DMV Long Beach Hours and Locations

The Long Beach DMV office is located at 2701 North Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90815. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. There is no Saturday service at this location.

Long Beach is one of the busier DMV offices in Los Angeles County, so arriving early in the day — ideally before 10:00 a.m. — typically means shorter wait times. The office does not take appointments through the standard DMV appointment system for most services, though you can reserve a spot online for certain transactions like Real ID upgrades or written tests.

Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. The office is accessible by public transit: the Long Beach Transit Blue Line stops nearby, and several bus routes serve the Lakewood Boulevard corridor.

Key Takeaways

  • The Long Beach DMV is at 2701 North Lakewood Boulevard and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend hours.
  • You can reserve an appointment online for Real ID upgrades, written tests, and a few other services, but most routine transactions operate on a walk-in basis.
  • Wait times are typically shortest before 10:00 a.m. and longest between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
  • Bring all required documents for your specific transaction, because the office will not hold your place in line if you need to leave and return.
  • The office closes for all state holidays, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

When Wait Times Are Shortest

The Long Beach DMV experiences predictable traffic patterns throughout the week. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are the busiest times, as people tend to handle DMV business at the start or end of the work week. Tuesday through Thursday mid-morning — roughly 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. — tends to see the shortest lines.

The lunch hour (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) is consistently crowded. Late afternoon after 3:00 p.m. also draws a rush of people trying to complete business before closing. If you have flexibility in your schedule, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning visit will almost always result in a shorter wait than a Monday or Friday.

Wait times vary significantly by the type of transaction. A straightforward address change or license renewal typically takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter. A Real ID upgrade, written test, or driving test can take 45 minutes to over an hour, even if you have an appointment.

Making an Appointment Online

You can reserve an appointment through the California DMV website for specific services. Real ID upgrades, written tests, and driving tests can be scheduled in advance. Most other transactions — like address changes, license renewals by mail, and registration services — do not have appointment slots and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

To book an appointment, visit the DMV's online appointment system, select the Long Beach office, choose your service type, and pick an available date and time. Appointments are typically available 1 to 4 weeks in advance. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early; if you are more than 15 minutes late, you may lose your spot and be sent to the back of the walk-in line.

Even with an appointment, you must bring all required documents. The DMV will not hold your appointment if you are missing paperwork and need to leave to retrieve it.

Documents to Bring and Common Mistakes

The documents you need depend on your transaction, but nearly every visit requires proof of identity and proof of California residency. A valid passport, Real ID driver's license, or state ID card works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address.

The most common mistake is bringing an expired or out-of-state ID as your only form of identification. The DMV will not accept it, and you will lose your place in line. If you are renewing your license, bring your current license plus one proof of residency. If you are explore for your first California license, bring your out-of-state license, Social Security card or number, and two proofs of residency.

For Real ID upgrades, you need your current license, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Bring originals, not copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies of birth certificates or passports.

Scam Alert: Fake DMV Websites and Services

Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to handle DMV transactions for you. Scammers operate fake DMV sites that look nearly identical to the real California DMV website. They collect your personal information and payment, then disappear. The real California DMV website is dmv.ca.gov — check the URL carefully before entering any information.

Some scammers also call or text claiming to be the DMV, saying your license is suspended or your registration has expired. The real DMV does not initiate contact by phone or text to demand payment. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133 to verify whether there is actually an issue with your account.

Never pay a third-party service to make a DMV appointment for you. The official DMV appointment system is free. If someone offers to "expedite" your Real ID or license for a fee, that is a scam — the DMV does not offer expedited processing through private vendors.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit During Business Hours

If you cannot visit the Long Beach office during its Monday-through-Friday schedule, you have a few alternatives. Some transactions can be completed by mail: license renewals, address changes, and registration renewals can often be handled through the mail-in process. Visit dmv.ca.gov to see which services your situation allows by mail.

You can also visit a different DMV office if another location has hours that work better for your schedule. The Los Angeles DMV office at 1650 South Hill Street is open the same hours as Long Beach, but some smaller offices in surrounding counties may have different schedules. Check the DMV website for locations and hours near you.

If you need a service that requires an in-person visit and cannot make it during regular hours, plan ahead and take time off work or school. The DMV does not offer evening or weekend service at any California location.

Real ID Appointments and Processing Time

Real ID upgrades at the Long Beach office require an appointment. Once you book your slot online, you will typically be seen within 15 to 30 minutes of your appointment time, though delays can occur if the office is backed up. The appointment itself takes 15 to 20 minutes — the staff will verify your documents, take your photo, and process your process.

After your appointment, your Real ID will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days in most cases. During busy periods or if there are issues with your process, it can take up to 3 weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter that you can use when ready while you wait for your card to arrive.

If you need your Real ID faster, the DMV does not offer expedited mail service. Your only option is to return to the office in person once your card is ready for pickup — the DMV will notify you by mail when it is available, typically within 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the DMV?

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or address changes. You can also renew online if you are between 18 and 70 years old, your license is not expired, and you do not need to update your photo. Check dmv.ca.gov to see if your situation qualifies for online renewal before making a trip to Long Beach.

What happens if I arrive without an appointment?

You will be added to the walk-in queue and served in the order you arrived. Wait times for walk-ins can range from 30 minutes to over 2 hours depending on the time of day and how busy the office is. Bring all required documents, because you will not be able to hold your place if you need to leave.

Is there a way to check wait times before I go?

The DMV website shows estimated wait times for the Long Beach office, updated throughout the day. Visit dmv.ca.gov and search for the Long Beach location to see the current estimate. These are approximations and can change quickly, but they give you a general sense of whether it is a busy time.

What if the office is closed for a holiday?

The Long Beach DMV is closed on all state holidays, including New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Plan ahead if you need service around these dates and consider visiting a few days before or after the holiday when the office reopens.

Can I bring someone with me to help with my transaction?

Yes, you can bring a family member or friend. However, only you can stand at the counter for your transaction. If you need an interpreter, you can bring one, or you can request an interpreter when you book your appointment online. The DMV provides interpreters for many languages at no cost.