Most California DMV offices are closed on Saturdays, but a small number of locations offer Saturday service
The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not operate a statewide Saturday schedule. The vast majority of DMV field offices are open Monday through Friday only, with hours typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, a handful of high-traffic locations in major cities do open on Saturday mornings, usually from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Whether your local office is open on Saturday depends entirely on which DMV location you need to visit. You cannot assume your nearest office has Saturday hours — you must check the specific location before you go. The DMV website lists hours for each office, and you can also call ahead to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Most California DMV offices close on weekends and are open Monday through Friday only.
- A limited number of DMV locations in larger cities offer Saturday morning hours, typically 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- You must check the hours for your specific DMV office on the official California DMV website or by phone before visiting on Saturday.
- Saturday hours can change, so confirming availability the day before or morning of your visit prevents a wasted trip.
How to learn about your DMV location opens on Saturday
Go to the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov and use the office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the results will show the full weekly schedule for each location near you. The hours listed include Saturday if that office is open that day.
If you do not see Saturday listed, that office is closed weekends. You can also call the DMV office directly — the phone number appears in the locator results. Staff can confirm Saturday hours and tell you how busy the office typically is on Saturday mornings, which helps you decide whether to go early.
Which California cities have DMV offices open on Saturday
The DMV does not publish a master list of all Saturday locations, but offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and other major metropolitan areas are more likely to have Saturday service than rural or smaller-city offices. Even within these cities, not every DMV branch opens on Saturday — only the busiest ones do.
The only reliable way to know is to search for your specific location. Do not assume that because one DMV in your city is open Saturday, all of them are. Each office sets its own schedule based on demand and staffing.
What services are available on Saturday
Saturday hours are typically shorter than weekday hours (usually 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and not all services may be available during those limited hours. Some offices may restrict Saturday service to certain transactions, such as renewals or ID replacements, while others handle the full range of DMV services.
Before you go, confirm not only that the office is open Saturday but also that it handles the specific service you need. Call the office or check the website to avoid arriving only to find that your transaction is not processed on Saturday mornings.
Alternatives if your local DMV is not open Saturday
If the DMV office nearest you does not open on Saturday, you have other options. Many DMV services can be completed online through the California DMV website, including license renewals, address changes, and vehicle registration renewals. Check whether your transaction qualifies for online service before making a trip.
You can also visit a DMV office on a weekday evening if your schedule allows — some locations stay open until 5 or 6 p.m. on certain weekdays. Another option is to visit a DMV service partner location, such as a AAA office or certain UPS stores, which may have different hours and can handle some DMV transactions. Not all services are available at partner locations, so verify what you need beforehand.
Planning ahead to avoid long Saturday waits
Saturday mornings at DMV offices that are open tend to be busier than weekday mornings because people without weekday availability all come at once. If you do visit on Saturday, arriving right when the office opens (usually 8 a.m.) gives you the shortest wait.
Many California DMV offices now use an online appointment system. Check whether your location accepts appointments and book one before you go, even for Saturday service. An appointment does not may provide no wait, but it typically reduces your time in the office compared to walk-ins.
Scam alert: Fake DMV Saturday hours
Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to list DMV hours or offer to help you schedule a visit. Some charge fees for information that is free on the official California DMV website. The only reliable source for accurate DMV hours is dmv.ca.gov or by calling the office directly.
Do not use services that claim they can "fast-track" your DMV visit or may provide shorter waits. The DMV does not partner with private companies to offer priority service, and paying a middleman will not change your place in line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an appointment for Saturday at the DMV?
Some California DMV offices that are open on Saturday do accept appointments through the online system. Check the specific office's page on dmv.ca.gov to see if appointments are available for Saturday. If the office does not list Saturday appointment slots, it either does not open Saturday or does not take appointments for that day.
Are all DMV services available on Saturday?
Not necessarily. Offices with limited Saturday hours may not offer every service. Call your local DMV or check its page on the website to confirm that your specific transaction — such as a commercial license test, smog check processing, or vehicle registration — is handled on Saturday before you visit.
What if I need to visit the DMV but cannot go on a weekday?
Try completing your transaction online through dmv.ca.gov if it qualifies. If you must visit in person, check whether a DMV service partner near you (AAA, UPS Store, etc.) can handle your need. If not, consider taking time off work or school for a weekday visit, as Saturday hours are limited and waits can be long.
How do I know if my nearest DMV is actually open on Saturday?
Use the office locator on dmv.ca.gov and look at the full weekly schedule for your location. If Saturday is not listed, that office is closed. You can also call the office directly — the phone number is in the locator results. Do not rely on Google Maps or other third-party sites, as their hours information is sometimes outdated.