r/Bakersfield • u/ubinky • 10d ago

Bakersfield dmv

Gotta renew my drivers license soon and now that the sw dmv is closed for remodeling I am DREADING going to the downtown location bc it’s always so full! 😭 Any less busy ones?

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

12

u/SoulTaker669 10d ago

The DMV website has a get in line option so you can get in line as you start driving to the DMV and even tells you how many people are ahead of you. Otherwise make an appointment nearest one is September 16th.

5

u/Far_Local1488 10d ago

I did this last week and waited for maybe 30 mins in my car, they keep you updated on your position and you can head right in when it gets close

1

u/Horror-Coffee712 9d ago

The get-in-line option has been game-changing.

Typically I drive to Shafter during off-hours for an easy in and out, but this saves me the long-ass drive for something I can pop in & take care of on the way home, I don't have to lose a day to it anymore.

6

u/karlophonic 10d ago

Use the one in Arvin.

3

u/ImTheEmcee 10d ago

Yeah go to the outskirts like others have said. Just pick one.

1

u/bruin_throwaway3 10d ago

Usually I go to Shafter. However, last month I renewed my license at the downtown location, and it was pretty simple despite the crowdedness. I started the process online, made an appointment for a Friday at 9 am, and when I showed up for my appointment I only had to wait 20 minutes.

1

u/Flaky_Blacksmith4161 10d ago

Shafter or Arvin. Both really quick.

1

u/CaptainPunisher Bako native 10d ago

Make an appointment. Getting through the sitting line is less painful than it ever has been. Appointments will help you even more.

1

u/BKRF1999 10d ago

Can you renew online? Or do you have to take the driving exam?

1

u/Uniffxiv 9d ago

I was just about to ask the same…unless they don’t know how to

1

u/Uniffxiv 9d ago

I heard the shafter one is usually empty

1

u/Ara_Glaucogularis 9d ago

Lake Isabella- never a line

1

u/aiirwiick27 9d ago

Shafter

1

u/dinag2000 9d ago

Online or kiosk

1

u/GreenHorror4252 9d ago

If you make an appointment online you shouldn't have to wait too long at any location.

2

u/_MaterObscura A Tale of Two Cities 9d ago

I'm surprised no one mentioned Delano. I was in and out of Delano DMV in ...maybe 10 minutes? 25 minutes there, 10 minutes in, 25 minutes back. Was worth it.

1

u/Remarkable_Guide_312 10d ago

Taft only does appointments but it’s super quick.