If you are planning a trip to the Long Beach DMV on Willow Street, you need a strategy. This office is notorious for its tiny parking lot and long lines that wrap around the building before 8:00 AM.
However, it is also one of the best full-service offices if you know how to work the system. Unlike some smaller “processing centers,” the Long Beach field office handles everything from driving tests to complex vehicle registrations.
This guide will show you how to skip the line, where to park to avoid a fender bender, and the specific “automatic fail” mistake to avoid during your Long Beach driving test.
How to Schedule a Long Beach DMV Appointment
You have two options for visiting this office: a future appointment or the “Same-Day” digital queue.
Option A: The Future Appointment (Best for Tests & Real ID)
- Visit the Portal: Go to the California DMV Appointment Scheduler.
- Select Service: Choose “Driver License/ID” or “Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test.”
- Location: Select “Long Beach” (3700 East Willow Street).
- Timing: Appointments here often book out 3-4 weeks in advance. If you don’t see a slot, try checking San Pedroor Bellflower nearby.
Option B: The “Get in Line” Feature (For Today) If you can’t wait weeks, you can try to join the virtual queue.
- Go to the Long Beach Field Office page between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
- Look for the “Get in Line” button.
- Warning: This feature is frequently turned off at the Long Beach office due to high capacity. If it’s not visible, you must walk in (arrive by 7:30 AM).
Best Parking Near Long Beach DMV (3700 E Willow St): The Safe Local Strategy
The parking lot at 3700 E Willow St is famously small, tight, and chaotic. Accidents happen here daily.
- Avoid the Lot: Do not try to park in the main DMV lot unless you arrive at 7:00 AM.
- The “Local’s Spot”: Park around the corner on Grand Avenue (in front of the Long Beach Health Department building). It is a 2-block walk, but it saves you 20 minutes of circling and reduces the risk of someone scratching your car.
- Street Sweeping: Watch the signs on Willow Street. Street sweeping tickets are aggressively enforced in this neighborhood.
Long Beach DMV Driving Test Tips: Avoid the Automatic Fail at the Driveway Exit
The Long Beach route is considered fair, but there is one specific trap that causes immediate failures before you even hit the road.
The “Driveway Exit” Trap: When leaving the DMV lot to start your test, the driveway onto Willow Street has a steep dip and a sharp curb.
- The Mistake: Drivers turn too tight and the rear tire hits the curb.
- The Result: Hitting a curb is an automatic fail.
- The Fix: Take the exit wide and slow. Treat it like a 90-degree turn.
Common Route Features:
- You will likely drive through the residential neighborhoods north of Willow. Watch for unmarked crosswalks and hidden speed limit signs (usually 25 mph).
- Watch for bike lanes on Willow St. You must merge into the bike lane (check your blind spot!) 200 feet before making a right turn.
Services List: Long Beach vs. AAA
Services at Long Beach DMV:
- Real ID Applications
- Behind-the-Wheel Driving Tests
- Vehicle Registration & Titles
- License Reinstatements
The AAA Alternative (Skip the DMV): If you are a AAA member, do not go to the DMV for registration stickers or simple title transfers.
- Location: AAA Long Beach (near the airport).
- Benefit: You can walk in and get your tags in 5 minutes.
- Note: AAA cannot do Driver’s Licenses, Real ID, or Testing.
Long Beach DMV Hours, Wait Times, and Best Times to Visit
- Address: 3700 East Willow Street, Long Beach, CA 90815
- Hours:
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Opens late!)
- Sat/Sun: Closed
Best Times to Visit:
- Tuesday or Thursday Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Usually the lightest traffic.
- Mid-Month: Avoid the 1st and the 31st of the month, as expiring tags cause huge lines.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Your License After a Long Beach DMV Test?
After passing your test at the Long Beach office:
- Temporary: You will leave with a paper interim license valid for 60 days.
- Permanent Card: It typically arrives by mail in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Status Check: If it hasn’t arrived in 45 days, call 1-800-777-0133.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. There is a yellow “DMV Now” kiosk inside. You can use this to print registration stickers instantly without waiting in the main line. You can also find kiosks at local grocery stores (like Ralphs) to avoid the office entirely.
Yes, but be prepared to wait. Walk-in wait times at Long Beach often exceed 2 hours. We highly recommend uploading your documents online first to get a “Confirmation Code,” which can sometimes fast-track you at the “Start Here” window.
The Long Beach office is strict. If you are more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may be cancelled, and you will be placed in the general walk-in line.
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