How to book your Montebello DMV appointment

The Montebello DMV office is located at 2340 Maple Avenue, Montebello, CA 90640. To book an appointment there, you use the same California DMV online system that serves all state offices — you cannot call the Montebello location directly or walk in without one. The fastest way is to visit the official California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov), select "Book an Appointment," enter your ZIP code or search for Montebello, and choose an available date and time that works for you.

The system shows you real openings at that specific office. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially for services like written tests, behind-the-wheel tests, and license renewals. If no dates appear when you search, check back the next day — the DMV releases new appointment slots regularly, and availability changes constantly.

You will need to know what service you are there for before you book. Common reasons include taking your written permit test, scheduling your behind-the-wheel driving test, renewing or replacing a license, or handling a Real ID upgrade. Each service type has its own appointment category in the booking system, and choosing the wrong one wastes your slot.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your Montebello DMV appointment through dmv.ca.gov, not by phone or in person — the office does not accept walk-ins or direct calls.
  • You must know which service you need (permit test, driving test, license renewal, Real ID) before you search for an appointment.
  • New appointment slots open regularly throughout the week, so if nothing is available today, check again tomorrow or the next day.
  • Bring all required documents on your appointment day — showing up without them means losing your slot and having to rebook.

What documents to bring to your Montebello appointment

The documents you need depend on why you are there. For a written permit test, bring your completed DL 44 form (process for California Driver License or Identification Card), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), proof of identity (a passport or birth certificate), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you.

For a behind-the-wheel driving test, bring your valid permit, proof of residency, proof of identity, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in working condition — the examiner will check the lights, brakes, and wipers before the test begins. If the car fails any safety check, your test is cancelled and you lose the appointment.

For a license renewal or Real ID upgrade, bring your current license or ID card, proof of residency, and proof of identity. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you also need proof of citizenship or legal presence — a passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card. Check the DMV website for the full list of acceptable documents before you go; bringing the wrong form of proof means a wasted trip.

Montebello DMV office hours and location details

The Montebello office is at 2340 Maple Avenue, Montebello, CA 90640. Hours vary by day and change seasonally, so check dmv.ca.gov before you leave — the website shows the current schedule for that specific office. Generally, DMV offices in California open between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and close between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., but Montebello may have different hours than other locations.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment time. The office is in a commercial area with street parking and a small lot. If you cannot find parking nearby, allow extra time — arriving late may result in your appointment being cancelled. Bring your appointment confirmation (either printed or on your phone) and all required documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged.

What to do if your appointment gets cancelled

The DMV cancels appointments for two main reasons: the office closes unexpectedly (due to weather, staffing, or system issues) or you do not show up. If the DMV cancels your appointment, you will receive a notification by email or text message, depending on how you booked. The notification will tell you how to rebook.

If you need to cancel or reschedule yourself, log back into dmv.ca.gov with the confirmation number from your booking email and select the option to change your appointment. Do this as soon as you know you cannot make it — cancelling early opens that slot for someone else and frees you to book a different time. If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you lose the slot and must book again from scratch.

Appointment wait times at Montebello

Even with an appointment, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour at the Montebello office, depending on the day and time. Mornings and early afternoons tend to be busier than late afternoons. Tuesdays through Thursdays are usually more crowded than Mondays and Fridays. If you book an appointment for 2:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, expect to wait longer than if you book 4:00 p.m. on a Friday.

The wait time also depends on what service you are there for. Written permit tests usually move faster than behind-the-wheel tests because multiple people can take the written test at the same time. License renewals and Real ID upgrades are typically quicker than tests. Bring something to read or work on — the office has limited seating and no Wi-Fi.

Real ID requirements if you are upgrading at Montebello

California Real ID licenses are required to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings as of May 2025. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID compliant. You can upgrade to a Real ID license at your Montebello appointment if you book the correct service type when you search for your slot.

To get a Real ID license, you need proof of citizenship or legal presence. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card (green card), or employment authorization document (EAD). You also need proof of residency and proof of identity, just as you would for a regular renewal. The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and is valid for the same length of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person who needs the service must book their own appointment using their own information. If you are a parent booking for a minor, you can complete the booking, but the minor must be present at the appointment with a valid ID or birth certificate.

What if I do not have a confirmation email after booking?

Check your spam or junk folder — confirmation emails sometimes end up there. If you still cannot find it, log back into dmv.ca.gov and search for your appointment using your driver's license number or identification number. You can also print or screenshot your confirmation from the website when ready after booking.

Can I change my appointment to a different DMV office?

Yes. Cancel your Montebello appointment through dmv.ca.gov and book a new one at a different office. This frees up your Montebello slot for someone else and lets you search for availability at another location that may have earlier dates.

What happens if I fail my driving test at Montebello?

You can rebook another test through the DMV website. There is no waiting period between attempts in California, but you must book a new appointment — you cannot take the test again the same day. Most people rebook within a week or two after studying the areas where they struggled.

Is there parking at the Montebello DMV office?

There is limited parking in a small lot and street parking on Maple Avenue and nearby streets. Arrive early to find a spot. If the lot is full, street parking is available but may require walking a few blocks to the office.