The Long Beach DMV on East Willow Street is a full-service office for vehicle and driver license transactions
The California Department of Motor Vehicles office at 2570 East Willow Street in Long Beach handles the same range of transactions as most DMV locations: driver license renewals and replacements, vehicle registration, title transfers, and written tests for new drivers. This is not a limited-service office, so you can walk in for most standard DMV needs without being turned away to another location.
The office serves Long Beach and surrounding areas in Los Angeles County. Like all California DMV locations, it operates by appointment only — you cannot walk in without one, even for quick transactions. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.
Key Takeaways
- You must book an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov before visiting; walk-ins are not accepted.
- The office handles driver licenses, vehicle registration, title work, and written tests, but some services may have longer wait times during peak months.
- Bring original documents that match the transaction type — a renewal needs different paperwork than a title transfer.
- Parking is available on-site, and the office is accessible by public transit via Long Beach Transit.
- Processing times vary by service; some transactions complete the same day, while others require mailing or follow-up.
How to book an appointment at this location
Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Book an Appointment" from the homepage. You will need to choose your transaction type first — the system will not show you available times until you specify whether you need a license renewal, registration, title transfer, or another service. Once you select the transaction, the system will show you available dates and times at this location and nearby offices.
You can book up to 60 days in advance. If no appointments are available in the next few weeks, check back in a few days — the DMV releases new appointment slots regularly. During busy seasons (late summer, early fall, and around holidays), appointments fill quickly and may not be available for several weeks.
When you book, you will receive a confirmation number and a list of documents you must bring. Write down or screenshot both. Arriving without the correct documents will result in a cancelled appointment and you will need to book again.
What documents to bring for common transactions
The documents you need depend entirely on what you are doing. A driver license renewal requires different paperwork than a first-time license or a title transfer. The DMV confirmation email will list exactly what to bring for your specific transaction.
For a driver license renewal, you typically need your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. For a vehicle registration renewal, bring your registration notice, proof of insurance, and payment. For a title transfer, bring the signed title from the previous owner, a bill of sale, proof of residency, and payment. If you are unsure whether a document counts as proof of residency, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before your appointment.
Bring originals, not copies, unless the confirmation email specifically says copies are acceptable. The DMV will not accept documents that are damaged, faded, or difficult to read.
Parking and location details
The office is located at 2570 East Willow Street, Long Beach, CA 90806. There is a parking lot on-site, and parking is free. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment time to allow for parking and check-in.
If you use public transit, Long Beach Transit serves this area. Check the Long Beach Transit website or Google Maps for the closest bus stop and current routes. The office is not within walking distance of the Long Beach Transit Mall or the Blue Line light rail, so plan your route in advance if you are using transit.
The office is wheelchair accessible and has accessible parking spaces. If you need an accommodation during your visit, mention it when you book your appointment or call ahead at 1-800-777-0133.
What to expect during your visit
Arrive with your appointment confirmation number and all required documents. Check in at the front desk when you arrive. You will be called by number, not by name, so listen for your number or watch the display screens.
Processing time depends on the transaction. A straightforward license renewal may take 15 to 30 minutes. A title transfer or a first-time license with a written test can take 45 minutes to over an hour. If the office is busy, you may wait longer than the estimated time.
Some transactions are completed on the spot — you will receive your new license or registration when ready. Others require the DMV to mail documents to you, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. The staff member will tell you which applies to your transaction before you leave.
Scams and safety alerts for DMV visits
Do not pay for DMV services through any website other than dmv.ca.gov. Scam sites charge extra fees and may not submit your paperwork correctly. The official DMV website has no banner ads and does not ask you to pay through a third-party payment processor.
Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV. The DMV does not send unsolicited emails asking you to renew your license or registration. If you receive one, do not click any links. Go directly to dmv.ca.gov instead.
Do not give your Social Security number, date of birth, or license number to anyone who calls you claiming to be from the DMV. The DMV will not call you to verify this information. If someone calls claiming there is a problem with your account, hang up and call the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133.
Never pay cash to someone outside the DMV office who offers to "help" you with your transaction. This is a common scam in parking lots. All DMV fees are paid inside the office to official staff.
When this office may not be the right choice
This office handles most transactions, but a few services are only available at specific locations. If you need to surrender your license due to a medical condition, you may need to visit a different office — call 1-800-777-0133 to confirm. If you are explore for a commercial driver license (CDL), some testing is done at limited locations, so check dmv.ca.gov when you book to see if this office offers CDL testing on your preferred date.
If you need to renew a commercial vehicle registration or handle a commercial title, this office can help. However, if your business is registering a fleet of vehicles, you may want to contact the DMV's commercial services line at 1-800-777-0133 to see if there is a faster process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license or registration without an appointment?
No. All California DMV offices, including this one, operate by appointment only. You must book through dmv.ca.gov before you visit. If you arrive without an appointment, you will be turned away.
What if I miss my appointment?
If you miss your appointment, you will need to book a new one through dmv.ca.gov. Missed appointments do not carry a penalty, but you lose your time slot. Book as soon as possible, as available times may be limited.
Can I do my transaction online instead of visiting in person?
Some transactions can be done online through dmv.ca.gov — license renewals for certain drivers, vehicle registration renewals, and address changes are common examples. Check dmv.ca.gov to see if your specific transaction is available online. If it is, you can complete it without visiting an office.
How long does it take to get my new license or registration after my appointment?
If your transaction is completed on the spot, you receive your new license or registration before you leave. If the DMV needs to mail it, expect 7 to 10 business days. The staff member will tell you which applies to your transaction.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
Proof of residency is required for most transactions. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. If you do not have any of these, call 1-800-777-0133 before your appointment to ask about alternatives.