Where to Find the San Bernardino DMV

San Bernardino County has two full-service DMV offices that handle driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and identification cards. The main office is located at 303 W. Hospital Road in San Bernardino, and a second location serves the High Desert area at 16797 Mojave Drive in Victorville. Both offices handle the same services, so you can visit whichever is closer to you.

The San Bernardino office is the larger of the two and typically has more appointment slots available. The Victorville location serves residents in the northern part of the county and can be significantly less crowded during peak times. Neither location handles commercial driver's license (CDL) testing — those appointments are handled through a separate testing facility.

You can confirm current addresses and hours on the California DMV website before you go. Office locations and hours do change, and calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • San Bernardino County has two DMV offices: one in San Bernardino at 303 W. Hospital Road and one in Victorville at 16797 Mojave Drive.
  • Both offices handle driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and ID cards, but you must go to a separate testing facility for commercial driver's license exams.
  • Making an appointment online through the California DMV website is faster than walking in, and many services now require an appointment.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction — the DMV website lists what you need before you visit.
  • Scammers pose as DMV offices online and by phone; only use dmv.ca.gov or call the official California DMV number to schedule or pay fees.

How to Make an Appointment

The California DMV allows you to schedule appointments online through dmv.ca.gov. You select your location (San Bernardino or Victorville), choose the service you need, and pick an available date and time. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially for popular services like renewing a driver's license or registering a vehicle.

If no appointments are available, the DMV releases new slots regularly — usually early in the morning on the website. You can also check back frequently or set up a notification if the website offers one. Walk-in service is available at both locations, but wait times are often several hours, and some services may not be available to walk-ins on busy days.

To make an appointment, you will need to know which service you are seeking (renewal, replacement, registration, etc.) and have a valid email address to receive your confirmation. The appointment confirmation includes your confirmation number, which you should bring with you or have ready on your phone.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on your specific transaction. For a driver's license renewal, you typically need your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. For a first-time license or replacement, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of California residency.

Vehicle registration requires your current registration, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of residency, and identification. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in California, you also need the vehicle's smog certification and proof that you passed a smog test (if required for your vehicle's year and type).

The California DMV website has a detailed checklist for every transaction type. Before you visit, go to dmv.ca.gov, select your transaction, and print or screenshot the required documents list. Bringing the wrong documents is the most common reason for failed appointments.

Office Hours and Wait Times

The San Bernardino DMV office at 303 W. Hospital Road is typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours. The Victorville location has similar hours but may close earlier on some days. Hours change seasonally and for holidays, so confirm on dmv.ca.gov before you visit.

Wait times vary significantly by location and time of day. The San Bernardino office is busier on Mondays and Tuesdays and slower mid-week. The Victorville office is generally less crowded. If you have an appointment, you will typically be seen within 15 to 30 minutes of your appointment time. Walk-in customers often wait 2 to 4 hours, depending on how busy the office is that day.

Arriving early does not help with walk-ins — the DMV serves customers in the order they check in, not the order they arrive. If you do not have an appointment, check in at the kiosk when you arrive and take a number.

Services Available at Each Location

Both the San Bernardino and Victorville offices handle driver's license renewals, replacements, and new applications; vehicle registration and renewal; identification card issuance; address changes; and name changes on licenses or registration. Both can also handle certain commercial services like commercial vehicle registration, though some specialized services may require a trip to a larger regional office.

Neither location administers written or driving tests for regular driver's licenses or commercial driver's licenses. Written tests for regular licenses are handled at the same office during your appointment if you are explore for a new license, but CDL testing is done at a separate facility. The DMV website lists CDL testing locations in San Bernardino County.

If you need a service that is not listed on the office's page, call the California DMV customer service line or check dmv.ca.gov to find the correct location. Some services, like certain commercial permits or specialized vehicle registrations, are only available at specific offices.

Paying Fees and Accepted Payment Methods

The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at both San Bernardino locations. If you pay online when you renew your license or registration, you can use a debit or credit card. The DMV does not accept personal checks or money orders at the office.

Fees vary by service. A driver's license renewal costs around $36 to $64 depending on how long you want it valid. Vehicle registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's value and weight. The DMV website shows the exact fee for your specific transaction before you pay.

If you pay online, you receive a receipt when ready. If you pay at the office, you receive a receipt and your new document or registration confirmation. Keep your receipt — it serves as proof of payment if there are any issues with your transaction.

Scam Alerts and Safety Information

Scammers frequently impersonate the DMV by phone, email, and text message. They claim you owe a fee, your license is suspended, or your registration has expired, and they ask you to pay when ready or provide personal information. The real DMV will never contact you first by phone or email asking for payment or personal details.

If you receive an unsolicited call or email claiming to be from the DMV, hang up or delete it. Do not click links or call the number provided in the message. Instead, go directly to dmv.ca.gov or call the official California DMV customer service number to check your status. Never give your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information to anyone who contacts you unsolicited.

Fake DMV websites also exist. They look similar to the real dmv.ca.gov but have slightly different URLs (like dmv-california.com or ca-dmv.org). Only use dmv.ca.gov. Bookmark it or type it directly into your browser rather than searching for it, which can lead to fake sites in search results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license or registration online instead of going to the office?

Some renewals can be done online through dmv.ca.gov if you meet certain requirements — usually that your license or registration is not expired and you have no address changes. Check the website to see if your specific renewal is available online. If it is not, you must visit an office or mail in your renewal.

What if I need to change my address on my license or registration?

Address changes can often be done online through dmv.ca.gov if you are only updating your address and not renewing. If you need to renew and change your address at the same time, you can do both in one transaction at the office or online if you are may be able to access for online renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license or registration after my appointment?

If you receive a temporary document at your appointment, your permanent license or registration is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive a temporary document, ask the staff when to expect your permanent one in the mail. Do not assume it is lost if it does not arrive within two weeks — mail times vary.

What should I do if I cannot make my appointment?

Cancel your appointment through dmv.ca.gov as soon as you know you cannot attend. This frees up the slot for another person and prevents you from being marked as a no-show. You can reschedule when ready after canceling.

Is there a way to avoid the long wait times at the DMV?

Making an appointment is the most reliable way to reduce wait time. If you cannot get an appointment, visiting mid-week (Wednesday or Thursday) and mid-morning (around 10 a.m.) is typically less crowded than Mondays or early morning. The Victorville location is usually less busy than San Bernardino.