Went here to take a driving test and passed! Was very grateful to have the guy with glasses for my test. He was very chill and didn't make me nervous, and so was the lady at the window. read more

I'm giving a one star rating just because I can't do zero stars. This place is terrible, and the system that runs it is even worse! I'm sure that this is how hell can look like. It's a miracle how such organizations can exists in America, since it's opposite to any American values like: freedom, customer rights, simplicity, transparency, making it happen and so on. My friend taking me there for the fourth time ( that's the number of my attempts to take a driving written test) after another failure told me- you are a real American now, You hate the DMV. Really someone has to do something about this. I don't understand how people tolerate this?!? Not to mention that it's super hard to reach them by phone, you have to stay in lines forever, and they are always booked ahead for weeks, this is what happened to me: I'm a foreign student, decided to take the written test to get CA driving license. First time came in not knowing anything about this place, I find out that the line is like for hours, so I leave and decide to schedule an appointment. I do so, and it's two weeks wait. So I wait. Second time, I come in, they look at my documents and they are like, oh no, you also need this and this document. I'm like ok, but your employee, with who I spoke about this didn't tell me. They are like- sorry we need these documents. I'm like ok. So I leave. Get the required documents. Schedule a time. It's again two weeks wait. So I wait. Third time. I come in, having All The DOCUMENTS, and guess what- they are like, nope, you also need this document... I mean WTF?!? They again didn't tell me anything about it over the phone when I booked the meeting and specifically asked them if I need any other documents. This is insane. So I leave. Gather all ALL documents. I'm thinking now I definitely have Everything! So I call, ask if this is a 100% all the needed documents?!? They say- yes! definitely! I book an appointment. Now the wait is three weeks. So I wait. Fourth time... you can guess what happened. I was so mad, they are like, oh we need you social security........ really?!? I'm a foreigner I don't have one. This was never on the list! Where did it come from??!? Well, they say, no SSN, no test for you. So at the end I never even had a chance to do the test. I hope that one day a superhero will appear. And his superpower will be to make DMV an easier and customer friendlier organization. But before that happens we should not give up! As soon as I somehow obtain a SSN I'll be back! read more

Honestly it's the DMV if you expect much more than that well let's just hope you aren't walking in to get your license. I arrived at around 7:30am the line was pretty long but boy am I glad I didn't come 15 minutes later. My experience went relatively quickly until all the systems shut down which led to standing in line for a good hour and a half. I recommend going early as you can because if you don't that doubles your time. If possible make an appointment. Everyone who helped me seemed to be really nice. Especially the lady at 16 she was definitely the nicest out of everyone. I found the less I complained the nicer people were to me, surprise. I was out by 11. read more

I had my appointment at 7a.m i was in and out from the dmv. The dmv instructor was friendly and very helpful to explain the process of my driving test. Pass on my first try. Very happy With them. read more

I need to give a shoutout to the Arleta DMV, 14400 Van Nuys Blvd, Arleta, CA 91331. I was dreading going in for my new photo and vision test. Today's visit went so smoothly and efficiently. It took around 20 minutes with an online appointment. They had the earliest opening so I took it. They aren't the closest to my commute but now they're my new favorite. read more

employees are rude rude and rude, especially behind the wheel instructors. They don't show nothing but attitude! Show some respect at least "Hi, how are you today?" kind of greetings!!! Explain everything in rude way solve nothing, if you are tired of your job then find other jobs that suits you!!! Particularly, womens are rudest, one i had was lady with red hair. Do your job right!Dont ruin other peoples day just because you have bad one! read more

Anna at counter 20 is the best DMV employee I've ever met at a California DMV office, excellent customer service and her supervisor should at least put a vase with fresh flowers on her desk read more

Very efficient and you did not have to wait very long to take care of what you need. Everyone here seems very helpful and keep the line moving. They also enforced Covid safety practices which is really appreciated. read more

Big shout out to Ruel (sorry if I spelled that wrong)! I took and passed my CDL test yesterday, and Ruel was my examiner. The CDL test is long, extensive and stressful enough on its own merit, but having someone who essentially has the keys to your career in their hand watching over your shoulder like an interrogation lamp, making note of every imperfection and mistake adds a whole other layer of stress. But hey that's their job, no hate. Ruel, however was AWESOME! He was organized, professional and clearly communicated expectations and gave clarification if I needed it. He was also very calm, personable and gave feedback when appropriate. That really helped to put me at ease enough to just focus on the test itself and do what I needed to do to pass. Great customer service Ruel and thanks again! read more

Best DMV I've been to. I'm a 100 % disabled veteran and didn't ask for any privileges but was placed to the front of the line anyway.

The filipino guy is the worst. Don't let him test you for your driving test. He made me get an anxiety attack while driving for my test and was so rude for no reason while I was so nice knowing he had a stressful day. Asked me to push my "parking break" I usually know it as a emergency break. Have never heard it as parking break and told him nicely that I didn't and this dude rolled his eyes and said "sure the emergency break" he was so sarcastic and rude that I was left shaking from severe anxiety. I passed my test but he made me feel like I didn't deserve to. I was trying to not cry or shake as much when we were done and he just left and said "you're welcome" he also said "congratulations" SO RUDELY. So if you're reading this guy who tested me, I hope your attitude comes back to you. read more

Had a ton of problems originally when the dmv couldn't find my title that was mailed to them and i had to go back and forth several times but A gentleman named Jake helped me every time i went in and he seemed like he genuinely cared about what was going on. Finally today i went back and Jake had a lady named Jordana assist me and she was able to locate my title and not only did she resolve the situation but she made me leave smiling. Smiling is something you dont usually do at the dmv but she made me leave happy. Thank you so much Jordana and Jake. You 2 are the best and your hard work and positivity don't go unnoticed. If you 2 are reading this then i hope this makes your day as much as you guys made mine. Thanks again! read more

I went to Arleta DMV to pay car registration. After 1 and half hour waiting outside, called me to windows 19. Nobody there. Someone said you have to go to Window 21. I gave my papers, information to black lady, she said go ahead and wait until I call you. After another hour waiting, I asked, if she forgot about me, taking more then 20 customers after me. She shouted on me very rude: GO BACK AND SIT DOWN. Then I asked security who is the manager here? The security replied: You can't see manager, go sit down (another rude black guy). I said I want to see manager raising my voce. The third rude person, tall black guy, with a suite, from the counter side stud up and started shouting on me: Either sit down and wait or get the f*** out here . I asked his name. He was keep repeating: Shut up and sit down, or get the F***k out here. I keep asking his name, then he said: Markiz (Marquis) and continue, shut the f*** up and sit down. I felt I am not in the DMV Government building, but their private building. This is the worst experience I had at the Arleta DMV. I will never ever go there anymore. Discriminations... 10 Customer service... Zero. read more

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT PEOPLE! Make the damn appt., bring all the paperwork you need and just be prepared. You make work difficult when you walk in not knowing what to do or what to ask. If you need to renew your registration, the letter in the mail tells you in 2 languages what to do and there's even a machine there that way you dont' have to speak to someone directly. No DMV is perfect. I made my appt, brought all the things I needed and within 5 min after checking in, my number was called and was out in less than 15 min. Very surprising for a DMV that people complain about. read more

So last week on my BDay, i was at work, but decided to buy an app on my phone, when i noticed that my License expired that day. SUCKS...!!! I went to AAA in Glendale but they said that they only do Registration, and that the Glendale DMV was permanently closed. So off to Arleta....!!! I got here, the line was long (just to get a number), and i had a few hours to kill before my number would come up. But on a great note, theres this cool ass Filipino Security Guard that kicked it with me until it was my turn. Biggups to people who love their jobs. read more

This DMV branch is golden! I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. Went to three separate windows in 8 minutes flat. Impressive! My appointment was at 9:10 - I showed up at 9:05 and was out by 9:13. Make sure to make an appointment and make sure to give yourself about 10 minutes to find a spot in their super busy parking lot. The employees are super nice - I'll be making the drive to Arleta next time I need to head to the DMV! read more

Took my drivers test TWICE HERE. The first time I automatically failed because I made one critical error. So I hated the lady lol I was hoping I didn't get her again, (which I didn't THANK GOD) I went back today to take it for the second time, I got the dark skin lady. She was so sweet & really easy going! & passed me with only 2 mistakes! You'll pass if your a cautious driver! & know your signals etc . I admit I felt much more prepared this time. PRACTICE PRACTICE read more

This place is horrible. I have an appointment & they won't call my number. AP53- to AO54 Valencia is whey better. DO NOT COME here..... read more

The worst . Idiotic rude keeping me waiting and can't even answer the phone. Ridiculous I've been on the line for over 20 minutes+ and no one can come to the phone very unprofessional I would give this zero starts if I could read more

As far as DMV's go, this is one of the best! Having had the stereotypical experience at Santa Monica and Van Nuys DMVs over the past year, I decided to take my teens to Arleta for their behind the wheel test. Plenty of parking and when we arrived around 1:30 Mid week, the no appt line was not long. Definitely got more crowded around 2:30. All the staff were very professional and friendly including the female security guard who immediately directed us to the dedicated line for behind the wheel tests. Special thanks to Elizabeth working at the window who kept her cool even with not so nice customers who she had to turn away because they didn't have an appt or who were very late for their appointments. Also, the examiners Rebecca and Jason who were kind and calm which helped put my nervous teens at ease. Definitely make an appointment on line-- especially for the behind the wheel and written tests or you risk being turned away if all the test times are booked. They are pretty strict about how early or late you can check in for the behind the wheel test. We checked it at 1:45 for 2:00 appt after a short wait in line. First kid was done with the test by 2:15. Pro tip- If you have two or more taking the behind the wheel exam with the same car, be sure to book your appts far enough apart- 2:00 and 2:40 were perfect for us-- or the second driver may miss their appt time. That happened to the family ahead of us. They had 1:00 and 1:20 appts and they turned the second kid away when they tried to check in at 2:15 for the second appt. Definitely would recommend this DMV. read more

GO TO THIS DMV TO TAKE YOUR DRIVING TEST. Everyone was super nice and wanted me to pass. I felt super comfortable with the person administering the test and the actual test went super quickly. read more

I got to the line everything was going perfectly and then my driving test person comes with all of the attitude in the world, he told me to start my car but not start the engine which drains the battery and I told him that my battery was low but he straight up just ignored me. Then it was time to take the test he tells me to start the car and wouldn't you know it the car didn't start he grabs all of his belongings and just leaves doesn't say a word to me, then I asked him if I get this car started could I retake the test and he said sure. So I run around looking for a jumper cable finally get one not even five minutes pass and I finally find him to take my test and he just says NO with zero care in the world. After that I came up to my car and I see him taking pictures of the inside of my car like wtffff!??!?! read more

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IF YOU VALUE YOUR TIME YOU WON'T REGRET IT;) First time at this location to renew my license, be warned no parking available at DMV parking lot therefore park on side streets and save time. The whole process took me 1 hour not bad with appointment:) I would have given 5 stars if wait to have picture taken wasn't over 15 minutes but overall employees were pleasant and professional P.S. My # got called within 10 minutes of checking in I received my renewal license in the mail in a week:) read more

Went here earlier this week to take my road test. Having made an appointment online, I wasn't impressed by how long the line was for all the people who had to take their road tests. I figure if you make an appointment online, there should be a separate window for those who made their online appointments, just like the DMV near my house. I am sorry, but no one should to wait in such an atrociously long line if they made an appointment ahead of time. I know this DMV is usually crazy busy, but still. There was only one window open at the counter, but the lady behind the counter who was helping everyone was in a pretty good mood. That was nice to see. (By the way - I got in line a few minutes before 2pm and didn't get to the counter until 3:30) - there were a fair amount of people in line in front of me - many of whom had also made appointments. Completely ridiculous. I go to take my road test, and the examiner (a former instructor - who apparently kept priding himself on how great of an instructor he used to be) - was actually instructing me during the test, which they're not supposed to do. He had a jovial attitude, but was a bit full of himself. On the plus side, the parking lot is nice and huge, although the day I was there, there was NO parking. I had to go park a block a way before going and standing in the line that was 20 miles long. To give you a better idea on the time of day - I was there at 3 in the afternoon - but I hear this DMV is busy ALL the time. Which is funny because I hear there are 3 others in the vicinity. Yeah I dunno - I am torn on this one. No DMV is going to be a pleasant place to visit, but the people here are nice. This location is also bigger (both inside and out) - but the lines are just hideous. I'd hate to see how long I'd have to wait if I DIDN'T make an appointment. Jeez. Only come here I guess if you need to take a road test and it's one of the earlier times available (which is why I went here). read more

Amazing. I had an appointment, and was in and out in 15 minutes. Very efficient. Went on a Wednesday.

There is no one to blame but myself. I should have made an appointment. On the bright side, I was able to pay my bills, book doctor appointments for my kids and catch up on some reading, while I waited inline. By the time I got to the woman whose life energy has been sucked dry, I was exhausted and ready go to home. Luckily she was helpful and I was in and out in 3hrs. Wwwuuuhhh!!!! ***Pros: You have plenty of time to reflect on life and why you NEED a car. ***Cons: After hrs of waiting, you might decide to drive without renewing your license or registration. ***Advice: Make an appointment. read more

I had such a pleasant experience at this DMV. After going through such a hard time with the Hollywood DMV I wasn't expecting this one to be any different, but I was so wrong. I had an appointment for a behind the wheel driving test on a Saturday, so luckily since they're only open for appointments on that day it wasn't too busy. Everyone was very nice, and also patient which I feel like can be hard to find at dmv's. As I was pulling up to get the car checked one of the security guards by the door noticed I was getting nervous and said that it's super easy and I shouldn't be worried. My driving instructor was also nice, and also funny which helped at the end of my test to ease me nerves a little. Overall, everyone had a positive attitude and if I would ever need to go back to a DMV it would definitely be this location. read more

Staff is very nice here. If you make an appointment the wait isn't too terrible. Parking was pretty packed though so plan to arrive in advance and wait for the spot. DMV is never a fun experience but it was bearable here in Arleta :) read more

Cant complain....I had an appt though...DON'T GO WITHOUT ONE...THIS PLACE IS CROWDED! I had to renew my license and registration. So, with doing more than one transaction and having to take a new pic, I was in and out in an hour, not bad for going to 3 different windows. I was expecting worse. read more

LICENSE RENEWAL: Made my appointment online- You can check current wait time on the dmv site...(appointment vs. nonappointment is always amusing). The closest available date was a week and a half from when I scheduled it so plan ahead. I was called 3 days prior to my appointment date for confirmation. It's an automated message, so no worries, you won't have to ask them about the weather before saying yes. The front desk person looked like she could use a compliment, but apparently not. She shrugged it off. Maybe next time I'll try magic tricks or candy. KATHY WINDOW 1: Stellar customer service! She was very professional and super personable. I hope I get her next time. (: read more

I started my Dmv journey a vibrant young 27 year old woman who just got married and needed to renew her license and update her name. After numerous attempts to make an appointment at any dmv location within a 50 mile radius of my residence and all the locations not having anything available until after my license expired I decided I would tough it out and just spend the 2-3 hours it would take to get it done because well it has to be done. Now keep in mind I expected to wait 2-3 hours. Well I'm just here to say that while I waited at this dmv a whole lifetime passed me by. I got grandkids now and I'm too feeble to even walk up the the counter if they ever call my number. If you want to live your life and not watch it pass you by waiting at the dmv don't come here. Below is a picture of me now, still in the line waiting to hear my number. read more

I took my drivers test at this dmv in arleta. I came on time and checked in 20 mins before my appointment. Once I checked in they told me to sit and wait for my name to be called . After 30 mins my name was called and I proceeded on to taking my drivers test . All was well , I passed , but the driver instructor opened my door and hit my car door on another car ! This was a very awkward situation . read more

Arrived at 750am on a Tuesday and waited in the non appointment line for about 20m for a drivers license replacement Waited another 20min to get my number called and then they tell me the system is down and they can't process my application and said it might come back at 1pm. WTF. They offered me another appointment for the following week but declined or come back at 1pm. I said I would try and go back the next day since I needed to get this done asap Came back at 750am the next day on a Wednesday and they open at 9am on Wednesday. WTF. Now you tell me. Waited in a line for over an hour. As soon as they opened at 9am, my number was called and was out in less than 30min. Hate the DMV. read more

Not sure of the haterade, but I made an appointment weeks ago, and I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. I spent more time looking for parking than physically being in the building. Had to get my License renewed, and I guess I was the only one who made an appointment. Make an appointment, and you'll be in an out in no time - unless you're a glutton for punishment. The clerks were nice and cordial. read more

I love this DMV !!! Went to take my behind the wheel and had to wait like 10 min max. In line. The staff were nice & helpful. Passed my test! And my instructor was so helpful as well with his tips! (Can't remember name but he was an older Armenian man) However taking one star off because their system was down and I couldn't get my License right away :( read more

Shout out to the A$$hole who answered with a big attitude someone must have not gotten enough sleep but geez bro at least have some manners. You're mad being back at work? Okay that sounds like a you problem don't take that on people. Don't like working there? Okay quit find a job where you won't be able to talk to people because obviously you working there shows what type of person you are. read more

This is one step up from the Van Nuys office. Make an appt if possible. Sometimes the earliest available appt is not for 5 days and you need to get your business done immediately. Note: the waittime shown on the handy DMV site DOESN'T include the time between standing in the 30-40 person lone snaking out the door in the hot CA sun next to some stanky large man two people behind you who keeps creeping up right behind you. Hot sidewalk, smelly pee... It would almost be NYC if there were 2.5 ppl per square foot rushing past each other. Even ppl w/appts have to stand in the long line. Try to bring yr own snacks or buy some refreshments from the snack cart ladies by the Canterbury entrance. The parking lot was so full I had to park a block away. Let's see- I've been here an hour now between waiting in line outside and snagging a seat inside. There are people sitting on the floors because there aren't enough seat. 2 hrs later-I Am Hating This Place. Their computers went down. I have G270 and they stopped calling all G numbers. They stopped at about G256, dammit. Van Nuys might have been faster. If I went batshtnuts, I'd lose my place in line. **DO YOU KNOW WHY THIS OFFICE IS TERRIBLE? After spending almost 3 hrs here yesterday while their Sacramento/Drivers License computer link failed, I came at 7:20am to get a spot in line before it opened at 8am. About 30 people were ahead of me. If you have a drivers' license related transaction, you get a number beginning with G. I got G004. Before going to sit down with my 1 year old, I saw only B numbers were being called. I went back and asked the info people if the Drivers License computers were up. I was told No. **SO YOU DIDN'T BOTHER TO TELL ME OR THE OTHER 3 SUCKERS WITH A G NUMBER THAT THE COMPUTERS WERE DOWN AND YOU HAD NO IDEA WHEN THEY'D BE UP? THANKS! I spent about 40 minutes on hold with the DMV in Sacramento, who confirmed that the Arleta Sacramento database link was having problems, but that Van Nuys was fine. read more

By far my best experience with DMV offices in entire Los Angeles. Line was shirt, moved quickly. I was taken care of within minutes. The lost star is for security guards with hyperinflation sense of duty. read more

DMV - Arleta - Empty DMV. Tssst - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Pacoima, California

The DMV specializes in Torture. They have implemented a new system where in addition to the time waiting, you now can't estimate when your turn is more or less anymore. The numbers are not sequential anymore, where you could estimate your turn and go outside, eat, etc. Not possible anymore. Now you are glued to the screen and hyper attentive for your unique number to show, which is your initials and last 4 digits of your phone number. If you blink, there, you just lost your turn, lost another half day of your life. I am so sorry for those with as medical condition, those with attention deficit. Their slow worker recruitment is a part of their tactics. This department should be part of the CIA's torture and interrogation unit, they'll do great. read more

Went to register my car. You can pay via a machine with a credit card or debit or cash. Got there at 4:15pm as there was 12 people ahead of me.. fast and easy. Only took 45 min. Did not like paying $657, yet oh well that's life in California. Got to pay to play. read more