Where to book your Redlands DMV appointment

The Redlands DMV office is located at 1011 West Colton Avenue, Redlands, CA 92374. To book an appointment there, you must go through the California DMV's online appointment system at dmv.ca.gov — you cannot call the Redlands office directly or walk in without an appointment.

The online system lets you choose your specific office, the type of service you need, and your preferred date and time. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially for popular services like license renewals and behind-the-wheel tests, so booking early gives you more options.

If you do not have internet access or run into trouble booking online, you can visit the Redlands office in person and ask staff to help you schedule an appointment at a kiosk. Some community centers and libraries in the Redlands area also have computers available for public use.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your Redlands DMV appointment online at dmv.ca.gov; the office does not accept phone reservations or walk-ins without an appointment.
  • The Redlands office is at 1011 West Colton Avenue and serves customers for written tests, road tests, license renewals, and ID card services.
  • Appointments fill weeks ahead, so book as soon as you know what service you need and when you are available.
  • Bring all required documents listed on your appointment confirmation, or staff will turn you away and you will lose your time slot.
  • If the Redlands office has no openings, check nearby offices in San Bernardino or Fontana, which may have sooner dates.

What services are available at the Redlands DMV

The Redlands office handles most common DMV services: written tests for learner's permits and driver's licenses, behind-the-wheel driving tests, license renewals, ID card issuance, and address changes. It does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or certain specialized services, which are only available at larger regional offices.

When you book your appointment, the system asks you to select your service type. Choose carefully, because if you show up for the wrong service, staff will not be able to help you that day. If you are unsure which service you need, read the descriptions on dmv.ca.gov or call the DMV's customer service line at 1-800-777-0133 before booking.

Documents you need to bring

Your appointment confirmation email or letter will list the specific documents required for your service. For a written test, you typically need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. For a road test, you need your learner's permit, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a vehicle that passes safety inspection.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually are not accepted. If you arrive without the required documents, the DMV will cancel your appointment and you will not get a refund or automatic reschedule. Check your confirmation email the day before your appointment to confirm what you need.

How far in advance to book

Book your appointment as soon as you know you need a DMV service. In Redlands, written test appointments often fill 4 to 8 weeks out, and behind-the-wheel tests can be booked 6 to 12 weeks in advance. License renewals and ID card services typically have shorter wait times, sometimes 2 to 4 weeks.

If the Redlands office shows no availability for your preferred date, check the San Bernardino DMV (2024 North E Street) or the Fontana DMV (16410 Valley Boulevard), which are nearby and may have sooner openings. You can book at any California DMV office; your service is not limited to Redlands.

What to expect on your appointment day

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents and your appointment confirmation. Check in at the front desk, take a number if directed, and wait for your name to be called. The wait time varies — some days the office runs on schedule, other days there are delays of 30 minutes or more.

For a written test, you will be seated at a computer and given 36 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. For a road test, an examiner will ride with you for about 20 minutes while you demonstrate basic driving skills. Bring your own vehicle or arrange for someone to lend you one; you cannot use a DMV vehicle.

If you pass your test, you may receive your permit or license the same day, or it may arrive by mail within two weeks. If you fail, you can book another appointment to retake the test, though you must wait at least one day before trying again.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

Log back into dmv.ca.gov with the confirmation number from your appointment email to reschedule or cancel. You can change your date and time up until the day before your appointment. If you cancel, your time slot opens up for another person to book.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you lose the slot and must book a new one. There is no penalty for missing an appointment, but you will have to wait for the next available opening, which could be weeks away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment by phone for the Redlands DMV?

No. California DMV appointments must be booked online at dmv.ca.gov. The customer service phone line (1-800-777-0133) can answer questions about what documents you need or which service to choose, but they cannot book appointments for you.

What if there are no appointments available in Redlands?

Check nearby offices in San Bernardino, Fontana, or Victorville. You can book at any DMV office in California and your service will be processed the same way. Smaller or less-busy offices sometimes have sooner openings than Redlands.

Do I have to take my road test at the Redlands DMV?

No. You can take your road test at any California DMV office. If Redlands has a long wait, book at a different location. Your learner's permit is valid statewide, so you can test anywhere.

What happens if I fail my written test?

You can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day. Book a new appointment through dmv.ca.gov. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though you will need to pay the fee each time.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to my appointment?

No. You must be present for your appointment. If you cannot make it, cancel online and reschedule for a time that works for you.