Saturday hours at Los Angeles DMV offices
Not all DMV offices in Los Angeles County are open on Saturday. The California Department of Motor Vehicles operates some locations with weekend hours, but most close on weekends. The offices that do open Saturday typically operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location and can change without notice.
The DMV does not publish a single master list of which offices are open Saturday. You need to check the specific location you plan to visit on the official California DMV website or call ahead. This matters because showing up to a closed office wastes your time, and Saturday slots fill quickly at locations that do operate.
Los Angeles County has dozens of DMV field offices spread across the region. The larger regional offices in downtown Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Long Beach, and Pasadena are more likely to have Saturday hours than smaller branch locations, but this is not may provide and changes periodically.
Key Takeaways
- Most DMV offices in Los Angeles County are closed on Saturday, so you must verify hours for your specific location before going.
- The California DMV website lets you search by location and shows the exact hours for each office, including Saturday availability.
- Larger regional offices are more likely to have Saturday hours, but you should confirm by phone or online rather than assume.
- Saturday appointments and walk-ins fill quickly at offices that are open, so arriving early or booking ahead online saves wait time.
How to find Saturday hours for your nearest office
Go to the official California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. Use the "Find a Field Office" tool and enter your city or ZIP code. The results page shows each nearby office with its full hours of operation, listed by day of the week. If Saturday appears in the hours, the office is open that day.
Call the office directly if the website does not load clearly or you want to confirm before making the trip. The phone number appears on the same results page. Staff can tell you current wait times and whether walk-ins are being taken or if you need an appointment.
Do not rely on Google Maps or third-party websites for DMV hours. These sources often show outdated information. The DMV updates its own site regularly, and that is your most reliable source.
Booking an appointment versus walking in on Saturday
The DMV allows you to book appointments online through dmv.ca.gov for most services. If your local office is open Saturday, you can often reserve a Saturday time slot weeks in advance. Booking an appointment typically cuts your wait time from one to three hours down to 15 to 45 minutes.
Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, including on Saturday, but you take the wait as it comes. On Saturday mornings, waits can exceed two hours at popular locations. If you do not have an appointment, arrive before 9 a.m. to get a lower number.
Some services require an appointment and cannot be done as a walk-in. These include commercial driver's license (CDL) tests, certain behind-the-wheel driving tests, and some specialized transactions. Check what your task requires before you go.
What services are available on Saturday
Not every service is available at every office on Saturday. Most Saturday-open locations handle common tasks: license renewals, address changes, replacement IDs, registration renewals, and written tests for driver's licenses. These are the high-volume services the DMV prioritizes for weekend hours.
Specialized services like CDL testing, motorcycle endorsements, or complex registration issues may only be available on weekdays at certain offices. If you need a specific service, confirm it is offered on Saturday at your chosen location before you go. The DMV website lists services by office.
Behind-the-wheel driving tests are rarely offered on Saturday. If you need a driving test, plan for a weekday appointment at a location that offers them.
Documents to bring for Saturday visits
Bring the same documents on Saturday as you would on any other day. The DMV does not change its document requirements based on the day of the week. For a license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residence. For an address change, bring your current ID and a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Bring your Social Security number or a document with it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. Bring proof of legal presence in the United States if you are renewing or obtaining a license for the first time. The DMV website lists full requirements by transaction type.
Bring originals and copies if you are unsure whether the DMV will accept a copy. The office can tell you on the spot if a copy is not acceptable, and you may not be able to complete your transaction that day.
Scams and safety alerts for DMV services
Never pay a third party to handle your DMV transaction. Services that charge you to "skip the line" or "book your appointment" are scams. The DMV appointment system is free on dmv.ca.gov. If someone offers to do your DMV business for a fee, they are stealing your money or your identity.
Do not give your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information to anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the DMV. The real DMV does not call, text, or email to ask for this information. If you receive such a contact, it is a scam.
Be cautious of websites that look like dmv.ca.gov but have slightly different URLs, such as "dmv-california.com" or "california-dmv.net". These are fake sites designed to steal your information. Always type dmv.ca.gov directly into your browser or search for "California DMV official website".
Alternatives if Saturday does not work for you
If no nearby office is open Saturday, or if Saturday hours do not fit your schedule, consider a weekday visit. Many offices have shorter waits on Tuesday through Thursday afternoons than they do on Saturday mornings.
The DMV also offers some services by mail. License renewals, address changes, and registration renewals can often be completed through the mail without visiting an office. Check dmv.ca.gov for mail-in options for your specific transaction.
Some services can be completed online through dmv.ca.gov, including certain registration renewals and address changes. This is the fastest option if your task qualifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the downtown Los Angeles DMV office open on Saturday?
The downtown Los Angeles office (located at 2415 North Separate Road) has historically been open Saturday, but hours change. Check dmv.ca.gov or call 213-753-3600 to confirm current Saturday hours before you go.
Can I make a Saturday appointment online?
Yes. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Schedule an Appointment," enter your location, and filter for Saturday dates. Available time slots appear if that office is open Saturday. Book as far in advance as possible, since Saturday slots fill quickly.
What if I arrive and the wait is too long?
You can leave and return another day, or you can ask the DMV staff whether you can take a number and come back later that day. Some offices allow this; others do not. If you have an appointment, your wait should be much shorter than a walk-in wait.
Do I need an appointment to visit on Saturday?
No, but an appointment is strongly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted, but you will wait longer. Saturday is the busiest day at most DMV offices, so an appointment saves significant time.
Are DMV offices in Los Angeles open on Sunday?
No. The California DMV does not operate any offices on Sunday in Los Angeles County or anywhere else in the state.