Most California DMV offices open at 8 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m., but hours vary by location and day of the week

California Department of Motor Vehicles offices do not all keep the same schedule. Most branches open at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, but closing times range from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. depending on the office. Some locations close for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m., while others stay open through the day. Saturday hours exist at select offices but are limited — typically 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. — and not all branches offer weekend service.

The DMV does not publish a single statewide schedule because each field office sets its own hours based on local demand and staffing. A busy urban office may have different hours than a rural branch. The only way to know when your nearest office is open is to look up that specific location.

Key Takeaways

  • Most DMV offices open at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, but closing times vary from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. by location.
  • You must check the hours for your specific DMV office on the official California DMV website, as schedules differ across branches.
  • Some offices close for lunch, and Saturday hours are available only at select locations with limited times.
  • The DMV website shows real-time wait times alongside office hours, so you can plan when to visit.

How to find your local DMV office hours online

Go to dmv.ca.gov and use the office locator tool. Enter your city, zip code, or county, and the site will display all nearby DMV branches with their full hours of operation. Each office listing shows Monday through Friday hours, Saturday hours (if available), and whether the office closes for lunch.

The DMV website also displays current wait times next to each office. This information updates throughout the day, so you can see whether an office is busy before you drive there. If you are planning a visit, check both the hours and the wait time on the same page.

You can also call your local DMV office directly. The phone number appears on the office locator page. Staff can confirm hours, tell you whether the office is currently open, and answer questions about what documents you need to bring.

Weekday hours and lunch closures

Most California DMV offices operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, many locations close for a lunch break between noon and 1:00 p.m., during which no customers are served. This means if you arrive at 12:15 p.m., you will not be able to conduct business even though the office is technically open for part of the day.

Some high-traffic offices stay open through lunch to serve more customers. The office locator on dmv.ca.gov specifies whether your location has a lunch closure. If the hours show a gap in the middle of the day, plan to arrive either before noon or after 1:00 p.m.

Saturday and holiday hours

Not all California DMV offices are open on Saturday. Only select branches offer weekend service, and those that do typically operate from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. only. You cannot assume your nearest office is open on Saturday — you must check the office locator first.

The DMV is closed on all federal holidays and some state holidays. If a holiday falls on a weekday, that office will be closed. The DMV website lists the full holiday schedule each year, so check before making a trip on or around a holiday.

What to do if your office has long wait times

The DMV website shows wait times in real time. If your local office has a wait of more than an hour, consider visiting a different branch nearby or coming back at a different time of day. Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning when the office first opens and later in the afternoon after 4:00 p.m.

You can also make an appointment at some DMV offices through the online appointment system on dmv.ca.gov. Appointments reduce wait time significantly, though not all services can be scheduled in advance. Check whether your specific office offers appointments for the transaction you need to complete.

Services available during standard office hours

Most DMV services — driver's license renewal, address changes, vehicle registration, and title transfers — are available during all regular office hours. However, some specialized services may have limited availability or require an appointment. The DMV website specifies which services each office provides and whether an appointment is needed.

If you need a service that your local office does not provide, the office locator will direct you to the nearest branch that does. Some transactions, such as commercial driver's license testing, are only available at certain locations.

Planning your visit

Before you go to a DMV office, gather the documents you need for your specific transaction. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and any forms the DMV requires. Having everything ready when you arrive shortens your time at the counter and helps the line move faster for everyone.

Check the office locator on dmv.ca.gov the morning of your visit to see current wait times and confirm the office is open. If wait times are very long, you may want to reschedule for a different day or time. Early morning visits, typically between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., usually have the shortest waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all California DMV offices open on Saturday?

No. Only select DMV branches offer Saturday hours, and those are typically limited to 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Use the office locator on dmv.ca.gov to check whether your nearest location is open on Saturday.

What time of day has the shortest wait at the DMV?

Wait times are usually shortest when the office first opens at 8:00 a.m. and again after 4:00 p.m. in the late afternoon. Midday and early afternoon tend to be busiest. Check the real-time wait times on dmv.ca.gov before you visit.

Do all DMV offices close for lunch?

Many do, but not all. Some offices close between noon and 1:00 p.m., while others stay open all day. The office locator shows whether your specific location has a lunch closure in its hours listing.

Can I make an appointment at my DMV office?

Some California DMV offices offer appointments through dmv.ca.gov, but not all services can be scheduled. Check the office locator for your location to see whether appointments are available for the transaction you need.

What happens if the DMV is closed on a holiday?

The DMV is closed on federal holidays and certain state holidays. If you need to conduct business on or near a holiday, plan ahead and visit on a different day. The DMV website lists all holiday closures for the year.