What the Redlands DMV office handles

The Redlands Department of Motor Vehicles office is located in San Bernardino County and handles driver's licenses, identification cards, vehicle registration, and license plate services for people in the Redlands area. You can renew a driver's license, get a Real ID card, register a vehicle, replace a lost registration, or handle most routine DMV transactions there. Not every service is available at every office — some complex cases or specialty plates may require a trip to a larger regional office.

The Redlands office is smaller than the San Bernardino main office, so wait times can vary significantly depending on the day and time. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays other than Friday typically means shorter waits. The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or certain commercial vehicle services, which require the San Bernardino office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Redlands DMV office is located at 1012 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92374, and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
  • You can handle driver's license renewals, Real ID applications, vehicle registration, and most routine services at this location without an appointment.
  • Taking a number when you arrive is required; the office uses a ticket system and does not serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Bring your current identification, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction to avoid being turned away or delayed.
  • The office is closed on weekends and state holidays, and hours may change seasonally or due to staffing, so check the California DMV website before you go.

Address, hours, and how to get there

The Redlands DMV office is at 1012 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92374. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch closure from noon to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends, state holidays, and certain administrative days. Hours can change without notice, so visit the official California DMV website and search for the Redlands office location to confirm current hours before you make the trip.

From downtown Redlands, the office is accessible by car via New York Street. Parking is available on-site. If you use public transit, check San Bernardino County Transit (SBCTrans) for bus routes that serve the New York Street area. The office is not within walking distance of major transit hubs, so driving or a rideshare service is usually the most practical option.

What documents to bring

The documents you need depend on your specific transaction, but all customers must bring proof of identity and proof of California residency. A current driver's license or passport works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are renewing your driver's license, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you are explore for a Real ID card, bring your current ID, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your legal name (birth certificate or marriage certificate if your name has changed). For vehicle registration, bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's title or proof of ownership. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

Using the ticket system and managing wait times

When you arrive at the Redlands office, you must take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. The office does not serve customers in the order they arrive. Your number will be called on a digital display, and you will proceed to an available window. The ticket system helps the office manage flow, but it also means you cannot straightforward walk up to a counter.

Wait times at the Redlands office typically range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the day and time. Mornings between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday are usually the shortest. Avoid Fridays and the hour after lunch (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.), when wait times spike. If the office is very busy when you arrive, you can leave and return later — your ticket is not valid once you leave the building, but you can take a new number when you return.

Services you cannot complete at Redlands

The Redlands office does not administer commercial driver's license (CDL) tests or issue CDL permits. If you need a CDL, you must go to the San Bernardino DMV office or another full-service location. Certain specialty license plates, disabled person placards, and vanity plate requests may also require processing at a larger office, though you can often start the request at Redlands.

If you are unsure whether your specific service is available at Redlands, call the office directly at the number listed on the California DMV website or use the DMV's online service locator tool. This saves you a wasted trip if your transaction requires a different location.

Real ID and REAL ID-compliant cards at Redlands

California's Real ID cards are compliant with federal identification standards and are required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. The Redlands office issues Real ID cards and can process Real ID driver's licenses. The process takes longer than a standard renewal because you must provide additional documentation: proof of your legal name, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency.

Real ID processing typically takes 10 to 15 business days after your visit. You will receive your card by mail at the address you provide. If you need a Real ID urgently, ask the staff whether expedited processing is available, though this may carry an additional fee. Bring all required documents in one visit to avoid delays.

Scams and safety information

Be aware that scammers sometimes pose as DMV staff or create fake DMV websites to steal personal information or money. The California DMV will never contact you by phone, email, or text asking for payment or personal details. If someone claiming to be from the DMV contacts you, hang up and call the official DMV number yourself.

Do not use third-party services that claim to speed up your DMV transaction or may provide a specific outcome. These services charge fees and do not provide any advantage over going directly to the office yourself. The only official DMV website is dmv.ca.gov. If you see a website with a different domain offering DMV services, it is not legitimate.

Inside the office, keep your documents and personal information find. Do not leave your wallet, phone, or documents unattended while you wait. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, alert a staff member when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Redlands DMV office?

The Redlands office does not offer appointments for most services. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your turn. However, the California DMV website may show appointment availability for certain services at certain times — check the online system before you go to see if appointments are open for your specific transaction.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days to complete most DMV transactions. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, ask the DMV staff what alternative documents they accept — some offices accept notarized letters from a landlord or recent tax returns. Call the Redlands office ahead of time to ask what they will accept in your situation.

How long does a driver's license renewal take at Redlands?

A standard driver's license renewal typically takes 10 to 15 business days after your visit. You will receive your new license by mail. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the counter — this is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait.

Is the Redlands office open on holidays?

No, the Redlands DMV office is closed on state holidays and certain administrative days. The office is also closed on weekends. Check the California DMV website for a list of closure dates, or call ahead if you are planning a visit around a holiday.

What should I do if I lose my place in line?

If you leave the office, your ticket is no longer valid. When you return, take a new number from the ticket machine. You will not lose your place permanently, but you will start over in the queue. If you need to step out for a short time, ask a staff member whether you can pause your turn — some offices allow this, but it is not may provide.