Saturday hours at Los Angeles DMV locations
Not all DMV offices in Los Angeles County open on Saturday. The California Department of Motor Vehicles publishes Saturday hours for some locations, but many close on weekends entirely. You need to check the specific office where you plan to go, because hours vary by location and change periodically.
The DMV's official website lists current Saturday hours for each Los Angeles County office. You can search by zip code or office name to see whether that location operates on Saturday and what time it opens and closes. Some offices open as early as 8 a.m. on Saturday; others do not open until 9 a.m. or later. Closing times also vary, typically between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Saturday is typically the busiest day at DMV offices that are open. Wait times are often longer than on weekdays. If you have a choice, visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday usually means shorter lines.
Key Takeaways
- Not every DMV office in Los Angeles County opens on Saturday, so you must check your specific location on the official DMV website before you go.
- Saturday hours vary by office and range from 8 a.m. opening to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. closing, and the DMV updates these hours periodically.
- Saturday is the busiest day at most DMV offices, so expect longer wait times than you would on a weekday.
- You can check current wait times and hours by searching the DMV website by zip code or office name before you visit.
How to find Saturday hours for your nearest office
Go to the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. Click on "Find a Field Office" or use the office locator tool. Enter your zip code or the city name where you want to visit. The search results will show you each office's address, phone number, and hours of operation for every day of the week, including Saturday.
If the office you find does not list Saturday hours, that location is closed on weekends. Some Los Angeles County offices operate Saturday hours only during certain months or only at specific locations. The DMV website is the only source that reflects current, accurate hours. Do not rely on older information from other websites or printed materials.
Los Angeles DMV offices that typically open Saturday
Several DMV field offices in Los Angeles County have historically operated on Saturday, though you must verify current hours on the official website. Offices in central Los Angeles, Long Beach, and other high-traffic areas are more likely to have Saturday service than smaller or outlying locations. The DMV adjusts Saturday hours based on staffing and demand, so an office that was open on Saturday last year may have different hours now.
Call the specific office directly if you cannot find Saturday hours listed online. The phone number appears in the office locator search results. Staff can confirm whether that location is open on Saturday and what time service begins and ends.
What to bring and prepare before you visit
Bring all required documents for the transaction you need to complete. The DMV website lists specific documents by service type — for example, a license renewal requires different paperwork than a vehicle registration. Gather these documents before you arrive, because you cannot complete your transaction without them, and Saturday offices are too busy to help you figure out what you need.
Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and any forms the DMV specifies for your particular service. Have your vehicle information ready if you are registering or renewing registration. If you are renewing your driver's license, bring your current license or ID card.
Wait times on Saturday and alternatives
Saturday wait times at Los Angeles DMV offices often exceed one to two hours, sometimes longer. The DMV publishes estimated current wait times on its website. Before you go on Saturday, check the wait time estimate for your chosen office. If the wait is very long, consider visiting on a different day or using an alternative service method.
The DMV offers online services for some transactions, including license renewal, vehicle registration renewal, and address changes. You can also visit a DMV-authorized third-party office, which sometimes has shorter wait times than a field office. Third-party offices handle common transactions like registration renewal and license renewal but not all services.
Planning your Saturday visit
Arrive early if you must visit on Saturday. Offices that open at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. typically have shorter waits in the first hour. Bring a form of entertainment or work you can do while waiting, because even with an early arrival, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or more.
Take a number when you arrive. The DMV uses a ticket system at most Los Angeles County offices. Your number tells you your place in line and when your turn is approaching. Do not leave the office while waiting, because your number may be called and you will lose your place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Los Angeles DMV offices open on Saturday?
No. Some offices in Los Angeles County close on weekends. You must check the specific office location on the DMV website to see whether it operates on Saturday. The office locator tool shows hours for each day of the week.
What time do Los Angeles DMV offices open on Saturday?
Saturday opening times vary by office. Some open at 8 a.m., others at 9 a.m. or later. Check your specific office on the DMV website for its exact Saturday opening time, because hours change and differ between locations.
How long is the wait on Saturday at a Los Angeles DMV office?
Wait times on Saturday are typically longer than on weekdays and often exceed one to two hours. The DMV website shows current estimated wait times for each office. Check before you visit to decide whether Saturday is your best option.
Can I do my DMV transaction online instead of visiting on Saturday?
Some transactions can be completed online through the DMV website, including certain license renewals, registration renewals, and address changes. Check the DMV website to see whether your specific transaction is available online. This may be faster than visiting an office on Saturday.
What if the Saturday office near me is closed or has a very long wait?
You can visit a different office on a weekday, use a DMV-authorized third-party office, or complete your transaction online if it is available. Third-party offices often have shorter waits and handle common services like registration and license renewal.