How to Schedule a Sacramento DMV Appointment (Broadway vs. South Sac)

If you are planning a trip to the DMV in Sacramento, you need to know exactly where you are going. As the state capital, Sacramento has multiple offices, and choosing the wrong one can cost you hours.

• Sacramento (Broadway): Central, but has a tiny parking lot and long lines.
• Sacramento South (La Mancha Way): Larger, better parking, often faster.
• Carmichael: A good alternative for the suburbs.

This guide will show you how to skip the line using the “Get in Line” feature, where to find the secret “DMV Now” kiosks in local Safeways, and how to book an appointment at the correct office.

Broadway vs. South Sacramento DMV: Locations, Hours, Parking, and

Don’t just Google “DMV.” Choose the office that fits your needs.

Option A: Sacramento Field Office (Broadway)

• Address: 4700 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820
• Best For: Downtown residents.
• Warning: The parking lot is notoriously small and crowded. Arrive early or park on the street.

Option B: South Sacramento Field Office

• Address: 7775 La Mancha Way, Sacramento, CA 95823
• Best For: Drive tests and easier parking.
• Bonus: This office has a self-service kiosk on-site.

Option C: West Sacramento (Commercial Only)

• Address: 2528 Evergreen Ave, West Sacramento, CA 95691
• Note: This is primarily for Commercial (CDL) testing. Do not go here for a regular car license renewal.

Standard Hours for All Offices:

• Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Opens Late!)
• Sat/Sun: Closed

How to Book the Right Sacramento DMV Appointment (And Avoid the Wrong Office)

You have two ways to visit: Booking ahead or joining the “Same-Day” digital line.

Method 1: Future Appointment (Recommended)

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the CA DMV Appointment Scheduler.
2. Select Service: Choose “Driver License/ID” or “Vehicle Registration.”
3. Choose Location: Select either “Sacramento” (Broadway) or “Sacramento South.”
4. No Login Needed: You do not need to create an account. Just enter your name and phone number.
5. Confirm: You will receive a confirmation code. Save this to show security at the door.

Method 2: The “Get in Line” Feature (Same-Day) If you need to go today:

1. Visit the Sacramento Field Office page between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
2. Look for the “Get in Line” button.
3. How it Works: You virtually “take a number” from home. The system texts you when it’s your turn to drive to the office.
4. Note: If the office is at capacity, this feature will be turned off.

Real ID in Sacramento: The Online Upload Trick That Cuts Your Wait Time in Half

If you are getting a Real ID (Gold Bear/Star), do not just walk in with your documents. You can cut your wait time in half.

1. Start Online: Go to the Real ID Application page.
2. Upload Documents: Upload photos of your Passport/Birth Certificate and Two Proofs of Residency (SMUD bill, lease, etc.).
3. Get a Confirmation Code: Bring this code to the office.
4. Skip the Line: When you arrive, look for the “Express Experience” or “Start Here” window. Because your data is already typed in, you skip the data-entry station.

Reminder: Real ID is for domestic flights (TSA). It is not a substitute for a passport for international travel.

Skip the DMV Entirely: Sacramento AAA Offices & 24/7 “DMV Now” Kiosk Locations

For vehicle registration, you rarely need to visit the DMV office. Sacramento has excellent alternatives.

1. AAA Branches (Members Only): You can walk into these AAA branches for instant registration stickers and title transfers (no appointment needed).

• Natomas: 2701 Del Paso Rd
• Greenhaven: 1056 Florin Road
• Arden: 2003 Arden Way

2. “DMV Now” Kiosks (Open Late/24hrs): These yellow machines print your registration sticker instantly. You just need your renewal notice barcode or license plate number.

• Safeway (19th St): 1814 19th St (Open 24 Hours)
• Safeway (Arden): 3320 Arden Way
• Safeway (Elkhorn): 5345 Elkhorn Blvd
• Foods Co: 7421 W Stockton Blvd

Frequently Asked Questions