Where the Culver City DMV is located and what it handles
The Culver City DMV office is located at 4400 Inglewood Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230. This is a full-service California Department of Motor Vehicles branch that handles driver's license renewals, replacements, and initial issuance; vehicle registration and title work; and identification card services. It does not handle commercial driver's license testing or certain specialized commercial vehicle permits — those require a visit to a larger regional office.
Culver City sits in Los Angeles County, and this office serves residents of Culver City and surrounding areas in the South Bay region. If you live closer to another DMV branch, you may find shorter wait times there, but Culver City residents typically use this location as their primary option.
Key Takeaways
- The Culver City DMV is at 4400 Inglewood Avenue and handles standard driver's license, vehicle registration, and ID card services for Los Angeles County residents.
- Hours vary by day of the week; the office is typically closed on Sundays and Mondays, so check the current schedule before you go.
- You can reserve a time slot online through the California DMV website, which significantly reduces wait time compared to walk-in visits.
- Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction — a missing document will send you home to retrieve it.
- The office does not handle commercial driver's license testing or certain specialty permits; those require a trip to a larger regional DMV.
Current hours and how to check for changes
The Culver City DMV is typically open Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed Sunday and Monday. These hours can shift due to staffing, holidays, or local events, so the most reliable way to confirm is to visit the California DMV website, enter the Culver City branch address, and check the posted schedule.
Holiday closures and temporary hour changes are posted on the DMV website at least two weeks in advance. If you are planning a visit around a holiday or have seen social media posts about closures, verify through the official DMV site rather than relying on secondhand information.
How to reserve a time slot online
The California DMV allows you to reserve a time slot through its website at dmv.ca.gov. You select the Culver City location, choose the service you need (driver's license renewal, vehicle registration, etc.), and pick an available date and time. The system shows you how many slots remain for each time window, so you can see at a glance whether the office is heavily booked that day.
Reserving a slot does not may provide you will be seen at that exact time, but it typically reduces your wait from one to three hours down to 15 to 45 minutes. If you cannot make your reserved time, cancel it through the website so someone else can use the slot. Walk-in visits are still accepted, but you will wait longer, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.
Documents to bring for common transactions
| Transaction | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Driver's License Renewal | Current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) |
| Driver's License Replacement (lost or damaged) | Current ID or proof of identity, proof of residency, $20 replacement fee |
| New Driver's License (first-time) | Birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, completed DL 44 form |
| Vehicle Registration Renewal | Current registration card, proof of insurance, vehicle identification number (VIN), $250–$350 depending on vehicle value |
| Vehicle Title Transfer | Current title, bill of sale, proof of residency, completed REG 135 form, transfer fee ($15–$70) |
| California ID Card | Birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, completed DL 44 form |
Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days and must show your name and current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, and insurance documents all work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in California.
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for birth certificates, passports, or titles. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, bring it anyway; the staff can tell you on the spot whether it works, and you will not lose your place in line by asking.
What to expect during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk or kiosk. If you have a reservation, tell the staff your name and time slot. You will receive a number and wait for your turn. The DMV uses a digital queue system, so your number will appear on overhead screens when it is time to approach a window.
At the window, the staff member will review your documents, ask you questions about your transaction, and collect any fees. For driver's license services, you will take a new photo and may be asked to read a vision test. For vehicle registration, the staff will verify your vehicle information against DMV records. Most transactions take 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the window.
If a document is missing or incorrect, the staff will tell you what you need and send you home to retrieve it. You can then reschedule your reservation or return as a walk-in. Bring a pen to fill out any forms on the spot — the DMV provides forms, but having your own pen speeds things up.
Services not available at Culver City and where to go instead
The Culver City office does not administer commercial driver's license (CDL) tests or issue CDL permits. If you need a CDL, you must visit a larger regional DMV office. The nearest CDL-testing locations are the downtown Los Angeles DMV (2415 North Separate Road) and the Long Beach DMV (2640 North Lakewood Boulevard). Both require a separate reservation and typically have longer wait times than standard branches.
Specialty services like disabled person parking placards, organ donor registration changes, and certain commercial vehicle permits may also require a trip to a regional office. Call the Culver City DMV at (213) 922-1808 to confirm whether your specific need can be handled there before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver's license by mail instead of visiting in person?
California allows mail-in renewal only if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have not renewed by mail in the past 12 years. You can request a renewal form through the DMV website. If you do not meet these conditions, you must visit a DMV office in person.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
Proof of residency is required for most transactions. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can bring a bank statement, insurance document, or government letter dated within 60 days. If you have none of these, contact the Culver City DMV before your visit to ask what alternatives they accept.
How long does a driver's license replacement take?
You receive a temporary paper license at the window, valid for 60 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need it sooner, you can pay an extra fee for expedited mail delivery when you visit.
Is there parking at the Culver City DMV?
Yes, there is a parking lot at 4400 Inglewood Avenue. Parking is free for DMV customers. Arrive early on busy days, as the lot can fill up, especially on Thursday and Friday afternoons.
What if my vehicle registration has expired?
You can still renew it at the DMV, but you may face a late fee. The longer the registration has been expired, the higher the penalty. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your vehicle's VIN. The staff will calculate the total fee, including any late charges, at the window.