What Time Does the California DMV Close?
Most California DMV offices close at 5 PM Monday through Friday (9 AM open on Wednesdays). Weekends closed. Here’s the complete 2026 hours guide.
TL;DR
- Standard hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8 AM – 5 PM; Wednesday 9 AM – 5 PM (opens late).
- Weekends: Closed Saturday and Sunday at most offices.
- Saturday pilot: Limited offices offer Saturday appointments — check dmv.ca.gov. Not standard.
- 2026 holidays: Closed 10 days including Jan 1, May 25, Nov 26–27, Dec 25.
- Best time: Tue–Thu, mid-month, at 8 AM opening. Avoid Mon/Fri and lunch hours.
Last verified against dmv.ca.gov: October 2026
California DMV Hours (2026)
| Day | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Busiest day |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Good day to visit |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Opens 1 hour late |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Good day to visit |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Busy — avoid if possible |
| Saturday | Closed | Limited pilot only |
| Sunday | Closed | All offices closed |
Is the DMV Open on Saturdays?
Most California DMV offices are closed on Saturdays.
A limited Saturday pilot exists at select offices — typically one Saturday/month, appointment-only.
2026 Holiday Closures
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 1 | New Year’s Day |
| Mon, Jan 19 | MLK Jr. Day |
| Mon, Feb 16 | Presidents’ Day |
| Tue, Mar 31 | Farmworkers Day |
| Mon, May 25 | Memorial Day |
| Mon, Sep 7 | Labor Day |
| Wed, Nov 11 | Veterans Day |
| Thu, Nov 26 | Thanksgiving |
| Fri, Nov 27 | Day after Thanksgiving |
| Fri, Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
2026 nuances: July 4 (Sat) — no closure, open Fri Jul 3. Juneteenth (Jun 19) — OPEN. Columbus Day (Oct 12) — OPEN.
Planning a visit around a holiday? See the complete guide: California DMV Holidays 2026–2027 — every closure date, the surprise days offices stay open, and what still works on a holiday.
Best & Worst Times
- Best: Tue–Thu, mid-month, at 8 AM opening
- Worst: Mon/Fri, first/last of month, 12–2 PM lunch, around holidays
- Tip: Book an appointment online to skip the line
DMV Kiosk Hours: Open Weekends & Late Nights
Can’t make it during office hours? California has 289 DMV Now kiosks statewide — many in grocery stores with extended hours.
Grocery/retail kiosks follow store hours, not DMV hours:
- Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons: Typically Mon–Sun, 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (some to 1–2 AM)
- Safeway: Typically Mon–Sun, 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Superior Grocers, Food 4 Less: Varies by location
Field office kiosks follow regular office hours (Mon–Fri 8–5, Wed 9–5).
Kiosks handle: vehicle registration renewal, driver/vehicle records, planned non-operation filings. Learn more about DMV kiosks →
DMV Phone Hours: When Can You Call?
1-800-777-0133
| Day | Live Reps | Automated |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Tue | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT | 24/7 |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT | 24/7 |
| Thu–Fri | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT | 24/7 |
| Sat–Sun | Closed | 24/7 |
Tips: Friday is least busy, Monday is worst. Average hold ~47 minutes. Press 2 then 4 to reach a human. Callback available if hold exceeds 30 minutes.
Drive Test Center Hours (Different!)
Commercial drive test centers run early shifts:
- Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sat–Sun: Closed
These are for CDL/commercial testing (e.g., Sacramento-Florin, West Sacramento) — not regular offices.
Appointment vs Walk-In Hours
Appointments get priority. Book online to skip the walk-in line.
- Knowledge tests not offered after 4:30 PM — arrive early
- Upload documents online before your visit to save time
- Many services available 24/7 online or at kiosks — no office visit needed
Does the DMV Close for Lunch?
No. California DMV offices do not close for lunch. However, staffing drops between 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, so waits are longer. The worst window is 11 AM – 1 PM.
After-Hours Options
Need DMV services outside office hours?
- Online: dmv.ca.gov — available 24/7 for renewals, appointments, records
- Kiosks: Grocery store locations open late and weekends
- Mail: Many forms accepted by mail
- AAA branches: Select AAA offices offer DMV services (members only)
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the California DMV close?
5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
What time does the DMV open?
8:00 AM Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri. 9:00 AM Wednesdays.
Is the DMV open on Saturdays?
Most offices closed. Limited pilot at select offices — check dmv.ca.gov.
Is the DMV open on Sundays?
No. All offices closed Sundays.
Why late opening on Wednesdays?
Staff training and administrative processing.
Is the DMV open on holidays?
Closed 10 state holidays in 2026. Open on Juneteenth and Columbus Day.
Best day to visit?
Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, mid-month, at opening.
Can I walk in?
Yes, but appointments get priority. Expect longer waits.
When do knowledge tests stop?
4:30 PM. Arrive early if you need testing.
How to find my office hours?
Use the DMV office locator.
Related Guides
Find Your DMV Office
Check hours for your specific office and book an appointment to skip the line.
Find Your Office →Last verified against bar.ca.gov and dmv.ca.gov: October 15, 2026. Requirements change — confirm current rules with BAR or the DMV before your visit.