Unfair practice, DMV told me I need CHP for verification for both my Wranglers and today the did VIN verification for a Wrangler!

DMV still does not have it together. Three months to get appointment. They open at 7 but do not staff well so it still takes forever.

This DMV was probably the best one in the SD region. It is very clean,and the workers our very conducive. The lines our fast and efficient because each alphabet stands for what your trying to achieve while there. They also have the best looking employees sorry but it's true read more

I usually visit the north park location early, but since I live a lot closer to this location I wanted to give it a go. Best decision ever! I've never had a horrible horrible time at a DMV office, but the person who helped me definitely exceeded expectations! My appointment was at 8:30 and after standing in the wrong line for about 10 minutes, I got in the right line, received a ticket and was called at about 8:40. I was assisted by James I believe his name was, amazing worker! He helped me with my registration and the late fees since I never received documentation ! Amazing, and would have helped with my license, but I didn't have one of the papers because I thought it'd be in the system by now. I'll probably have to do a walk in for the other item lol, but I'll make sure to be there bright and early, so I can be in & out of there! Regardless, you were amazing James and thank you very much for your top of the line customer service read more

I went to get my DL converted to a Real ID (without an appointment!). I normally go to the Normal St./Hillcrest DMV but this was much nicer from start to finish. The security and staff were friendly and helpful. The process took about 1 hr 15 mins from start to finish. My preferred DMV location from here on out. read more

I did everything I could to get the registration taken care of for 2020 tags. My car was not working, had it towed to shop and paid $750 for a new alternator. I had to wait to get smog and when I did, it failed, I finally got the $to pay the registration (SMOG person said pay it and come back.). I waited to have the money and today was told it was $89 penalty on top of original! The woman didn't even acknowledge the truth. How can someone pay $1K over their monthly bills to get a car repaired and registered? The woman barely spoke to me because she knew she was pulling a fast one. California is so crooked now! read more

Took several attempts at trying to pass my behind the wheel test and failed at multiple DMV locations. Despite almost failing again, I got a chance to pass. Finally passed here along with several people! The place was packed, but I can see why. The workers are actually nice and enjoy their job unlike most DMV workers. I recommend making an appointment prior to coming here unless you want to wait in the pit of hell for an hour or more. read more

It was a breeze. DEFINITELY Make an appointment. I just wanted to put my Veterans status on my DL. I got to my 11:40 am appt on time. Got in the short appt line. 1st clerk gave me a form to fill out, then I went back to her when I was done and got a number to wait for another clerk to help me. It wasn't long before I was called. The 2nd clerk processed my paper and then Directed me to photo to get a new picture for the DL and then I was done. 12:30 pm...less than an hour. All 3 DMV employees/clerks that helped me were friendly and respectful. Overall experience was great. read more

DMV is not my favorite place to visit but sometimes you have no choice. This location is maybe the better ones we have in San Diego. Still crowded but the lines are efficient and the employees are actually nice. Decent parking and easy access in the east county. Still it's the DMV. Get their early or get a reservation. read more

lady was so rude at window 17 , had the biggest attitude and was not helpful what should ever. if u wanna work with people have some patience. rudest person i've ever seen. The dmv is supposed to be helpful, but it's filled with rude co workers, if you don't like your job get another one. simple as that. read more

I just don't understand how people can be allowed to be so rude when serving the public. I brought my registration paperwork in already paid because I had a one off situation. A question that could really have been answered at the front desk, but of course I was given a number to wait. My car was at the shop being repaired for that past month and my registration needed smog. I didn't have access to the car so I paid the reg fees and was hoping to get a pass for when I got my vehicle back to take it to get smogged. At this point I didn't know when my car was going to be done and had been paying for a rental car for 3 weeks. When my number finally got called I was called to the front desk where I checked in, further proof my question could have been answered at check in. I told the woman my situation and she offered me a day pass to get it smogged but I had to write the date in. I told her I couldn't do that because I didn't know when the car was coming back. She then gave me two day passes and said I had to write the day in. Gee that helped. I asked if they had a month pass they could give me and they said only if it fails smog. I asked if an exception could be made so I can get out ahead of the need to take a day off work in the future when my car is complete. She ran and got the manager. When I say that this woman was rude, I'm talking teenage girl rude. She walked up arms crossed, front foot kicked out and a giant unhappy overemphasized frown on her face. It was like someone coached her on how to be a stereotypical teenage bully. I nearly laughed at her but thought it would help my cause. I had to explain the entire situation again. Apparently they just run and grab miss bossy pants without forwarding her the issue. She stated that they can only give two day passes at a time and that everything else would be between me and law enforcement. I asked if I could get more by coming in another day and she said yes. I asked if I could just wait in line again today and get two more and her head nearly exploded. She stated m, "not now that I know about it and I'll tell my entire staff they you've been given two passes already." I told her I was just looking for a way to make a difficult situation for me a little less difficult. I really just didn't want to have to take time off work to come to the DMV when I could get enough passes to get me through the weekend and if they could not force me to write in a date that would be great. She immediately said that it was a crime to tamper with the written date. I said I wasn't planning on it other wise I would still be here talking to you. I asked her if she oversaw any other locations. She said no. I said I guess I'll just head there and get more passes today. She rolled her eyes and walked away and her employee giggled awkwardly. I went to the other location, explained my situation. They gave me three more passes and replaced the two with the dates on them to get me through the week. In the end, the El Cajon DMV Manager looked like a fool. Her tough guy high school routine made her seem unintelligent and unprofessional. It's obvious none of her staff respect her and she doesn't trust herself to make exceptions on a case by case basis. She just treats everyone coming through like a criminal. Swell job, you give state management a good name. read more

I like this DMV. I went here yesterday with Kim to renew our driver's licenses. We arrived at the place around 10 AM,and I found a parking space right away. Good sign. There were probably around 25 people just standing around the building. Bad sign. We went inside,stood in line where the sign said, START HERE,behind another 15 people. But the line moved quickly. In five minutes,we were at the desk,and given numbers,and told to look at the TV screens and listen for our numbers to be announced. Good sign . My number was H020. I looked up at the screen and I saw H012 @ window # 5. Good sign. Ten minutes later, my number flashed on the screen,so did Kim's. Window #6 for me, # 5 for her. Good sign. Me: *handed my mailed notice* "driver's license renewal". Lady: "That'll be $ 28.00." "Can I see your driver's license,please"; " Is the information on the card,correct? Me. "yes" Lady: Correct address, Height? Weight? ( She smiled a weird smile) Me: Of course. Lady: Please sign here, handed me 2 pieces of paper. Now, please go to the next window to get your picture taken. . I handed the papers to camera guy. Camera guy: Your name is Marwin? Please sign here. Slide your right thumb into this slot. Stand behind the line there. Ready. Click Me: Heyyyyyyy. I wasn't ready! Camera guy: Hahaha You'll receive your new card in 2 weeks. Kim had the same experience,but she fixed her hair,and face before the funny camera guy clicked. We were there for a little over 30 minutes. I like this DMV. read more

It's basically what you'd expect from a dmv. Crowded ass hell and took forever to get what you need done. I came in to renew my drivers license, mind you I made an appointment first to try and speed up the process. I had to go back twice just to get that one thing done because there were other documents that I needed to have with me( things that should have been on their website). read more

I had a 9:15 appointment and showed up at 8:45. I waited in line a few minutes before checking in. Please note I made my appointment online about 2 weeks ago and this was the first available time slot. I brought all the necessary paperwork and documents, took the written test and vision test. Switching my license over only took 45 minutes. The staff was fast and friendly. read more

Here to renew husbands DL. Tried to get apt on line but the first date was a week after his DL expiring. Showed up at 9:40 with no apt and out by 12:30pm. 3 hour wait. Could be worse though. Employees seemed nice except lady at the check in. Guess if your there for DL your supposed to go to another line. DMV should put up better signs as you walk in to avoid the dragon ladies bellows. If coming here with no apt just snag a seat and enjoy the people watching. You're in for a real treat. East County never disappoints. read more

Everybody's got a horror story about their visit to the DMV. I've got one too. I waited in the wrong line, with the wrong form, with a check written for the wrong amount, only to be sneered at by a "public servant" whose only moment of pleasure coincided with my moment of greatest frustration and fuming subdued rage. But that was at a different DMV, in a different time, in a different place, in a different dimension. Today, I discovered the Twilight Zone DMV. I pulled into the parking lot, and found a nice large space under a spreading shade tree. There was a line of people waiting outside the door at 10 minutes to 8am, when they opened. Of the 50 people in line ahead of me, some were reading the newspaper, some were standing silently, hiding behind their sunglasses, some of the younger set were be-bopping to their iPods, and the gentleman behind me was making business calls about his underwater boat repair company. 2 minutes before 8, the doors opened, and while we started filing in, a man came out and very matter-of-factly raised the US flag to its point of honor on the office flagpole, signifying that they were indeed open for business and that the Old Glory still waves o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. By 8:01, I was standing in front of the guy at the entry desk, telling him exactly what I needed. He handed me a form and a computer-printed number tag, and told me to have a seat and fill out the form. As I walked to the seating area, I heard a computerized voice call out "Now serving G-008 at window number 5." I glanced at my number, and it was G-010. I found a seat and started filling out my form. "Now serving G-009 at window number 7." I entered my previous license number on the form. "Now serving G-010 at window number 10." I had gotten as far as the first 3 letters on my first name. I jumped up and briskly walked to window 10 to be greeted by a smiling woman who asked me what she could help me with today. I told her what I needed, and apologized that I didn't have the form ready yet. She said that was fine, and that she could enter my information while I was filling out the form. So we did that simultaneously, and a few minutes later, I had the form completed, signed, a check for the correct amount in her hand, and my new temporary Driver's License in hand, with a promise that the new card would arrive in the mail within 2 weeks. As I walked out the door, I glanced at my watch: 8:12am. I looked around me. The sun was shining, birds were singing, and somewhere in the distance, I heard children laughing. I never wanted to leave. This is my newly discovered "Happy Place". The El Cajon DMV. Believe it. read more

Let me start by saying that I'm an idiot. I'm an idiot who forgot to renew his license before it expired on his birthday. I'm also an idiot that tried to rent a car with my expired license. This is why I had to show up to this DMV at opening time, Tuesday morning, the day after a holiday, with no appointment........f-...me. I pulled into the parking lot to see a line of 40+ people waiting to get in. Just looking at the line of people pissed me off. But wait, why was it so easy to find a parking spot? Let alone a spot twice the size of one in Mission Valley. Maybe they need to accommodate the lifted trucks so commonly found in East County. NO STOP IT! I will not stereotype East County vehicles! I will not stereotype this DMV either, and say I was helped by someone I wanted to bitch slap. In all honesty, the line moved quick, the numerous TVs made the number reading efficient, there was plenty of seating, both counters I went to had very pleasant workers, and I was done with everything in 15 minutes. I was happy when I left. Who leaves the DMV happy? You will my friend, if you visit the DMV in El Cajon. read more

I've realized why the DMV is such a dreadful place; This is what the introduction of hell is going to be like. If you've read Dante's Inferno, you'll understand my correlation: Upon entrance, you stand in a long line among other anxious individuals wishing to get their driving issues solved so they could move on with their lives. You finally meet the person who determines where you're supposed to go according to your dilemma. I'd like to call this person, Minos because of their responsibilities of giving you a piece of paper telling you when you will be judged appropriately...luckily a tail isn't wrapped around you as you get flung across the room to your appropriate place. As you're trying to find a seat, you can't help but notice the cornucopia of people: the asian, white, hillbillies, goths, muslims, hispanics, africans, refugees from all over the world, pretty much every nationality is here. There is no other place that I can think of where people of every race and religion can sit in one room together without beating each other. As you wait.....and waiitttt...and look at the screen calling other numbers... "Now serving D094" "Now serving A096" and the empty chattering around you the babies crying the cell phones ringing the shuffling of the feet This can drive anybody to insanity while you're anxiously clasping your ticket, constantly reassuring your number is D105 and you realize you still have 10 more numbers to go....and you look up after 10 min and you're not anywhere closer....and waitttt...and wish you brought a book or your iPod. To kill time, you grab a California's DMV handbook and start thumbing through it and reiterate the fact that the Terminator is indeed your governor. Seriously....I feel like I look some points off my IQ for sitting there. Ultimately, the clear voice calls me, "now serving D105 at window number 7". My judgement has finally arrived. Will my conflict be solved here, or will I be sentenced to another trip to the DMV just in case my smog check wasn't good enough? The apathetic woman at window #7 will tell me my fortune. As she looks through my documents and punches some numbers in her computer, she goes to someone in the middle of the office....then she tells me to sit down and will call me whenever she's ready So I sit down...I call this limbo.... After another 15 min of observing people taking their DL/ID pictures, I finally hear my first name and my last name getting butchered. I approach the window once again and I get my new registration stickers. I'm free! I get to live DMV-free for another year or until I get a ticket or something! But until then, I got a second chance at life! read more

I cannot believe I am giving a DMV 5 stars. Nobody likes going to the DMV, but in certain circumstances, it's impossible to avoid. However, I am extremely impressed with this El Cajon office. Please take note, I moved from Los Angeles - the city of demons. You have to scratch, bite, stab and shoot people to survive our L.A. DMV's. It's rough y'all. All the locations are grimy and packed with hostile people. Compared to any L.A. DMV this El Cajon DMV is clean, safe, and organized. Anyway, I came to the DMV today with my scheduled appointment to do an address change. When you walk in, there is a line for the "appointment only" and another line for the "non-appointment only." Both lines flowed quickly and i was in and out within 15 min. When it boils down to it, the DMV is a wild and unpredictable place. While you can certainly increase your chances of getting through with your sanity intact by visiting at the right time of the day and with all the paperwork you need, you're probably still going to get stuck there for a while. If you are going to get stuck at a DMV this is the location. read more

What's more to say. Inconsiderate employees that hate there job, can't get things right the first time, and plan on wasting 3 hours of your life if you need something. When people think of "government employees" this is sadly what they think of. Sitting in a kindergarten plastic seat while they call your number like cattle. We can put people on the moon but we can't get more qualified people to work this place? read more

If I could give less than one star, I'd give negative 5. At my age, I've been to the DMV many times and although it is never the most pleasant place to be, it's typically bearable depending on the time you go. This review is specifically about a representative. Her name is MONIQUE. Right as we sat down, she already had an attitude. As if her day was ruined simply because she had to work. She did not have a professional demeanor at all. It was almost as if she wanted the world to know that she is from the ghetto and must be tough. I know that no one really checks the yelp reviews for the DMV, but if someone above does, then you should know that Monique treats customers with an attitude that shows she hates her job. Maybe she should not be working there and her job should be offered to someone who actually will like that job. read more

After reading all the negative reviews, I have decided to share my experience at the El Cajon DMV this morning. I had renewed my license twice on line, but now they wanted an eye test and probably a new photo of my mug, so I had to come in. First of all, I made an appointment on line. If your time means anything to you, do this. This is the sequence of events: Arrived, parked, got in appointment line and got my number, waited two or three minutes until my number was called, eye test for drivers license, filled out paperwork, paid in cash, given temporary license, got my photo taken. Total time 15 minutes. The clerk was efficient, friendly and professional. Totally painless! Here are some pointers in dealing with the DMV. 1. If you can renew on line, do it! 2. If you must come to the DMV make an appointment. Early on a Friday morning is good. Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. 3. Read all the paperwork beforehand and fill out as much as possible. 4. Bring the amount to pay in exact change in cash. 5. Be polite! read more

I was very very surprised at how uneventful my trip to the DMV was today. Every other time I've visited I get the rudest, meanest ladies to help me. This was my first time to this DMV, and I was surprised to see it be so small. I didn't think it was a good sign at all that there was absolutely no parking and I had to find street parking. I had a 9:15 a.m. appointment but with that many cars in the parking lot I thought I would be there for a long while. Got there 5 minutes early, there was no wait at the check-in counter (surprise) got my tag took a seat and my number was called within the next ten minutes!!! Wow I was really surprised. More pleasantly surprised I was to get a staff member who was actually helpful, in a good mood, and talked to me in a pleasant tone. I was out of this joint by 9:30!!!! I'm only taking one star for crummy parking!!! Other than that this experience beats all the ones I've had at Claremont! read more

Are there any dmv's with no long ass line in SD like really The line was almost in the parking lot when I went but It did move fast thank god because the people in line just screamed E.county I heart some of the wildest conversations while in line & why is SD the only place I've been to that always has atleast one couple hugged up or making out No on wants to see that crap like not at all so get a room or get a life ASAP My gf had to change her license over from IL to SD & was told this one would be the least crowded but compared to the Clairemont one it's true Overall /standing in line/getting the license/taking the pic/taking the test took about 1-1 1/2 hrs Thank god its over read more

Never made it into the doors of the DMV! This DMV in El Cajon is insane. Doors open at 8 and I was driving around the parking lot in circles looking for a parking space at 7 a.m. yes! 7 a.m. When I finally found a parking spot down the street, yes that's correct down the street at 7:45am. I walked to the front door wondering why so many people were in line outside the door where the line met the parking lot structure! So I asked and was told this is line no matter if you have an appointment or not! sweet mother! really from the door to the parking lot! come on El Cajon you must do better thats insane. so needless to say I never made it to my appt. after circle after circle in the parking lot and then the additional line.. yahhh I am so good! thank you anyways read more

Had appt. @ 12:50 Showed up @ 12:30 Waited in line for 5 min to check in Got my ticket waited for my number to be called (5 min) Paid DL renewal fee Did vision test Got n line for new pic (10 min) Out of there in less than 40 min Holy cow!!! Great job el cajon dmv!!! Chill attitude. read more

What can be said other than "Holy Shit". Long Government lines with clueless staff, a security guard who has reached his career peak and the mindless drones wasting breathable air. Other than that, exactly what I expected for a trip to the DMV. read more

They check to see if you have an appointment now. Do yourself a favor and come hungry so you can walk to Greek Style Chicken while you are waiting for your number. Why oh why can't they have free wi fi here? read more

I know most people don't like going to these places, but I thought they were all really nice and organized. They really took steps to make the process as easy as possible. I was just there to replace my DL. And the true process was less than 30 minutes and I didn't even have an appointment :) read more

OK - nobody likes the DMV, but if you have to go, El Cajon is the very best. I am a very impatient, 73 year old, curmudgeon. I HATE to wait for anything. I needed to renew my driver's license, so I went online to make an appointment at El Cajon DMV (because my past experiences there were always pleasant). I went online this morning at 8:30AM and they had an appointment available at 11:20 AM today! I arrived at 11:15, took a seat, got called at 11:19, went to the window, paid my fee, took an 18 question quiz, waited in line for my picture and was on my way home by 11:40. Impossible to beat that - on time, friendly people and efficicient. El Cajon DMV is the BEST. read more

The average DMV. Most of the employees are fairly friendly. Just don't ever get in the handicapped line, unless you absolutely can't reach over the normal counter or communicate decently. It seems like it's shorter and convenient, but once you get your number, there are no employees who open up the actual handicapped window numbers. I counted 2 in one hour, and then the window closed for the next hour, and then 2 more customers in the next hour, etc. I watched SOO many people come in after me and leave before me. read more

I had made an appointment to renew my license and get the real California ID card. Making an appointment is seriously the best way to go even if you have to wait a couple months. I got into my appointment earlier than expected and was out in 15 minutes. The technician that helped me was very kind friendly Pleasant and nice to chat with. I recommend making an appointment and visiting the DMV in El Cajon before any other DMV location read more

This was the worst DMV experience out of the last 17 years worth of DMV encounters I've had. I feel like one star is too generous. I waited in a long line just to get to where they issue you a number so you can wait some more. Though it seemed this lady who hated her life at the counter didn't want to give people numbers, instead wanted to just tell everyone they couldn't be helped. I watched as people in front of me kept getting turned away for one reason or another and told to get back in the long line again. Once it was my turn I experienced the horribleness of this woman first hand, one of the rudest and most condescending people I've ever met. She essentially said she could do nothing for me without explaining why or even trying to look anything up in her system. I was so stressed by the interaction I left in tears. When I asked for a pen to fill something out she said no... literally the most unhelpful person I've ever met. I understand if you hate people, that's your prerogative but at least do the job you're getting paid to do or change careers. Drove over to the Tag Stop immediately after and not only were they pleasant but there was absolutely no line. And you know what, they helped me! And it was issued to me on DMV forms so I know for a fact that lady could have actually helped if she wanted to. Just awful. Save yourself time and the years off your life the stress will take and do not go to this DMV location. Just don't do it. read more

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT! That is the only way to endure the DMV the correct way. Came in stood in the appointment line for 2 minutes; my number was called 5 minutes later. I was in and out under 30 minutes. Go online to make your appointment, it doesnt take that long and you will not have to wait in a 2 mile long line to get a number to be helped. They get 3 stars due to the fact that not one person working there enjoys there job and they pass along there attitude onto the customers. Not one smile or friendly hello; 7 people total working behind the counters no wonder that place was packed and slow. read more

This is the DMV. It is not fun. This five star rating is relative to other DMVs. Your visit will not necessarily be enjoyable. However, your visit will be air conditioned. It will be clean, well lit, and have sufficient seating. The atmosphere isn't tinged with that typical DMV despair. Even better, there are plenty of appointments available at this location. I was in and out with a replacement license in under 20 minutes. Don't wait, sweltering in a line out the door. Make an appointment at this DMV. It was worth the 20 minute drive. read more

I made an appointment for license renewal for today. I showed up early and there was plenty of parking. I was done within 30 minutes, and it costed around $33. Always make an appointment. Otherwise, you're probably gonna leave pissed. read more

We've been going here for over a decade, and never had a problem until we had the bad luck of getting the same agent on two different occasions, who either hates people or doesn't know how to do his job. Reason being, both times we got this guy, he screwed us over and we had to come back a second time, when the transaction should have been completed in one visit. The first time he did this, he was smiling to himself, despite his otherwise cold and I'm-too-cool-for-this-job attitude. He had assured us we had to wait for such and such to come in the mail to complete the transaction, but this wasn't true. He basically just didn't complete it. The second time, we kept glaring in his direction, saying "we better not have to go to his window we better not have to go to his window" but low and behold, we got him, and he did it again. I don't know if he still works there, but I hope not. He doesn't deserve the job whether it was incompetance or mean spirited self entertainment. We certainly never did anything to him, so it couldn't have been us. Thankfully though, when I had to renew my registration on my truck a month ago, I had something you're never supposed to have at the DMV. A positive, breezy experience! We walked in, and it wasn't even crowded (cue twilight zone music). Even better, the clerk was FRIENDLY, and when we told him our intent, he walked us right up to the machine and guided us through it. I'm not sure how long those renewal machines have been there, but it was new to us, and we were quite thankful. I didn't get his name but you can't miss him, he's the happy guy with the smile who really, astonishingly seems to enjoy his job at the DMV. He even broke out into song, told my husband he has a beautiful wife, and thanked us as he sent us on our way. Now that's what red tape should be all about. Occupy the DMV, it's not the hell it used to be. Unless that initial jerk still works there, then..watchyoself! read more

How can you possible give good rating when it takes for ever to get helped. Then when you get helped they do not provide you all the information you need to know. To register a commercial truck I made an appointment. It still took me 30-40 minutes to finally talk to the person I had to talk to. To realize that I had to come back an other time with the actual truck. So I did and waited for an other 40 minutes to learn that I had to take the truck to a third party place to get it weighted. So now I have to go back again (3rd time) and wait in a long line again to pay for the fee. That will be probably over 3 hours of wait total to get a truck registered. read more

Read many reviews and it's either a hit or a miss with this DMV. Yet, I have to agree with the miss group. Lines are long and slow moving. When you do get close, it's time for lunch or break time. They recommend setting an appointment, but it takes about the same amount of time to get seen. If possible, do what you need to do online or by mail. It's actually less stressful. read more

This piace is absurd. Lines that last hours, incompetent staff that blames slow computers for everything. Horrible experience all the time. Hope they close it and fire these people read more