What do you expect? DMV or Department of Motor vehicles is a Secretary of State office, meaning it's a government facility with government employees. That said, they probably don't have a lot of funding for facility upgrades. So should I give them 5 stars? Well, I have been to several DMVs in my lifetime, two of which just in the last month. I was also at a facility in Aurora, so I'm using that to compare. The facility in Aurora is much better for many reasons. They seem to have a full staff of employees. You're always going to have a line and wait at the DMV but the DeKalb location seems to be severely understaffed. Each location has a check-in desk when you first walk in. In Aurora they have several people from the front door to the front desk. In DeKalb there are only a few employees that I could see and one of them runs between the front desk as well as working the actual counter to take care of customer transactions. In Aurora they have probably 15 counter positions with employees, but they also have more customers. They also have several TV screens showing the line queue and which counter has called your number. In DeKalb they just yell out your name and there's probably less than 10 counter positions. Anyway, you don't always get to choose which DMV you go to because in DeKalb that may be the only one in the whole county. If you have a choice I would say the one in Aurora is much nicer. read more

absolutely horrible drivers test experience, instructor had an attitude and didn't even look like she wanted to be there. horrible instructions, didnt help with my anxiety, and after everything said, she told me I need to practice driving more before I try again, like that isn't obvious I am a 22 yr old woman there is no reason why as someone who needs their license that I should be treated like this. She was an African American lady, only one in the dmv today, and just was an overall horrible experience. Wished these people did better. read more

Today I went to the Dekalb DMV. I was waited on by the nicest gentleman! Allen was helpful, kind and patient. I had an appointment for title and registration, but he also graciously corrected my license and applied for the REAL ID. I was out in.less than 45 minutes. Allen is a real asset to the DMV! read more

I was at the DMV on October 28th the gentleman that helped me was so kind so helpful I broke my knee several years back and he even got me a chair to sit while I waited for him to do all the information that he needed to do to renew my driver's license thank you so much I wish that I knew his name but thank you so much read more

I'm 85, so I need to pass an eye test and a road test every two years. DeKalb was the closest DMV that had appointments available. They dealt with me pretty efficiently. Alltold it took about an hour and a half. A woman named Arety was my examiner, and she was great. No only did she make my experience pleasant, but I observed her treating other customers with respect and kindness. I'm grateful. read more

So, I'm back at the Dekalb DMV, to help a friend get an IL license. My opinion on DMV wait times: if there's a bunch of people all there at the same time, people will have to wait. I view time in the process (once you are helped to when you leave) to be a much better representation than total wait times. Employees of a business can't do anything about how many people show up at the same time. Wait times at the DMV closer to me (suburbs) stretch around the building. We said "screw it" and came to Dekalb, because Ollie's is also in Dekalb. We got here around 3 pm, and we're given a number 30 ish from the range they were currently serving, and warned we may need to come back as it looked like a 2.5 hour wait time. It's now 4:30pm, and my friend is in the next group. It's a DMV, during a pandemic, and people are still being nice here (and considerate, the posting of the numbers they're helping let's people wait in their car and better socially distance. It's something that's just not feasible with a larger/suburban DMV). My friend's group has been called in before I could even finish this review. I much prefer an overestimate of time, and have it go faster, than an underestimate. And he's out before 5. read more

DMV - They're doing a number system during covid, and posting what numbers they're serving clearly on the door. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Dekalb, Illinois

1 star given due to having to give at least 1 to post this. Zero stars because this place is ridiculous. How does it take 2 hours to serve 4 people! GET IT TOGETHER! read more

I was there at 450 and there was an elderly gentleman that was waiting for his grandson to arrive to switch a title. He told me to go ahead of him. The woman behind the desk was taking forever as she helped with plates and as she was finishing up with me the grandson walked up at about 2 minutes to the hour.... when she was done with me it was exactly 5 and that woman said "it is after 5 and I can't help you". I said "wooooooooow that is really bogus". The customers left disgusted...... but it doesn't end there..... I called to complain to the manager Anna.... she said they did nothing wrong and they should have checked the website, but then later said the website does not say that they stop taking registrations at 5..... she was very rude and indirectly called me a liar... by far the worst person to talk to at any DMV and really be ashamed of her conduct as a manager. She should be a clerk at best..... Dismal customer service at best read more

Due to the bad reviews, I felt it necessary to relate my experience and give my personal "shout out"! for whatever good that might do, to this facility... I am a Chicago native with whom it was suggested to visit this location for my drivers test which is "time sensitive" for a work related opportunity. Any-who, long story short, I ended up driving 2 hours from Chicago to Dekalb on a lovely, last minute morning to receive my road test and revised drivers license. During my road test (which was going quiet well If I should say so myself!..;)) I was rear-ended by a freaking 18 wheeler truck! Needless to say, all parties involved are fine, but what impressed upon me was the reaction of the DMV staff. Not only were they supportive but I felt, dare I even say it.. "rooted for" when I walked right back into that DMV office immediately after the automatic failing that typically happens after such things as... I don't know.. "having a major accident while you are driving with a government sanctioned instructor". I was re-processed immediately, giving an encouraging nod of respect and maybe even admiration, I'd like to think:) Dusted off and sent on my marry way with a passing performance! I just know if Id went to one of my local DMVs(love ya Chicago!) things might not have played out so well for me.. I just had to say that these people are dealing with the public everyday and we all can admit in our moments of clarity that people are well...ummm... crazy at times. This, like other DMVs I've been to was "over-booked" and "under-staffed", though a lot more tame than their inner-city counter parts. But I observed them doing their best and that's all you can hope for sometimes. I can only imagine the "wall" you might have to put up to remain sane as government workers. But as far as I was treated, I thank them for showing me kindness, understanding and respect:) read more

I've made my share of bone head decisions in my life and lost my driving privileges because of it. So I have dealt with numerous DMV employees over time. I recently was saw the informal hearing officer at the DeKalb office, she was in a class of her own. She was so helpful, knowledgeable, kind, just a pleasure dealing with in that kind of situation. You could just tell she would assist anyone in need. read more

Waited 2 1/2 hours for one thing. One person was working and would help someone and then go take a 10 minute break. Horrible.

Why does it take several trips to the DMV, even when you have all required documentation? You explain the issue to the first person, get a number, wait 30 minutes, get to a rep who tells you you are in the wrong line. You get sent to another room and another rep. You are told you're in the wrong line and get sent back to where you first started. This was to request a motor vehicle query report. This is to prove what vehicles are registered to you. Why do I need this report? The Illinois Tollway erroneously linked someone else's vehicle to my tollway transponders. The Tollway made the mistake. And informed me I had to go to the DMV, request the motor vehicle query report, pay a fee and mail to an address in Chicago. The DMV, after an hour, and after reversing fees I just paid, prior to being handed a copy of my driving history. (Not what was requested) and handed me a form and said I had to request a motor vehicle query report from the Illinois Secretary of State in Springfield. Additional fees required. So I have to take time off, pay additional fees because of a mistake made by the Tollway folks. I am paying to correct the agency's error. Why? read more

I returned to Dekalb after 18 years in Florida and found the staff at the Dekalb MVD exceptionable. The process was simple and each individual I met with was competent and pleasant to deal with. Although the time spent in the office was about 2 hours I got my license, plates and register to vote application. Very efficient. read more

If you are only renewing your registration, it's in and out. If you are doing anything at all with a driver's license, be prepared to wait for hours. I came around 9am on a Tuesday and waited for two hours. They were still about 15-20 numbers away from me when I gave up and had to get to work. I came back at 2pm and it was just as packed. I waited three hours just to change my name. Not even the social security office took me that long. I think (and truly hope) they were understaffed that day. It was insane. They called about 4 numbers per hour. I have heard that other, larger SOS offices are quicker. I'll make the drive in the future. Anything to avoid this place. read more

Somebody needs to step in and fire the manager. Anna has no business dealing with people. I went in with my senior father and he needed help translating. She screamed at me in front of hundreds of people about how people take advantage of the system ( no relation to why I was there) and how people feel privileged and all this ridiculous stuff when I calmly was talking to her. She had her arms crossed the whole time with the worst attitude. On top of everything when I said I needed to help my father translate some things I was told that's why they have Spanish speaking people there. Blonde hair.. blue eyes... white as snow... I'm clearly not there for a spanish translation. The lady working the front door yelled at me when I walked to the front to read the sign telling me I'm not allowed in front of the building I need to go stand in line. This place is a joke! I read reviews on the website and Anna is clearly rude to everyone. I'm surprised nothing has been done about this yet. And disappointed that I did not read the reviews before going there. read more

Got here at 8 am right at open. Took me an hour just to walk up and get my ticket number to renew my license, it's now 3:30 pm and still 5 people ahead of me! They told us it would be 2 and a half hours it's been almost 8. Horrible. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. Got here before they opened and waited over 5 hours to get in. They can't even get through 5 people an hour! If they are going to make the wait so long they should at least offer a service to text you when your number is getting close. Instead you have to go check the little sign they post on the door. Can't see it from most of the parking lot. All the S.O.S. offices are terrible but this is by far the worst one I have ever been to. Don't waste your time here...pick a different DMV. read more

Rude rude rude desk staff and their side comments are COMPLETELY Inappropriate! I was told my voters registration card would be acceptable but I DONT HAVE THAT UNTIL YOU IDIOTS WILL CHANGE MY ADDRESS! Stupidity at its FINEST at the desk! read more

All I needed to do was renew a license. I've been here since 8 am, it is now 1pm. I did the math and they are processing 5 people PER HOUR. These people are clearly paid hourly and do not understand the importance of quick service. Worst customer experience of my life read more

I wish I could give this place a 0 star review. Horrible customer service. I watched one of the employees yell at a young couple, and laugh at them when they asked a question. Anita was the employees' name, she deserves to be reprimanded for her actions. I wasn't the one treated poorly and I still left that place angry. I will not be coming back and I will be sure to let others know not to go here because of Anitas attitude towards the customers. read more

Obnoxious and rude bureaucrats who all need about 1 month's training in Customer Service, yelling at elderly drivers and snide remarks to 20 something's witnessed here last week are horrific, who works for who????? read more

Absolutely appalled by the service here. We spoke to Anita who was INSANELY rude and continued to raise her voice at us after us being back for the third time. I will never come back here, nor recommend this place to anyone. Save yourself the hassle and go elsewhere. read more

I have stopped in on several Saturday's to renew license plate stickers at this facility over the years. Never had a bad experience. Not sure where all of the negative reviews come from. The staff has always been very pleasant with me... read more

Terrible service. All reviews are right stay away. This DMV is run by a bunch of young girls who do not know what they are doing. Also they are disrespectful to the customers. They are short with you. It is very disorganized in there and will take all day. Avoid at all costs. I was sitting there for two hours and watched them turn away most of the people. It seems they are lazy and just do not want. read more

This sucks. Came out to Dekalb because I thought less people and better employees. Here for an hour now and heard them call three numbers. It is horrible NOTHING in this state works well. If given a choice to live in IL or die choose death. It really sucks in so many ways I would vote no stars but not sure yelp will allow that. This is still horrible. Can't say enough bad things about this experience read more

I went on a rainy Tuesday afternoon to renew my license. I expected to be in there for quite some time but I was in and out in less than 15 minutes. My only complaint is that the workers aren't friendly-but they weren't rude. You could just tell that it's a dmv and they are trying to serve everyone as quickly as possible. They would've gotten five stars if they had friendlier customer service presence and if the facilities were upgraded (very dated looking). But overall I'm happy with my speedy service. Quick and to the point. read more

Although the place was very busy the girl behind the the counter was very focused yet friendly. To be honest I was dreading the idea of having to go to the dmv but let very satisfied. Those lady's sure earn there pay. read more

Well under staffed, not nearly enough people working the counter. Just another example of poor customer service from our state/government workers. Only 1 person actually assisting people, 2 are lollygagging, and some in the back room. Sitting area full of ppl. Better team work, better communication, and better customer service ppl are strongly needed at this facility. read more

If zero stars were an option, I would have chosen that. I have never seen such a poorly run facility. Do not go there unless your life depends on it. We waited almost two hours in line to start the process of getting my son's driving permit before being turned away for not having the proper color form. They average service time is five customers in 30 minutes. Don't bother. Go to another town, even if you have to drive a lot farther. read more

There is one person working and over twenty people waiting for service. I have never been to such a poorly run DMV.

I just want everyone to know....STAY AWAY drive out of your way to go somewhere else. This is the worst DMV I have ever been to. They have 1 person that works between 11:00AM and 1:45PM. So unless you have 8 hours to get your license renewed.. STAY AWAY!!! read more

Terrible. was there for 2 and half hours and was late for an appointment. Ifu go to Macomb, IL DMV you're never there over twenty minutes ever.there's always at least one person calling numbers. if the crowd gets larger then six, they'll have two or three employees calling out numbers. DeKalb had only one person continunally calling out a number the entire time I was there. with over twenty people waiting. even then when she went out to do a driving test nobody filled her spot to call out numbers...for like 20-30 minutes. the other lady there was rude. this place is way under par, even for a government owned DMV. I encourage everybody who has had an issue with this facility to contact jesse whites office in springfield read more

It took an entire six weeks for my local check made out to the State to clear and two months for my mother to get her license plates. There was one person doing the work of two that day so the process was naturally slow. Otherwise the staff is pleasant. No one likes their checks to be held for over a month though. read more

I went in to get my new sticker and also change my address but was turned down because I was told I needed proof of my new address. I came back 30 minutes later with my receipt for my mortgage payment with the new address on it as well as a letter from The city of Dekalb sent to my new address with my name on it as well. This wasn't good enough even though the list the lady gave me stated them to be good enough proof. She looked at the first one and just said "no" and pushed it away. She then looks at the other letter and says "no" again and pushes it away as well. I explained to her that both of these letters are proof of my residency at the new address but she being a woman of very few words said, "here's a list of acceptable forms of proof." I explained that my mortgage receipt with the new address was enough and also on the list of acceptable forms of proof but she turned me away for the second time today. Why is it that at any DMV you go to the employees are always extremely rude, uncooperative, and unhelpful? Employees like you ma'am are the reason everyone hates the DMV. If you hate people that much then get a different job! read more