The Lodi DMV office location and hours

The Lodi DMV is located at 1919 South Ham Lane, Lodi, CA 95242. This is a full-service office that handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and identification cards. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. Arrive early if you can — the office typically reaches capacity by mid-morning, especially on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you arrive after 4:00 p.m., you may not be served that day because staff need time to close out transactions.

The office does not take appointments through the standard DMV appointment system for most services. Walk-in service is first-come, first-served. However, you can check current wait times on the California DMV website before you leave home.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lodi DMV is at 1919 South Ham Lane and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend or holiday hours.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residence, and any documents specific to your transaction — a license renewal needs different paperwork than a vehicle registration.
  • Walk-in service is first-come, first-served; arriving before 10:00 a.m. typically means shorter waits than afternoon visits.
  • The office does not accept payment by personal check; bring a debit card, credit card, or cash.
  • If you need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, bring your birth certificate or passport along with your other documents.

Documents you need for a driver's license or ID card

For a new driver's license or identification card, bring one document proving your identity and one document proving your current address. A valid passport or birth certificate works for identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement in your name.

If you are renewing a license that is not expired or within six months of expiration, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office. Check the DMV website to see whether your specific situation qualifies for mail renewal.

If your license is expired by more than six months, you must appear in person. Bring the same identity and address documents as a new applicant, plus your expired license. You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired.

Documents you need for vehicle registration

For a new vehicle registration or renewal, bring your vehicle's title or registration certificate, proof of insurance, and a form of payment. The registration certificate is the document you received when you first registered the vehicle in California; if you have lost it, bring your title instead.

Your proof of insurance must show your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), your name, and current coverage dates. A photo of your insurance card from your phone is acceptable if it shows all three pieces of information clearly.

If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in California, bring the title, a bill of sale or purchase agreement, and proof of a smog check if your vehicle requires one. Vehicles model year 1976 and newer typically need a smog check before registration. The smog check must be completed within 30 days of your registration visit.

Real ID and REAL ID-compliant documents

A Real ID is a driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. You will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If your current license does not say "REAL ID" in the upper right corner, it is not compliant.

To obtain a Real ID driver's license or ID card at the Lodi office, bring one document proving your identity and one proving your Social Security number, plus one proving your current address. For identity, a U.S. birth certificate, valid passport, or passport card works. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. For address, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.

The Real ID process takes longer than a standard renewal because staff must verify your documents against federal databases. Plan for an additional 15 to 30 minutes beyond the normal wait time. You will receive your Real ID card by mail within two to three weeks.

Payment methods and fees

The Lodi DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — the office does not accept card numbers over the phone or by mail for walk-in transactions.

Fees vary by transaction. A driver's license renewal costs between $35 and $64 depending on the length of the renewal period. A new vehicle registration typically costs between $250 and $400 depending on the vehicle's value and weight. An identification card costs $27 to $32. Ask the staff member at the counter for the exact fee before you complete your transaction, as fees change annually.

If you need a duplicate registration certificate or title, that service costs $4 to $20 depending on the document type. The office can issue a duplicate on the same day you visit.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. The number tells you which service window to approach when your turn comes. Wait times range from 15 minutes on quiet mornings to over an hour during peak times. Check the digital display above the service windows to see which number is currently being served.

When you reach the window, tell the staff member what you need. They will review your documents, tell you the fee, and process your transaction. For most services, you will receive a receipt and a temporary document on the spot. Your permanent license, registration, or ID card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

If the staff member tells you that you are missing a document or that your document does not meet requirements, ask what specific document you need and where you can obtain it. Some documents can be obtained the same day at nearby locations — for example, a smog check station is within a few miles of the Lodi office.

Services not available at the Lodi office

The Lodi DMV does not issue commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) or perform commercial driver's license tests. If you need a CDL, you must visit a different DMV office. The nearest office that handles CDL testing is in Sacramento, about 35 miles away.

The Lodi office also does not handle certain specialized services such as organ donor registration changes or name changes on existing licenses. For those services, you can complete the transaction by mail or at a different DMV office. Ask the staff at the Lodi office which location handles your specific need if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Lodi DMV?

The Lodi DMV does not offer appointments for most services. Service is first-come, first-served. You can check current wait times on the California DMV website before you visit, which may help you decide what time to arrive.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other identity documents such as a valid foreign passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a U.S. military ID. Bring whatever identity document you have and ask the staff whether it meets requirements. If it does not, they can tell you what document you need to obtain.

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

Most licenses, ID cards, and registration documents arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary document at the office that you can use until the permanent one arrives. If your document does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV by phone or through their website.

Can I renew my registration online instead of visiting the office?

Yes, if your vehicle registration is current and you have not had any changes to your vehicle or address. You can renew online through the California DMV website. If your registration is expired or you need to make changes, you must visit an office in person.

What if I need a smog check before I can register my vehicle?

Smog checks must be completed at a smog check station, not at the DMV. Several stations are located near the Lodi office. You can find a nearby station on the California Bureau of Automotive Repair website. Bring your smog check certificate to the DMV when you register your vehicle.