The Lodi DMV is open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours

The Department of Motor Vehicles office in Lodi, California is located at 109 South Hutchins Street, Lodi, CA 95240. It operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays and all state holidays.

These hours can change without notice, especially around holidays or due to staffing needs. Before you make the trip, check the official California DMV website or call the Lodi office directly at (209) 369-2060 to confirm current hours. This five-minute call can save you a wasted trip.

The Lodi office serves San Joaquin County residents and handles standard DMV services including driver's license renewals, vehicle registration, title transfers, and written tests. It is not a specialized office — if you need a commercial driver's license test or a hazmat endorsement, you may need to travel to a different location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lodi DMV is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Call (209) 369-2060 before you visit to confirm hours, since they can change for holidays or staffing reasons.
  • Saturday hours are limited to four hours, so arriving early on Saturday means shorter wait times but less time to complete your business if you arrive late.
  • The office is closed on Sundays and all state holidays, including federal holidays and some California-specific observances.

When wait times are shortest at the Lodi office

The Lodi DMV typically has the shortest lines on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Mondays are busier because people catch up after the weekend, and Fridays draw people trying to finish business before the weekend. Afternoons after 3:00 p.m. are also slower, though you have less time to complete your transaction before closing.

Saturday mornings between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. can be busy with people who cannot take time off during the week, but the office closes at 1:00 p.m., so arriving after 11:00 a.m. on Saturday is risky if your transaction is complex. If you need a written test or a road test, plan for at least 45 minutes to an hour, even on a quiet day.

The DMV does not publish real-time wait times for the Lodi office. Some California DMV offices use a virtual queuing system, but you should call ahead or check the DMV website to see whether Lodi participates. If it does, you may be able to reserve your place in line before you arrive.

What documents to bring so you do not waste your visit

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to visit the office at all — the DMV website will tell you whether you are may be able to access.

For vehicle registration or a title transfer, bring your current registration, proof of ownership, proof of residency, and a completed process form (available on the DMV website or at the office). If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in California, bring the out-of-state title or bill of sale, a smog check certificate (if required), and proof of insurance.

For a written test, bring your learner's permit, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Bring the original documents, not copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies for most transactions. If you are unsure what you need for your specific transaction, call the Lodi office at (209) 369-2060 and ask. A two-minute phone call beats a wasted trip.

Holidays when the Lodi DMV is closed

The Lodi office is closed on all federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It is also closed on California-specific holidays such as Cesar Chavez Day (March 31) and Thanksgiving Friday (the day after Thanksgiving).

The office may also close for partial days or unexpected closures due to staffing, system outages, or building issues. If you are planning a visit around a holiday, check the DMV website or call (209) 369-2060 to confirm the office will be open. The DMV website lists all scheduled closures for the year.

Scam alert: Fake DMV websites and services

Do not use third-party websites that claim to handle your DMV business for you. Websites with names like "dmvnow.com" or "fastdmv.com" are not affiliated with the California DMV. They charge fees ranging from $50 to $200 to fill out forms you can fill out yourself for free, and they do not speed up the process — the DMV still processes your process at the same pace.

The official California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov. Any other site offering DMV services is a third party, not the government. If you need help understanding what documents to bring or what forms to fill out, call the Lodi office directly or visit the official DMV website. Both are free.

Be especially cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV. The DMV does not send unsolicited emails asking you to verify your information or renew your license. If you receive one, do not click the link — it is a phishing scam designed to steal your personal information.

Alternatives if you cannot visit during Lodi office hours

Many DMV transactions can be completed online or by mail without visiting an office. Driver's license renewals, vehicle registration renewals, and address changes can often be done through the DMV website if you meet certain requirements. The website will tell you whether your specific situation qualifies.

If you cannot visit during the Lodi office hours, check whether a different San Joaquin County office has hours that work better for you. The DMV website lists all California offices and their hours. Some larger cities have multiple offices with different hours, though Lodi has only one.

If you need a service that requires an in-person visit and cannot make it during Lodi's hours, you may need to visit a different county office or request an appointment. Some California DMV offices offer appointment slots, though availability varies by location. Check the DMV website to see whether the Lodi office takes appointments.

How to reach the Lodi DMV by phone or mail

Call the Lodi office at (209) 369-2060 with questions about hours, required documents, or whether you need an appointment. The office staff can tell you whether your transaction requires an in-person visit or whether you can handle it online or by mail. Call during business hours — Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For general DMV questions that do not require information specific to the Lodi office, you can call the statewide DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133. This line handles questions about forms, may be able to access, and procedures. Wait times can be long, so try the Lodi office first if your question is local.

You can also mail documents to the Lodi office, though processing by mail takes longer than in-person visits. The DMV website lists the mailing address for each office and which transactions can be handled by mail. If you mail documents, keep copies for your records and consider sending them certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Lodi DMV?

Some California DMV offices accept appointments, but availability varies by location. Check the DMV website or call the Lodi office at (209) 369-2060 to ask whether appointments are available. If they are, booking an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly.

What is the best time to visit the Lodi DMV if I want a short wait?

Tuesday or Wednesday mornings between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. typically have the shortest lines. Avoid Mondays and Fridays, and avoid afternoons after 2:00 p.m. if your transaction is complex. Saturday mornings are also quieter, but the office closes at 1:00 p.m.

Is the Lodi DMV open on weekends?

The Lodi office is open Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. only. It is closed on Sundays. If you need weekend service, Saturday morning is your only option.

What if I need a service the Lodi office does not offer?

Call the Lodi office at (209) 369-2060 and ask which other offices in San Joaquin County or nearby counties offer the service you need. The DMV website also lists which offices handle specialized services like commercial driver's license testing.

Can I renew my driver's license without visiting the DMV?

Many driver's license renewals can be done online or by mail through the DMV website. The website will tell you whether you are may be able to access based on your age, license type, and how long it has been since your last renewal. If you are may be able to access, renewing online or by mail is faster than visiting the office.