I HATE going to the DMV, and Culver City is the absolute freaking worst. Most the staff is rude and hateful for absolutely no reason. I went to get my drivers license changed to real ID. 7am, we are second in line and waited an HOUR, but everyone behind me was at a window before I could even scan the code that I didn't know I needed to scan. So it doesn't matter what time you arrive, only how quick you are able to scan and get all the BS typed into your phone. If you are a bit older, or bad at tech...too bad. The younger lady at the door helping people was nice, so I had high hopes for the day. That didn't last long. I get called to the window. I say good morning sweetly. I try to explain to the woman that I wanted to upload my documents the night before, and tried to on different browsers, but their website wasn't working. She was immediately abrasive and wanted to know why I was at her window without filling out a specific form. I again explain it's because the website wouldn't let me. She acted like how dare I have the audacity to stand in her presence without it. She tells me to go to the computers across the room and fill it out. I say ok and start to leave. She doesn't even attempt to say anything else until I am 2 steps away, where she literally YELLS at me "YOU STILL AREN'T LISTENING TO ME!!" Loud enough for everyone (including my kid who was at a window next to me) to hear. She starts telling me how she will curb my number and I can come back to her window. I was having back pain at that point, and she literally made me cry out of embarrassment and pain. The employee at the computers also wasn't very nice and offered no assistance as I stood at the computer crying and trying to figure it out. When I go back and start to approach her window, she gets up and leaves without a word, and doesn't return for several minutes. I ask my kid to go scan my phone and get a new number because I have no idea if she is coming back, and I can't deal with her any more. There was another issue at the next window (my fault, I bring a thousand documents but forgot my marriage license) But also dumb because its the same name on my driver's license, I needed my marriage license to get a driver's license, but they don't trust their own documents I guess. Long story longer, husband brings marriage license. I get in line again. This time I get the kindest, sweetest elderly woman. She was so patient and so kind, and I know she wants to give up, but works through every issue. Problem 1: My DL doesn't expire for a month. No where on their site does it say you have to wait for expiration to change it over to real ID license. 2: I paid online and took a refresher course the night before to get the real id. But none of it is attached to my account. She had to jump through hoops to find this information so I didn't have to pay again, and take a test the test again. Even though I had a printout of payment, she needed a confirmation number, that I luckily found after she asked me to check my saved messages. She was an absolute angel and saved the day. Even after I left the window she was calling out and directing me while I waited in line for a picture. We were there at opening Tuesday morning and got very lucky that day. Even though I had to go to the window 3 different times (and wait for my husband to bring me a document at one point) each time was only a few minutes wait. read more

Came here with my elderly mother who needed to replace her lost license and take a new pic for the new license. I did the heavy lifting by coming here ahead of time and logging in the system via the QR code-which enable me to get her in the line or queue and keep her away from the masses of humanity untill it was her time in line! Lol Anyone should know that without an appointment going in, you're looking at 2 hours easy-which isn't too bad, provided your patient or have something else going on in the meantime. The team that assisted us from the security guard at the front entrance to the customer service agent at the initial window to team who handled the pictures were all really professional. All in all a good experience. read more

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The triage desk person deserves an Emmy, a raise, and a federal holiday. I don't know what kind of witchcraft, sorcery, or divine intervention is happening at the Culver City DMV, but I was in and out in 30 minutes. Thirty. Minutes. I've waited longer for coffee at Starbucks. I came mentally prepared for battle -- snacks, water, a survival plan -- and somehow walked out like I'd just visited an efficiency-themed spa. At the front desk was this colorful, larger-than-life DMV gatekeeper, triaging people like an air traffic controller on espresso. This person deserves a statue. They were moving folks through the line with the precision of a symphony conductor and the sass of a stand-up comic. I've seen less organization at hospital ERs. No chaos. No drama. Just efficiency with flair. The check-in line looked intimidating, but it flowed like a well-oiled bureaucracy machine. Staff were friendly (yes, friendly -- I had to double-check I was still at the DMV), and everyone seemed to actually know what they were doing. It's like they took all the bad DMV energy from the rest of California and converted it into pure competence. The Culver City DMV runs smoother than most Hollywood productions. I didn't lose three hours or my will to live -- 10/10 experience. DMVs in California have been around since 1915, but this one feels like it was built last week and staffed by people who actually care. It's clean, organized, and -- dare I say -- pleasant. I never thought I'd use "pleasant" and "DMV" in the same sentence without being investigated. The Culver City DMV is a rare government miracle -- fast, friendly, and efficient. The triage maestro at the front deserves sainthood, and the whole team should teach a masterclass in public service. I walked in expecting despair and left with a renewed license and renewed faith in humanity. read more

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At the end of the day I was very pleased with the outcome. I tried to do as much online as I could but the website I would rate as 3 stars to be honest. In my case I needed a CA driving license (my last CA license had expired in 2009, my last US license (TX) had expired in 2020 and since then I had been driving on my British DL) and so I assumed that I would have have to pass the written test. Even though the website says that you can do it online - at least in my case no luck! I tried repeatedly but it never permitted me to do so. And would say - next step go to the right DMV! So I did. In the meantime I did on line "tests" to learn all the rules (again). I arrived at DMV and I did not have an appointment (the website would not allow me to). That's where the problems started - where to line up, where to ask questions. Some staff just said blithely - scan the QR card and walked away. There are MANY QR codes so not helpful at all! So why then 5 star rating? Because of two staff in particular first the beautiful, kind lady who showed me the right QR code and assisted me in that process (I do QR codes all the time but this?!) and then I sat and waited for over an hour and a half. Then I was called up and another beautiful, kind, patient lady got me through that process. She could have not been helpful - for instance I had to give the San Diego address from my CA license that expired in 2009. I had no clue - but she helped me solve that problem and more!! Thump print, quick sight test - then off for photo and written test which I passed My tip - just be really nice, respectful and kind to the staff - of course some of them hate their jobs - put yourself in their place and you too will get your license!! One more tip - please obey the rules that you just learned!!!! read more

Culver City DMV - Lots of people waiting! - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I'll admit, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the process was at this DMV. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted kindly, and everything moved along smoother than I expected. read more

I love my DMV office and the people who work there! Yes, I do. Today, I arrived at 7:55a and got on a small line of people waiting in the queue.. by 8a, I was in and walked to a kiosk that allows for registration renewal. Literally done in 5 minutes with the assistance of an extraordinary and lovely security guard! So, if anyone wants to renew their registration and don't need a smog check, this is the easy peasy way to go. A small fee of under $5.00 is well worth the immediate gratification as it rolled out of the machine! Tip: have all your registration info with you and a valid credit or debit card ... Tip: don't be nervous about asking for help... Tip: early mornings are best times to go Tip: For everything else MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ON LINE! :) Plenty of parking. 5 golden stars! read more

Driver's License renewal tips and suggestions. I thought I would post this as I had a less than stella experience while trying to renew my license. Approximately three months prior to my license expiring, I received an email from the DMV reminding me to renew. It had the following requirements: During your visit, you are required to: --- Pay the renewal fee --- Take a vision test --- Provide your fingerprint --- Have your photo taken I have some trips planned in the next couple of months so I thought, for once, I would jump on this and get it done early. So I went to the DMV website to set an appointment. On the main page, there's a pulldown menu for Appointments that has "Get in Line" and "Schedule an Appointment". I tried the appointment first but renewing your license is not an option. So I tried the Get in Line option. That worked great. Pick you location, it shows you approximately how long the "line" is and allows you to sign up. The wait time was 25 minutes and I'm 20 minutes from the DMV. I signed up and jumped in the car. When I arrived, I received a text that my number was about to be called. I had to show my text to the guard at the door as there were more than 100 people standing outside waiting to get in. He let me in and told me to take a seat. I did and about 5 minutes later, I was called. I went to the window and said I'm here for my renewal. She said, "Did you complete your application online?". I said, no, the email didn't mention it. She said I had to do that first and then go back to the website and "Get in Line". First delay... They have a section with several self-service kiosks to complete the application. Pretty easy, just need your driver's license number, SSN, and to know your basic information. You had to write down the application number it shows you at the end. I did it, then on my phone, went back to the DMV website and got back in line - now showing 30 minutes. After about 40 minutes, I was called back to another window. She tells me I'm early to renew. If I do it now, 3 months before my license, I need to re-take the written exam. I hadn't studied so I was hesitant. After going back in forth about how the email didn't mention it, she said if I waited until next month, two months before my renewal, I won't have to re-take the exam. So...delay number two. I decided to wait a couple of week so I wouldn't have to study and re-take it. Two hours later, I'm heading back home. Moral of the story? When the DMV sends you a renewal notice, wait until it is at least two months before your birthday, complete the renewal application online, write down that application number, and use the Get in Line feature to save some time. Hope your experience is better than mine and...enjoy! read more

Culver City DMV - You'd think they're giving away food or something...so sad, the lines... - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The majority of the government's employees at this Culver City DMV seem entitled and very uninterested in assisting you. It feels as though you are bothering them and give side eye when you ask a question. Very unprofessional, you receive better quality service at a fast food drive through. However, what would you expect from a government organization that allows employees to wear sweats, and or inappropriate evening wear to work. There a few exceptions that do present themselves in a professional manner, however, that's only about 25% of the employees. read more

This employee refused to perform a VIN verification, despite the VIN being plainly visible in its factory location in the windshield, and demanded I go to CHP for a VIN verification. Rude and lazy, the kind of employee who sadly lends credence to the negative stereotypes about public servants. read more

Culver City DMV - Lazy DMV employee - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is my favorite DMV !!!! No matter what you need you're in and out. And the service is great everyone will help you.

I came to this DMV on 5/19/26 for a driver's license renewal around 11:30AM. I did not have an appt. but that's Ok you can scan a QR code once you enter the bldg. you enter your mobile number and you receive your Customer# (A-123) then you can check the prompts on the various screens and/or it will text you when it's almost your turn to see a cashier. My cashier was friendly and efficient. Then I went to get my photo taken. The lady there was very nice and friendly. This DMV location is small in comparison to other DMVs I've gone to. What I liked about it was it was organized and clean. I was there a total of 1 hour. read more

going to the DMV can be very draining and sometimes intimidating. I've had good experiences at the Culver City DMV. It's not super crowded. The staff are efficient and courteous.. read more

I'm surprised! I hadn't made an appointment and was prepared to spend my whole morning there. The doors opened at 8:00Tuesday. Took about 5 minutes to get in and take a number. 5 minutes until my number was called and 10 minutes to take a vision test, fill out and check the info and get a new pic taken. Got in at 8 and out by 8:20. Everyone was really nice and things moved along quickly. 20 minutes was not bad at all! Still had time to get groceries before work. read more

I made an appointment online for a 7 AM slot. I checked in, waited, received assistance, and took my photo all within 15 minutes. Everyone I interacted with was friendly. Overall, it was a great experience. read more

The absolute worst! I guess since covid and so many things have changed as far as new permanent IDs and the kiosk being available to do things.... You think that the people working there would be a little bit more pleasant but holy hell worse than I've ever experienced in the DMV and I grew up in Los Angeles. trust me it's been a joke since we were little about how hard it is to go to the DMV because everyone's unpleasant. As you get older, you start finding the lesser of the evils and Culver City used to be at. Not anymore. Trust me don't go in there expecting, smiling face. I just went into renew my license as it was due to expire the next day.... On my birthday that's right. And had the worst experience the security guy at the front not only was not helpful, but was giving misinformation. Which is worse because people waste a ton of time standing in lines that they don't need to be in. Myself included. After waiting in line for an unnecessary 30+ minutes, I was warned by the woman in front of me that if I got the girl at the counter to run because she was horrid and had already screamed at her twice, making her go out to fill out new forms and then wait back in line she had been there for over three hours. Trying to just register a vehicle. The lady behind the counter had embarrassed her, and antagonized her and , wasted her whole day. Guess who I got ??!! My task at hand seemingly pretty easy was just to renew my drivers license. Apparently something I could've done online even though the form I was sent online said if you weren't renewing at least 60 days prior to your drivers license expired and you had to go in in person.... Fact she argued with me. Then told me I had to go to a kiosk that she would not help me. Told me if the kiosk didn't work I could come back and get in line. So I asked politely if the kiosk doesn't work and I have to come back and get in line that means you can actually help me here since I've already waited so long can we just move ahead with that? She screamed at me that I was causing problems and stood up and left for lunch. Not joking. If you could actually file a complaint to somebody I would, but it's pointless. read more

We recently we to this DMV and found it to be very efficient and fast! Got there early did all paperwork online before my arrival and was out in 15 minutes! Best advice is to go when they first open. Get some coffee or tea and just wait in line and be one of the first in. Thanks DMV! read more

Never have I ever given a DMV a 4 star but the Batman loving dmv guy was THE NICEST and QUICKEST person ever! Just have all your paperwork ready and it's a breeze. Use the online line queue and I didn't bother getting in line, just sit down and show them your phone if your number. If you can, head over at 8a-9a and the wait isn't long. Admittedly the security woman is super unfriendly and unhelpful and I did initially chat with someone who was incredibly rude and unhelpful. Wishing you luck in getting the Batman guy in the corner! :) read more

I was there today to renew my driver's license. This is the most organized and friendly DMV I've ever been too. Every worker I spoke with was friendly and helpful. Also the appointment system is very organized and easy. Thank you for making our lives easier! read more

Guys come on. I thought DMV was trying to overhaul how crappy they were. You know how long it's taken me to mentally get myself to come here. I'm talking in the weeks category. I finally came and they said go online. I'm just updating my address yo. Well I thought f it Im already here I'll use your guys WiFi. And sure enough it didn't work. So I told the information desk guy who, by the way, just stands in the walkway as a Texas style line forms all around him answering whoever feels like they are first. And he said I have to print out a form and mail it in. So now I am left with 2 worse options, either do that or sit down and wait. So I went for a walk for 2 hours and at the end of that walk my phone buzzed that it was my turn. I'm gonna shelf this for another week or few I think. This is why they say change it in 3 days. You will just never do it otherwise. Nice to know the DMV still sucks the same amount 15 years after I first started having to deal with them. read more

The employees at this dmv were very knowledgeable and helpful. I think a lot of people have misplaced anger towards this establishment due to their own unwillingness to prepare for their visit properly. Pretty much everyone who arrived walked straight past the check in sign and opted to flail their arms around and act confused like they had never left the house before. Shout out to the department of motor vehicles and everyone who works there, truly the front line of our society, and guys you can look up on the internet how to prepare for your dmv visit. god bless the state of California read more

This is definitely my preferred location to be mistreated. I have had some positive interactions but in general you get the feeling that everyone hates their job, their co-workers and you. Today I spent 2 joy-stealing hours getting a recently purchased vehicle registered. I had all of my paperwork in order but do be advised to pull in to the vehicle inspection bay BEFORE going inside to save yourself time and multiple negative interactions. They do have a new QR code system that is working better so there's that. At least they are trying to get us shuffled through a little better. read more

The system and the process are a joke. Constantly losing my records, giving me new information that's inconsistent with the last visit. The people are all beyond rude. read more

We signed in 8:10 for my daughter's driving test schedule at 8:40. We turned in the papers at Window 23. Johan lady asked for the VIN # because it's not visible in my insurance printout. I told her it should be in my phone. I stepped aside and logged in to the website. I went to the window and showed my insurance details and Johan said it's past 5mins. She said I have to reschedule. I begged and told her that I took the day off for this. But she said no. I spoke to the manager Bianca at 8:40 , begged again but she said no. This is the most ridiculous service I've been to. No heart, no patience, no compassion, very inconsiderate. Life is not about black and white rules. The gray areas are there to prove what kind of heart a person has that makes one exceptionally different and stands out from the rest. Both these women don't have what it takes to serve for God's kingdom. "The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart." read more

Terrible!! Even if you have an appt they will turn you away. Even with the real ID demand. The "security" woman will Tell you just to go home is rude and not all all helpful ! just wants people to leave read more

What has the world come to when I have reviews to a DMV instead of restaurants. There was a big debacle regarding my address, car permit, etc. I'm new to the area and hate going to DMVs in general because of the pain of a wait and rude employees. A little research on Reddit told me this one was halfway decent and it was. I came in, no appointment at 9am and was out of there by 10am, an hour later. It could have been a bit quicker as well but 1 employee did give me a bit of an attitude. Whatever though. I got what I needed to get done. read more

I went there twice in a row and it was very unpleasant. Because I didn't know the exact words that were expected of me as a customer, I was emotionally blackmailed and threatened to be kicked out of the line. The attitude of the employees was terrible. I was shocked. I hardly ever give bad reviews, but this one is well deserved read more

Let me preface by saying I completed the document uploads, eLearning class and paid online before going, but I didn't make an appointment. Every employee I interacted with was relatively pleasant. I was only there for a little over an hour. Pretty smooth overall. I think it's key to show up prepared, pay attention and to be respectful. I'm guessing that a lot of the bad reviews come from people who showed up with negative energy and/or were unprepared. I'm not saying that's the case for everybody who had a bad experience - I'm sure it's not uncommon for DMV employees to get frustrated with some customers and it affects their interactions with polite customers. As far as DMV visits go, I had a positive experience. read more

If I can give 0 stars I would. My mom was lost walking in and asked for help to an employee and the lady basically gave her an attitude said NO in a rude high toned manner and walked away. The response was extremely unprofessional! We also had an appointment and had to wait with no direction on what to do. Last time going to this DMV location. read more

Dealt with 4 different women in here today. From the guard, the receptionist to the first agent I have to talk to, all have an attitude, especially the agent at the window! The receptionist, it is almost as if all she wanna do is to turn people away!! I went around noon, she wasn't very helpful and kept on telling me that I need to DIY on the kiosk. But I told her I was charged a late fee because of a return check, but it was a mistake that the check was returned. She told me nothing she can do and no one that I can talk to, I have to either call or do it online. The kiosk line was long, so I left and went for lunch. During lunch, I check the paperwork again, and there is reference number listed on the check, I try to call the number but it said all agents are busy and I have to call at another time. I took time off just to take care of this, so I went back sfter lunch, wait in line and talk to her again. This time, she is willing to give me a number and said she didn't process the check and was just going by what was listed in the letter?!?! So I sat down and wait for my turn. When I get to the window, the woman asked me what my situation is, as I start to tell her, she cuts me off and said the letter said you have missing info, I try to continued to explain the situations, 2 lines in, she already start yelling at me saying that I talked over her?????? WTF. She must have some sorta mental issue to go off like that in a split seconds, and she said she is not going to process it. So I ask to speak with a supervisor, she then send me off to another window. I waited about 10 minutes, the manger came and she is the only decent one that is willing to listen and help and she agrees that I wasn't in the wrong and fix my issue, processed my check and waved the late fee. If I ever need to go to DMV ever again, I will either drive a bit farther and go to the Torrance one or go to AAA. I hope this location become automated soon and layoff these crazy women who think they rule the world!!! I always heard that DMV offices are bad, but I have never had such bad/ rude experiences from any DMV office before!! read more

The absolute worst experience. Everyone I talked to was incompetent and did not know what was going on. It's like they were purposely acting rude to get a reaction. I made an appointment to renew my DL and the notice said I had to come into the DMV and take a vision test, finger print and new picture. However the lady at the front did NOT let me get to my appointment and raised her voice at me. Not to mention, she also turned on their fan loudly and proceeded to ignore another person who was requesting assistance. read more

Smooth sailing so far! You have to be very strategic when going to DMV these days. Thank you to the manager for being in the holiday spirit! I was in and out within a hour on a Friday. The lady who assisted me was that nice but maybe that's her job to gatekeep. read more

Culver City DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great Service Three years ago, I co-signed a car lease for one of my nieces. Last August, the lease ended and my niece decided to buy the car but with cash, meaning not financed. And that means that I had to deal with whatever needs to be done. Because if my niece had the lease buy-out financed, the dealer will do all the paper work. Anyway so since this was a cash buy-out this meant a visit to DMV (among others). What we needed to accomplish at DMV was to pay the sales tax, do the title transfer -- and the main reason for the visit was to make another transfer title from both of us to hers alone. (Doing a simple title transfer and paying sales tax supposedly can be done online.) The reason for the 5 stars is that everyone over there were very Nice and got the job done. And we dealt with the following: 1) Two security guards; 2) The first staff who asks you what you're there for and gives you a number. 3) And finally, the lady who helped us. She was nice and patient. She had to consult with a co-worker or maybe her supervisor as to handle one of our to-do. That guy was also nice -- to her. We did not deal with him. And regarding the set up: When we arrived * there were two lines coming outside of the office. One line was for those with appointments. And the other line was for those with no appointments. The place was clean. I used the restroom and it was clean. They had a handblower but I did not use that (don't use handblowers, that's another story). But outside the restroom there was a handwashing station complete with paper towels. Date and Time of Visit: Sept 22, Thursday @ 10:20 am read more

The worst people I have ever encountered in my life work here. I have never been treated so rudely in my life. If you ask a question they treat you like you're the dumbest person in the world. I am a pediatrician, I am a nice person, I try to treat people with kindness and patience. I had to leave after being put back in line 2x and waiting for 2 hrs for not having filled out 2 signatures that I didn't realize needed to be signed. I couldn't take the bad treatment anymore so I left without completing my title transfer. Now if only someone actually cared about these reviews enough to make changes! read more

I was honestly really dreading renewing my license/getting the REAL ID in person but the whole process was pretty seamless! Made an appointment about a week ahead of time - there were lots of time slots open. Timeline for the process of renewing my license/obtaining a REAL ID is below. Definitely recommend arriving earlier than your appt (~30 min or so) and recommend uploading your documents/starting the REAL ID application online! Found it really handy to have access to a link that shows you your place in line too (link texted to you after you check in). Appt Wednesday at 3:50Pm 3:10 - got in line for people with appts 3:30 - got inside and was 20th in line 4:10 - my number was called 4:20 - went to the line to take my picture 4:30 - went to the line to obtain my temporary license read more

getting in line on the website does nothing. The site says no one is in line but then I arrive to a line out the door and wrapping around the building. Go to santa monica instead read more

Don't bother making an appointment the front appointment employee is incompetent And not very welcoming. It's too much to ask. I had appointment at 9:30 after waiting for half an hour. I went to ask her how long it's going to take. She told me that my number was for no appointment then she changed my waiting number I asked her how long is it going to take she said 1:45 minutes two hours waiting time with appointment. It is very annoying I don't understand the reason of appointments at all. All the other employees were actually nice. read more

Waiting room is completely full off people, they have 4 windows assisting people. Lots of staff just wondering around, or on computer not assisting people. Very inefficient (lol) will have you waiting all day. The service I needed didn't have the option of scheduling an appointment online, so was just forced to wait for hours. On top of that the rude bitter employees seem to always find a way to try NOT to help. Like every time that I've come here you literally have to stand your ground on why they should provide the service that they're supposed to provide because they try to find anyway to deny you or tell you to come back another time. It's actually insane, but I guess that only a miserable desperate person would come here to work every day? .... read more

Security lady!! She's horrible absolutely rude no manners!!!!! The staff is ok some are super nice and some aren't but the security gosh if they can take a look at how she treats the people. We go there and pay we don't go there and expect shit to be to be free. The attitude of that security lady is so bad. I felt so bad for the other people that she spoke to be very poorly. She needs some manner or even so if she isn't happy at her job she shouldn't work there. DMV plz take a look at the security lady there very unprofessional. Will not be going back there. read more

We're registering as new residents. Fast and almost easy, registering online is like finding a needle in a haystack. Luckily for you here's the link https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/appointments/select-date It's a clean place where most of the employees are friendly, minus the girl at the testing desk. There are a lot more questions on the test than what we had initially expected but none were too impossible ;) FYI for vehicle inspections, they do have a lunch break from 1pm-2pm read more

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I made an appointment online, but I still have to be in line when I got there. Also, the staff outside does not let me go to my service even my online appointment is ready. Why would DMV treats their people like this? Why they do not respect their community? Is this where my tax money going ? read more

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