Bishop, CA DMV Reduces Hours to Two Days a Week

Bishop, CA — Starting in mid‑2024, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) implemented a revised schedule at the Bishop field office that significantly reduces the in‑office service days available to the public.

New Service Schedule

Under the DMV’s modified hours plan announced in June 2024, the Bishop office at 1115 West Line Street continues to provide essential services such as driver’s license processing, vehicle registration, and testing — but on a reduced public schedule. The office is open to the public primarily on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with other weekdays closed for in‑office visits. On the days the DMV is closed to the public, staff focus on processing transactions started online or through other service channels.

This change means that many routine DMV transactions now require planning ahead, as the fewer in‑person hours can make it harder for residents with work or school commitments to visit during available times.

Why the Reduction?

The DMV says the change is part of a broader effort to better serve customers statewide while increasing operational efficiency. According to the department’s public announcement, data on transaction volumes, staffing levels, and customer patterns were used to determine which offices could move to a reduced schedule without compromising essential services. The agency also encourages Californians to complete most DMV tasks online — reminders, renewals, filings, and many other transactions don’t require an office visit at all.

Indeed, the DMV now offers a wide range of online services to reduce the need for in‑person visits, including vehicle registration renewals, driver’s license renewals, address changes, and more.

Impact on the Community

Local residents have expressed concern about the reduced hours. A community post noted frustration over the new schedule, pointing out longer wait times and fewer opportunities for appointments, particularly for people who find it difficult to visit on limited days.

For rural areas like Bishop, which already have fewer public services than larger cities, reduced DMV hours can pose challenges for residents who must travel long distances for in‑office business. Many customers also rely on services that can’t be completed online — such as road tests, license photos, and certain documentation — meaning they must coordinate trips around the limited schedule.

Tips for Residents

• Plan ahead: Because walk‑in service days are fewer, consider scheduling or arriving early on open days.

• Use online tools: The DMV encourages using its website’s online services or kiosks for renewal and many other tasks.

• Check appointments: Some services may still require appointments, especially for photo IDs or REAL ID updates.

Looking Ahead

The DMV maintains that while most customers can now complete a majority of transactions digitally, field offices will continue to offer in‑person service where needed — albeit on a more limited schedule. Whether this model expands or shifts again will depend on service demand and statewide DMV policy decisions.