Most Los Angeles DMV offices are closed on Saturdays

The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not operate Saturday hours at its Los Angeles County field offices. All DMV locations in Los Angeles County are open Monday through Friday only, typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.

If you need DMV services and cannot visit during the week, you have a few options: you can visit on a Friday, use the DMV's online services for transactions that don't require an in-person visit, or travel to a DMV office outside Los Angeles County if one near you happens to have different hours.

The DMV does not publish a statewide Saturday schedule, and no California DMV field offices currently offer Saturday service. This applies to all Los Angeles County locations, including the downtown Los Angeles office, the Van Nuys office, and regional branches.

Key Takeaways

  • All DMV offices in Los Angeles County close on Saturdays and are open Monday through Friday only.
  • Standard weekday hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some offices have a lunch closure from noon to 1 p.m.
  • You can complete many DMV transactions online without visiting an office, including license renewals and address changes.
  • If you must visit in person, Friday is your last weekday option, and arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.

Which transactions you can handle online instead

The DMV's online portal lets you renew your driver's license or identification card without visiting an office, as long as your current license is not expired and you meet other requirements. You can also change your address online through the same system, which is often faster than visiting a field office.

Vehicle registration renewals, duplicate license requests, and name changes can also be completed online or by mail, depending on your situation. Before you plan a weekday trip, check the DMV website to see whether your specific transaction is available online — this can save you a trip entirely.

Friday visits and wait time patterns in Los Angeles

Fridays are typically the busiest day at Los Angeles DMV offices because they are the final note for people who cannot visit during the week. If you do visit on Friday, arriving when the office opens at 8 a.m. will usually get you through faster than visiting mid-morning or afternoon.

Wait times at Los Angeles DMV offices vary by location and time of day. The downtown Los Angeles office and the Van Nuys location tend to have longer waits than smaller regional branches. The DMV's website shows current wait times for each office, updated throughout the day, so you can check before you go.

Getting an appointment instead of waiting in line

You can schedule a DMV appointment online through the California DMV website. Appointments are free and can significantly reduce your wait time, though appointment availability varies by location and how far in advance you book.

Some appointments fill up weeks ahead, especially at popular Los Angeles locations. If you cannot find an appointment at your preferred office, you can either book at a less busy location or check back daily for cancellations, which the DMV releases regularly.

DMV offices in Los Angeles County that are open weekdays

Los Angeles County has multiple DMV field offices spread across the region. The main downtown Los Angeles office is located at 2415 North Separate Road, and the Van Nuys office serves the San Fernando Valley. Additional offices operate in Long Beach, Torrance, Santa Clarita, and other areas throughout the county.

Each office keeps the same Monday-through-Friday schedule, though some may have slightly different opening or closing times. You can find the exact address, phone number, and hours for any Los Angeles County office on the DMV website by entering your zip code.

What to bring when you visit on a weekday

Bring your current driver's license or identification card, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents specific to your transaction. If you are renewing your license, you may need proof of your Social Security number and citizenship or legal residency status.

Having the right documents ready before you arrive speeds up your visit. The DMV website lists required documents for each type of transaction, so check before you go to avoid making a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to a DMV office outside Los Angeles County on Saturday?

No DMV field offices in California are open on Saturdays. All California DMV locations operate Monday through Friday only. If you live in Los Angeles County, you will need to visit a weekday office in your county or use online services.

What if I cannot take time off work during the week?

Many DMV transactions are available online, including license renewals and address changes. For in-person services, you can book an appointment to reduce wait time, or visit early on a Friday morning before the office gets busy. Some employers allow time off for DMV visits — it may be worth asking.

Do any Los Angeles DMV offices have extended weekday hours?

No Los Angeles County DMV offices stay open past 5 p.m. on weekdays. All offices close by 5 p.m., and some close earlier. Check the specific office's hours on the DMV website, as times vary slightly by location.

How far in advance should I book an appointment?

Appointment availability depends on the office and how busy it is. Popular Los Angeles locations may have appointments available only weeks ahead, while smaller offices may have openings sooner. Check the DMV website to see what is available at your preferred location.

Is there a way to renew my license without visiting an office at all?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements, you can renew online through the DMV website. You will need your current license number and a valid payment method. Not all license types are may be able to access for online renewal, so check the DMV website first.