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

Yes, the California DMV is open on Saturdays at most locations. However, not every office keeps the same Saturday schedule, and some smaller field offices may be closed. The state DMV website lists each office's specific hours, which you should check before you go — showing up to a closed office wastes a trip.

Saturday is one of the busiest days at DMV offices statewide. If you have a choice between Saturday and a weekday, a weekday visit typically means shorter wait times. But if Saturday is your only option, arriving early — ideally within the first hour the office opens — gives you the best chance of being seen before the afternoon rush.

Key Takeaways

  • Most California DMV offices open on Saturday, but hours differ by location and you must check your specific office before going.
  • Saturday is the busiest day of the week at DMV offices, so expect longer waits than you would on a weekday.
  • You can find your local office's Saturday hours on the official DMV website by entering your city or ZIP code.
  • Arriving within the first hour of opening on Saturday gives you a better chance of shorter wait times than mid-morning or afternoon.

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 name or ZIP code, and the results will show you the full weekly schedule for each nearby office. The page displays Saturday hours clearly — if an office is closed on Saturday, it will say so.

Some offices have different Saturday hours than others. A large urban office might open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., while a smaller branch might open at 9 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. A few rural or specialized offices may not be open Saturdays at all. The website is the only reliable source for this information, because phone lines are often busy and staff cannot always answer questions quickly.

Bookmark or screenshot the hours for your office. This saves time if you need to reschedule or if you have questions about when to return.

What Saturday wait times are really like

Saturday is consistently the longest-wait day at California DMV offices. Many people can only visit on weekends, so offices see their highest volume between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Wait times of 60 to 90 minutes are common at popular locations, and during peak season (spring and summer) waits can stretch to two hours or more.

The DMV website shows estimated wait times for many offices. You can check these before you leave home — some offices display live wait times that update every 15 minutes. If your office shows a wait of more than an hour, you might consider coming back on a weekday, or arriving earlier the next Saturday.

Bring something to do. Bring your phone, a book, or a tablet. The wait is real, and the DMV does not have entertainment or comfortable seating at most locations.

When you need a ticket number and what to bring

When you arrive at a California DMV office on Saturday, you will take a ticket from a machine near the entrance. The ticket shows your number and which service window to watch for. Do not leave the office while you wait — if your number is called and you are not there, you lose your place and must take a new ticket.

Bring all documents required for your transaction. If you are renewing your license, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you are changing your address, bring your ID and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The DMV website lists what you need for each service — check before Saturday so you do not make a wasted trip.

Bring a pen. You will fill out forms by hand, and pens are not always available at the office.

Scam alert: Fake DMV appointment sites

Do not use third-party websites that claim to book DMV appointments or reduce your wait time. These sites charge fees (often $20 to $50) for services that are free on the official DMV website. Some sites collect your personal information and sell it. The only real DMV appointment system is on dmv.ca.gov, and it is free.

If you see an ad on social media or Google promising "skip the line" or "may provide Saturday appointment," it is a scam. The California DMV does not partner with private companies to sell faster service. Report these sites to the California Attorney General's office if you see them.

Alternatives to Saturday visits

If Saturday wait times concern you, consider a weekday morning instead. Most offices are quietest on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. If you cannot take time off work, some DMV offices stay open until 6 p.m. on certain weekdays — check your local office's full schedule.

You can also handle some transactions online or by mail. Address changes, license renewals, and vehicle registration renewals can often be done through the DMV website without visiting an office. Check what your specific transaction allows before you plan a Saturday trip.

What to do if your office is closed on Saturday

If your nearest office does not open on Saturday, look for a larger DMV office in a nearby city that does. The DMV website shows all offices in your region and their hours. Some people drive 20 or 30 minutes to a busier office that has Saturday hours, because it is faster than waiting for a weekday appointment at a smaller branch.

You can also call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask which nearby offices are open on Saturday and what their current wait times are. This line is often busy, but it is the official source for information about office hours and closures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all California DMV offices open on Saturday?

No. Most offices are open on Saturday, but some smaller field offices and specialized locations are closed. You must check the DMV website for your specific office's hours — do not assume your nearest office is open on Saturday.

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

Arrive within the first hour the office opens. If your office opens at 8 a.m., aim to be there by 9 a.m. Waits grow significantly after mid-morning. If you cannot arrive early, a weekday visit will almost always be faster.

Can I book a Saturday appointment online?

Some California DMV offices allow you to reserve a time slot through dmv.ca.gov, which can reduce your wait. Not all offices offer this, and Saturday slots often fill up quickly. Check your office's page on the DMV website to see if appointments are available.

What if I go to the DMV on Saturday and forgot a document?

You will not be able to complete your transaction. You will lose your ticket and have to return another day with all required documents. Check the DMV website before you go to confirm what you need for your specific service.

Is there a way to skip the Saturday wait at the DMV?

No legitimate way exists to skip the line. Private websites that claim to offer this are scams. Your only options are to arrive very early, visit on a weekday, or handle your transaction online or by mail if your service allows it.