Best time to visit DMV (2024)

FAQs

Best time to visit DMV? ›

Go When The Time is Right

Alternatively, the best times to go to the DMV are during the week, mid to late afternoon, when most people are working. Going in the middle of the month can also save you some time, as many drivers flood the DMV at the beginning and end of the month to get their license renewed.

Go When The Time is Right

Alternatively, the best times to go to the DMV are during the week, mid to late afternoon, when most people are working. Going in the middle of the month can also save you some time, as many drivers flood the DMV at the beginning and end of the month to get their license renewed.

Walk-ins are only allowed for first time licenses/IDs/permits, name changes, and red decals at Licensing Centers. Other MVC transactions that can't be completed online require an appointment that customers need to schedule at NJMVC.gov. Appointments at Licensing and Vehicle Centers must be scheduled at NJMVC.gov.

If possible, it's best to go to the DMV in California during the week rather than over the weekend. The reason for this is that most people try to go on the weekend when they are off work, making it very crowded and busy. If possible, try to schedule your appointment for the middle of the month.

Most DMV services can be completed without an appointment. If you must visit a DMV office, select your service below.

DMV offices often have to deal with high footfall from residents who are driving or looking to drive. This high demand, combined with staff limitations and the meticulous nature of the tasks at hand, can lead to long lines and wait times.

Most licenses expire by the end of the month, which means many people will be pouring into the DMV during the early and late parts of the month. Mid-month should be the ideal time to schedule your visit. You can also expect your visit to be less stressful on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.

Since launching Skip-the-Line on Sept. 1, the Secretary of State's office has opened two walk-in centers for seniors, located in Bridgeview and Evanston. These centers prioritize seniors without impacting customers at DMVs who have made appointments.

Every driver license office has also added walk-in capacity and now serves only walk-ins on weekday afternoons. You can even view current estimated walk-in wait times online.

What do I need to bring to my NJ DMV appointment? ›

You will need to provide • proof of identity (“6 points of ID”). Check here for details. proof of New Jersey address; and • a Social Security number or ITIN, if you have one. o Individuals who do not have either a Social Security number or ITIN will be able to provide an affidavit to meet this requirement.

Appointments are required for: First-time license/permit (REAL ID or standard).

It's ideal to visit the DMV during slower periods of the day, such as: As soon as the DMV opens in the morning. The middle of the week, Tuesday to Thursday. In the middle of the month.

All DMV offices are open to the public without an appointment.

The shortest waits can be found in Alturas, near the Modoc National Forest in Northern California. With or without an appointment, most people waited only two minutes to be served.

Plan to visit the DPS office before a rush period happens: Before lunchtime or, better yet, as soon as the office opens. During the middle of the week (Tuesday-Thursday) During the middle of the month.