Most California DMV offices are open on Saturday, but hours vary by location

The California Department of Motor Vehicles does operate on Saturdays at many locations, but not all offices keep the same schedule. Some DMV field offices open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and close at 5 p.m., while others open later or close earlier. A handful of smaller or rural offices do not open on Saturday at all. You need to check the specific hours for your local office before you go, because the statewide schedule does not exist — each location sets its own Saturday hours.

The easiest way to find your office's Saturday hours is to visit the California DMV website, enter your city or ZIP code, and look at the hours listed for that location. You can also call the office directly. Saturday is typically busier than weekday visits, so arriving early — ideally before 9 a.m. — usually means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • Saturday hours at California DMV offices range from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some offices close earlier or do not open on Saturday.
  • You must check your specific local office's hours on the DMV website or by phone, because there is no single statewide Saturday schedule.
  • Saturday is one of the busiest days at most DMV locations, so arriving before 9 a.m. typically results in shorter wait times.
  • Some DMV services, such as certain commercial license transactions, may not be available on Saturday even if the office is open.

How to find your local office's Saturday hours

Go to dmv.ca.gov and use the "Find a Field Office" tool. Enter your city, ZIP code, or county. The search results will show you the full weekly schedule, including Saturday hours. If the office is open on Saturday, the hours will appear next to that day. If it is closed, Saturday will show "Closed."

You can also call your local DMV office directly. The phone number appears in the same search result. Staff can tell you not only the Saturday hours but also current wait times and whether you need an appointment for your specific transaction. Some offices now require appointments even on Saturday, so calling ahead can save you a trip.

Saturday wait times and what affects them

Saturday is consistently one of the two busiest days at California DMV offices, along with the first business day of the month. Wait times on Saturday often range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the office and the time of day. Offices in urban areas and near major highways typically see longer waits than those in smaller towns.

Arriving before 9 a.m. on Saturday usually cuts your wait time in half compared to mid-morning or afternoon visits. If you cannot go early, consider going on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday instead — those days are typically much quieter. Some offices now use an online appointment system that lets you reserve a time slot, which bypasses the general wait line entirely.

Services that may not be available on Saturday

Most routine transactions — renewing your license, changing your address, replacing a lost license, and paying registration fees — are available on Saturday at offices that are open. However, some services are limited or unavailable on weekends. Commercial driver's license (CDL) testing and certain commercial vehicle transactions often require a weekday appointment.

Before you go on Saturday, confirm that your specific transaction is available that day. You can do this by calling the office or checking the DMV website. If you need a service that is not offered on Saturday, you will have to return on a weekday.

Appointment versus walk-in on Saturday

California DMV offices accept both walk-ins and appointments on Saturday. If you have an appointment, you will be called at your scheduled time and typically wait much less than walk-in customers. If you do not have an appointment, you take a number and wait in line with other walk-ins.

To make a Saturday appointment, visit dmv.ca.gov, select your office, and look for available time slots. Appointment slots often fill up several weeks in advance on Saturday, so book early if you know you need to go on a weekend. If no Saturday appointments are available, you can either book a weekday appointment or go as a walk-in and expect a longer wait.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring the same documents on Saturday as you would on any other day. For a license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. For a change of address, bring your license and a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. For registration transactions, bring your vehicle registration and proof of ownership.

Bring your Social Security number or an ITIN, and be ready to provide your date of birth. If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than five years, you may need to take a written test and vision test, so allow extra time. Check the DMV website for the full list of documents required for your specific transaction before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all California DMV offices open on Saturday?

No. Most DMV field offices are open on Saturday, but some smaller or rural locations are closed. You must check your specific office's schedule on the DMV website or by phone before you go.

What time should I arrive on Saturday to avoid a long wait?

Arriving before 9 a.m. on Saturday typically results in a wait of 30 minutes or less. Mid-morning and afternoon visits often have waits of one to two hours. If possible, visiting on a weekday instead of Saturday will usually be faster.

Can I make a Saturday appointment at the DMV?

Yes. You can book a Saturday appointment through the DMV website. Saturday appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance, so book as early as you can. Walk-ins are also accepted on Saturday but will wait longer than people with appointments.

Is my driver's license renewal available on Saturday?

Yes, driver's license renewals are available on Saturday at offices that are open. Bring your current license and proof of residency. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to take a written test and vision test.

What if the service I need is not available on Saturday?

Some services, such as CDL testing and certain commercial vehicle transactions, are only available on weekdays. Call your local office or check the DMV website to confirm your specific transaction is offered on Saturday before you go.