information or click a link. The DMV does not contact people unsolicited by email or text. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links or provide information. Report it to the California DMV at dmv.ca.gov/about/contact-us.

If you need help with a DMV transaction and want to use a licensed service, verify that the business is registered with the California Secretary of State and has a physical address you can visit. Legitimate services charge transparent fees and do not may provide outcomes.

When you cannot visit in person

If you cannot visit the Long Beach office, several alternatives exist. Many transactions can be completed online through dmv.ca.gov, including driver's license renewal, vehicle registration renewal, address changes, and duplicate license requests. Online services are available 24 hours a day and typically process faster than in-person visits.

You can also mail documents to the DMV. The California DMV accepts mail-in applications for license renewal, registration renewal, and certain title transfers. read the appropriate form from dmv.ca.gov, fill it out, and mail it with required documents and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing times for mail are typically 2 to 3 weeks.

If you live outside California or cannot travel to Long Beach, you may be able to use a different DMV location. Most services can be handled at any California DMV office. However, if your transaction is tied to a specific vehicle or license record, you may need to visit the office that holds your file or complete the transaction by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in without an appointment?

No. The Long Beach DMV requires appointments for all services and does not accept walk-ins. You must book through dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. If you arrive without an appointment, you will be turned away.

How far in advance can I book an appointment?

Appointments typically open 60 days ahead. You can check availability and book as soon as slots are released. For urgent needs, check daily for cancellations, which the DMV releases throughout the day.

What if I fail my driving test?

You can retake the driving test. Schedule a new appointment through the DMV website or by phone. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to wait for the next available appointment slot. You must bring your vehicle and current ID each time you test.

Can I renew my registration online instead of visiting?

Yes. If your vehicle registration is current and you have no outstanding violations or fees, you can renew online through dmv.ca.gov. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal. Your new registration will be mailed to you within 2 weeks.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You need two documents showing your current address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, insurance policies, and government mail. If you have recently moved and do not have documents yet, contact the DMV before your appointment to discuss alternatives.