The DMV clearly was not built for the pandemic. A lot of paper pushing, standing in different lines, going to different stations, unclear signage and instructions - the works. However, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be when I was forced to apply for my REAL ID. Everyone working here was actually really nice, much to my surprise. REAL ID applications are treated as an appointment if you completed your app online first, so I would definitely recommend doing that. There's always some confusion about where to go or stand, and the employee in front was doing his best to keep the universe from collapsing on itself by issuing a plethora of verbal commands and body language cues. Remember, people are like sheep, except dumber. read more

What an amazing visit to the DMV! Everyone was super nice and helpful. Whoever is running this office and to all the employees who helped me, thank you for making the visit fast and easy. read more

One of the nicest, most organized DMVs I've been to in orange county. The guys at the entrance and the lady at window 10 that helped me were all nice. They quickly finish up procedures; once you get to the window, everything is easy and quick! read more

they yell at u and aren't patient at all. u need to be fluent in English if u come here because they will not help u

I see quite a few bad reviews about this place and I've no idea why. It's the DMV! It is going to be crowded, not very clean, and people are going to be irritated because they have to wait. There's no reason for any of that. Just be prepared, take a seat (if you can find one) and relax until your number is called. read more

DMV - Looooong line before 8 am. :) - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

Absolute waste of 2 hours. The lady behind the counter was really rude and was completely, 100% wrong about not one, but three different things. Where's the accountability for these people? I did everything the DMV website said and the lady behind the counter unilaterally decided to do something different from what was on the website and what was literally written on a DMV form, right in front of her. Wasted 2 hours of my time because she didn't want to do her job. read more

Overall this is probably a two star review. But I feel like the gentleman out front who was working his tail off to make sure people knew what numbers were being called while they're keeping social distancing on the inside earned them a whole Nother star. Otherwise it was a little chaotic getting to the DMV. At this point there was a shut down so they were no new appointments however when you walk up there's no clear indication as to whether you're getting in line for a hopeful chance of getting in without an appointment or if you have an appointment. They were doing temperature checks and asking some basic screening questions. I do appreciate the digital numbers on the screen however it really doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to how they call the numbers. It wasn't such a pleasant environment there was someone that screamed out "I'm gonna smoke you fool." And stormed out with Security chasing. Not one of the safest feelings to have that happen in the middle of your visit. Additionally this whole visit was on top of my address being input it wrong in my license not arriving. It is improved it's a crazy busy place but overall the DMV is still not a good experience. read more

If I could give negative stars I would. The man who was supposed to give my daughter a driving test refused because he said our registration was expired and we needed a smog test. I took my car to the smog station and he said it doesn't need a test and was not late to re-register. The dmv guy didn't even bother to look it up. What a waste of time and my daughter was so upset. I know I have no recourse but if you can go anywhere else but the Fullerton dmv I would. That said, the woman who helped us initially was great. But the guy who was supposed to give her the driving test was AWFUL. I wish I took his name down but I honestly thought he had at least looked us up in the system to know that we needed a smog test before he came out and said we needed a smog test. read more

After having a bad experience at the Santa Ana DMV, I came here on two separate weekdays. Both of these experiences have been extremely positive. The lines moved quickly and the staffs were friendly and helpful. I fully expected to be there for hours, but on Wednesday at 9am, I did a walk-in and got to the counter immediately. I was in and out in 30 minutes. Thankful for this great experience! Definitely worth the drive for me. read more

Just took my mom to get her REAL ID and I was done in twenty minutes! I have never gone to the DMV and finished that quickly. Not sure if there were less people because of covid or people being able to do things online now, but my mind is still blown how fast and efficient it was this time. We made an appointment for 0900 and we got there at 0840 and they still let us in. Had to go to different windows to complete the whole process, but it moved very quickly and all the workers were friendly and helpful. If you're coming to get a REAL ID, just make sure you make an appointment and fill out the application online. Also, have all your original documents on hand. read more

Has anyone found a Dmv they like. Maybe if you find one in a small out of the way town. I went to renew my driver's license and get a real ID. California has been giving out diver's incenses to anyone so the Federal government, starting in 2019 or 20 with not except a California driver's license without it being a real ID license. You need to take a birth certificate or passport. Your social security card and a bill with your name on it to get a real ID. So the process takes longer and the dmv is very busy. Make a appointment is the best way to go. My appointment was at 9am, I got there about 20 minutes early and I was out of there in all about 45 minutes. read more

I am a driving instructor with TDA in BREA. From time to time I bring driving students to the DMV for their driving test. Today, I brought a student and while she was testing, I had a lovely conversation with a parent who was waiting for her daughter. Out came Patrick (driving examiner) wearing his lab coat and holding his clipboard while he glared at me as I was speaking to this parent. I mentioned to the parent, while not looking at Patrick, that this man did not like me. And why? Because a year ago when I brought a student to the DMV, Patrick came up to the window, as the instructors will do, and told me that I have to disconnect my dash cam, which I had shown him that I had done. Then he told me I have to dismount my dash cam from the windshield. I told him that I do not have to do that. He told me I DO have to do that. I told him no, I do not have to do that. He marched into the DMV and found out that I do not have to dismount my dash cam from the windshield. He got into the car with my student and I went back to wait where the parents wait. Then he got out of the car and walked back towards me. I walked towards him and he said in a rude manner that he was not going to take my student on his test. I asked him why and he said that he (himself) is too big and cannot see past the dash cam, so my student will just have to wait for someone else. He was very rude and very disrespectful. Since that time, every time I come to the DMV and he sees me, he glares at me in a nasty way and today, as I was standing there having a lovely conversation with his parent, this same parent, after I left to rejoin my student, overheard Patrick speaking to my student's examiner and telling my student's examiner how he could "not stand that woman," referring to me. Patrick has held onto a grudge for an entire year. I was told that he is an ex-police officer - according to one parent who shared this with me, so this is a pathetic commentary on this man's personality. He must be a very unhappy individual to hold onto a grievance for an entire year. It is also extremely unprofessional for him to speak negatively to another DMV employee about me who is also a professional at what I do. This man should be addressed by a superior and reprimanded for his behavior. read more

I had to renew my driver's license and get the real ID for the first time. This required me to come into the DMV to finalize paperwork. I submitted the application online and also uploaded my documents online. This helped speed up the process at the DMV because I was in and out in 30 minutes. No appointments were needed, I just needed to show them my confirmation number that was emailed to me. Heads up for payment (see my photo on this review). read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

I was there on 1/3/23 raining day. The checked in line was inside due to the rain. Not too many people so i got my # pretty fast. Went in to fill up the online form in the testing room. Once done just wait for my number to be called. The lady who assisted me in window#22, i believed was extremely nice. She even helped me schedule for behind the wheel test without having to window #1. read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

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Horrible experience at the DMV. Many of the employees were rude and inadequate at their jobs. They will state the problem but will not actually assist or address how to fix the problem. For example, camera 1 person told me to step to the side before the camera had even gone off. I had the false impression that the picture was complete so I had started moving. The camera man then comments that I wasn't even looking at the camera and that I was looking at him. In reality, I had started to look to the direction that I was sent to BY HIM. If I were looking at him, he would be BEHIND THE CAMERA taking the picture-- meaning that I would still be looking straight forward. He didn't even offer to retake my picture despite the first attempt being invalid for an ID. This camera man then sent me to someone else in the window next to camera 1. This man proceeds to do my vision test AGAIN. The lady at window 24 (who was extremely helpful and kind) wrote that she had already done my vision test and that I had passed on the machine. He completely disregarded what she wrote. I have contacts that dry out my already dry eyes which lead to bad vision. He says that I need to come back and retake the vision test. I begin to feel stressed out because this whole trip would have been for nothing. The employee proceeds to ask me the same question multiple times in a condescending tone. He did not bother to even restate the question. I was about to leave the DMV feeling discouraged and disappointed when I return to the lady at window 24. The lady at window 24 was so understanding and patient, she helped me sort the situation with the employee near camera 1. She had also helped me retake my picture and was surprised that the man on camera 1 did not let me retake the picture. Overall, this DMV experience was unsatisfactory. The only employee who was not rude to me that day was the lady at window 24. read more

A place for quick and easy to make real ID and other services. They offer good service. Once you make appointment and show up, everything is a taking care of business. I recommend this location! read more

DMV - Sticker! - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

Never in my life have I been to a dmv where everyone was so nice and helpful! I was worried because I didn't have an appointment and figured it would take forever, but I was totally wrong. I got there early and was in and out within 15 mins! I just figured I would totally give them credit. So thank you so much! :) read more

BEWARE OF SUSAN THE SUPERVISOR she's really lazy, I bet all she does at work is eat and tell people it's not her problem, ended up driving all the way to another DMV to get help instead. She rolled her eyes and told me there's nothing she can do, didn't even look at my paperwork or check the computer, the funny thing is she said she's been doing this for 20 years, she's been wrong for so long, I think DMV should have them retake an aptitude test every year to renew their brain license. I went in to get registration and since my vehicle paperwork is kind of complicated because of a salvage title, nobody knows what to do there, the staff ask her she for advise or to escalate the issue but she doesn't even know the answer or what to do she just tells people it is not her problem and has attitude. Maybe too much laziness and cheeseburgers are making her ignorant. I told her ok I'll call Sacramento and she gave me even more attitude and said go ahead call them, so arrogant and mean because they are unionized and can't get fired. People like her don't need to be working there, please write her up and do us all the favor. read more

Just had to renew my drivers license, and had to wait 4 hours to get it done. Now I just got a letter from DMV saying I have to go back and take another photo because the one they took turned out blurry. What a joke this place is. Your job is to take photos all day and you can't get it right? Adjust your camera while I am there instead of making me come back you morons! I'm pissed off. a-holes! read more

I wonder how it is to work at a place that guarantees pension where you can literally hate your life and treat people so poorly while not facing any consequences. The rude person pictured was so unhelpful, rude and arrogant towards people in front of me and was not any different as I approached the window. I feel extremely sorry for this person, to hate his job so much it is projected on the people who pay his salary, that he is "required" to help. I feel so sorry for the woman in front of me and the gentleman after that asked him questions and his short one word responses, and calling the next person up while they were still speaking. DMV- Please talk to this person. I understand you are not paid to deliver customer service, but when I see people explain that they've taken time off work to be there and ask questions and you have people like this who are so hateful of their job and project it to others it is unacceptable. This man is a disgrace and should be put in a position where talking to people is not an option. Maybe data input somewhere far in the back of the building would be more of a match for his personality. Unbelievable!! read more

DMV - Rude and disgraceful - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

I needed to apply for my Real ID. As of now, they're not taking appointments for this so I had to take a chance and go w/o an appointment. The line just to check in took over an hour (I arrived at 8:00). Once I checked in, I was able to wait in my car. They texted me when my turn was coming up (waited about an hour) and I was able to go into the actual building. Waited another 20 or so minutes before I was called to Window 20. Was helped by Julia, a warm and friendly clerk. Even with a face mask on, I can tell she was smiling. Next, had to wait in another line to take my picture. Clerk was nice and patient and allowed me to put lipstick on for my picture. Then, back to Julia to get my temporary license and make my payment. All in all, 3.5 hours. It could have been a nightmare, but the friendly service and cooperation of all the people there made it bearable. read more

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I went to the Fullerton dmv on Monday and was real impressed. I went in to get my disabled placard without an appointment and was in and out within an hour with everything I needed. It was very easy and simple. Other dmvs I've spent up to six hours waiting no matter if I had an appointment or not but this one is very fast and efficient read more

Went in for address change & name correction, I really appreciate it. Elaine was very sweet & understanding & also professional. Thank you Elaine for making my Dmv experience welcoming. read more

One of the most pleasant experiences I've had at the DMV... a couple weeks go in wen to get my registration when you first get here you wait in line to the service area in front. First off Louis or was Lewis? Was great and personable and very helpful. He was the one you first meet in front to log you in and tell you where to go and ask you why you're there before you go in. He gave me my ticket and enter my name into the Automated text messages so I could just wait in my Vehicle or even leave and when my number came up soon I would get a message to start heading into the DMV. Now that's just plan awesome!!!!! Even though it was an hour wait it was nothing just chilling in my truck while o waited vs inside. The time went by in a flash before I got a text message the start heading in because my # was coming up soon... and all I had to wait inside for no more than 5- 10min and I was taken care of and outta there l! Thanks guys! Edited: I totally forgot to mention Jeff the clerk that helped with my registration! My renewal fell on a Weeknd/Holiday (NYE) when the DMV was closed and he was able to wave my late feee that was totally awesome of him to do that! I know he didn't have to do that. So thank you man! read more

I went here so I could apply for my real ID before the deadline next year. Since you always hear about the horror stories of lines and waiting at the DMV, I wanted to do it on my time. Everyone will need the real ID after October 2020 if you want to travel domestically or you can use another form of ID such as a passport. You can start the application online here: https://realid.dmv.ca.gov/ It will go over acceptable forms of ID and saves you a lot of time. You can also set a appointment for your ID. I filled out the application in September and the earliest appointment for me was in November! I can say that by doing this I was in and out of the DMV in 30 minutes! There was little or no wait and the person who helped me was a lot faster than a sloth. So, don't wait to long to do this if you'll need it. I am sure the appointments will fill up as the year goes on. read more

The Fullerton Field Office workers are efficient, courteous and professional. They do get busy so go Tuesday - Thursday mid morning or mid afternoon for shorter wait times. Also, you can prepare by going to the DMV website beforehand to prepare the paperwork, etc. Have a good one! read more

My experience at Fullerton... Long lines, snarky employees, and even worse examiners. Whatever, as expected. At Fullerton, I attempted my behind the wheel test; there I was given an incredibly obese and rude examiner. He tested my knowledge about the car before we began the test, he didn't introduce himself, try to give some social cue that i'll be working with him, nothing. He kept trying to slam my door open, I had to tell him to calm down, not break my car and allow me to open the car. He then got in and slammed the door behind him; off to a horrible start. He asks me to remove my bottles from the cup holders...? Because it's a safety hazard?? Sure. After he explains the instructions, I then ask him "would you like the A/C?" "Just start driving, I don't have time for this; I'm an examiner of the state of California. " "and...?" We then pull off, and I have my signal on for a left turn at a yellow flashing light, meaning I should yield. I carefully check traffic, and proceed. However someone speeding at about 60-80 mph comes speeding towards my car; now like any person, fight or flight activated. It seems like the imbecile of an examiner next to me thought it was a great idea to hold on to my arm, and ask me to stop in the middle of oncoming traffic; using my brain, I hit the gas so that we can avoid the collision, All glory to God that we did. I yelled at him "Are you crazy?" "i'm so sorry, you were right" I don't care, I just wanna finish my test and go on. The rest of my exam goes smooth, we get to the DMV parking lot and he screws me over telling me I was the one making a dangerous maneuver, and then decided to fail me. To whoever that examiner was, i'm sure your coworkers know you, God bless you. I do NOT RECOMMEND Fullerton. read more

Like everyone else I was dreading going into the DMV because I've had horrible past experiences. The employees I've dealt with have been rude and grouchy. But I had the best experience at this location and an employee by the name of Angelica was so sweet. I appreciated her and her great attitude. Seriously this was one of the best experiences. If not the best experience I've ever had at a DMV office. Thank you. read more

Well it wasn't as bad as before - I had an appointment but didn't have my 6 digit code - had every other number. So I had to look it up aka do another application. Which added time to my fun at the DMV. I was called for my 10am appointment at 10:15 not bad. The clerk was extremely nice and helpful at window 18. Parking was not the nightmare it was in the past. Now a bad experience read more

The Task: Attempt to go in person, WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT, to the DMV to apply for my driver's license renewal and REAL ID. I know, crazy right?? The Why: After receiving the renewal notice in the mail a couple of months ago, I tried to make an appointment online, but available timeslots were 3 months out for all of the local OC DMV offices. 3 months??!! Flash forward to this week and now my DL expires in less than 3 weeks (yes, I procrastinated) and I might as well get that Real ID. Starting October 2020, you will need a passport or DL that is REAL ID compliant to board a domestic air flight. To just renew your DL which is not REAL ID compliant, you don't need to visit the DMV in person. However, to apply for the DL with REAL ID compliance, you do need to go in person and present physical documentation. Pre-visit Preparation: Go to CA DMV website to determine the physical documents you will need to bring with you to the DMV to establish your identity. You do not want to be doing this at the last minute as you need to bring multiple physical documents that you will need time to gather. On the DMV website, fill out the online pre-visit application. After completion, it will provide you with a Confirmation #. (I think you can skip this pre-visit application step but it saves a little time at the office. Who wants to spend any more time than necessary at the DMV??) Decide with DMV office you will visit. Each office seems to have their own operating hours depending on the day of the week. DO NOT depend on the operating hours listed on Yelp because they are usually incomplete and inaccurate. Check the DMV website for the particular office for their particular hours. Note that if you intend to go late in the afternoon before they close, even if you are in line to get your number to be in the queue, you need to be INSIDE their door at their stated closing time to get service. This is the government and they WILL deny you service even if you've left work 2 hours early, fought rush hour traffic and wasted 1/2 hour in line but didn't get in the front door.... The Visit Timeline: Fullerton DMV opens at 7am on Tuesday 9/24/19. 6:35am: I parked my car in the spacious parking lot to find there are already over 15 people in line ahead of me. 6:50am: A staff member opens the front door. She is positioned at the entrance with a mobile kiosk. When it's your turn, she efficiently asks each person the purpose of their visit and then directs them inside to one of several other lines. 7:00am: It's my turn to enter the building! I'm directed to the line to apply for REAL ID. There are a few people ahead of me in this line. The desk is staffed by 2 people to review your physical documentation. After review, I'm given a number and told to wait till it's called. 7:05am: I take a seat with my number. There are over 30 windows and because they've just opened, my number is called within just a couple of minutes. Of course, my assigned window is way on the other side of the huge office and it takes another minute to just get over there. 7:09am: I arrive at my assigned window. The clerk reviews my documentation again and enters stuff into her computer. She then directs me to the station to have my picture taken. 7:14am: A few people ahead of me in line to get picture and fingerprint taken. Done. Sent back to my assigned window. 7:19am: Back at my assigned window, I pay my fee of $37 (cash, check or debit card; they don't accept credit card??!!) and given my receipt. I'm told my DL should arrive in the mail in 2-3 weeks. 7:21am: Exiting the building. Done! That wasn't so bad at all! (7:21am, there were now 2 staff people with mobile kiosks at the entrance but there is no line to enter.) read more

DMV - DMV Fullerton: Always verify the office hours before going. Different for each office. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

I'm not sure what twilight zone I'm in, but I actually had a positive experience at the DMV- gasp! I did not make an appointment but like most working adults don't have time to go to the DMV at 10 in the morning on a weekday. So, I decided just to wing it and go in on a Saturday. Note to people with a disability- you do NOT have to wait in line. Go directly inside, let them know you have a disability, and they give you a ticket. Granted, I don't know where that line is- nothing was well marked- but the staff was actually helpful and friendly so you can count on them to point you in the right direction. From the time I got my ticket to when I left it was roughly an hour, possibly left. I was there right around the time they opened and parking was definitely a hassle, but when I went to leave it seemed like less of an issue. It didn't take too long to get my REAL ID, but it probably helped that I had filled out the paperwork online. It took them a few minutes to review my documents, make whatever copies, and then after paying they took my picture and I got to leave. Another pro tip: there didn't seem to be a sufficient waiting area for the amount of people, but they do give you an option that they can just text you when they're ready for you. I found seating so I just hung out, and honestly they went through the numbers very quickly and efficiently. Plus they were nice. Seriously, this must be a twilight zone, because I have zero complaints minus the insufficient waiting area and someone difficult parking situation. read more

How awful, really, let just state that, very awful evil people. My wife is very limit knowledge with vehicles and registering she is new and still learning. I HAD TO SHOW UP TO BE PROPERLY SERVICED REGARDLESS OF MY ANGER AND FRUSTRATION WITH MY DISABILITY. We have 2 kids we have to bring along and I have M.S. dependable on a cane and very much get often attacks, always in pain. Need I say more?; They kept me there for more than an hour to queue on resolution center instead of prompt serviced and sent home, why? I don't know, not even the agent/rep helping me knew. She was all and very confused along with being rude towards me without reason, I was not raising my voice, not yelling, or demanding, nothing. Then I had enough in the end and they began properly servicing my wife to register the vehicle. Why I was lead to resolution instead of being promptly helpt and filling in paperwork I needed? The paperwork was all there they needed, I just needed to sign; THEY COULDN'T DO THAT?! INSTEAD PERSIST OF MAKING ME WAIT??? FOR WHAT?!?! WAS IT BECAUSE I WAS OBVIOUSLY DISABLED????? The rep persistent on being rude, all of them as if I have or am bad. I am not a criminal just dyslexia challenged with pain and much much more other symptoms, THANK YOU!...assholes... read more

If I could I would give them 0 stars honestly such a terrible organization honestly had some older guy waiting outside in the sun for several minutes and he felt down and passed out due to being in the terribly sun. And then when they finally open doors to public to come in they were so rude and still had us wiring without calling any numbers skipping people's numbers what a horrible dmv! read more

In and out quick for license renewal and eye test. Fast and easy ... need more words to post

Avoid online registration DMV . They can con you into 3rd party registration service charge $83. Beware !!! DMV criminals !!!'

Update: Although no fewer than two of the DMV employees I dealt with on my July 25 visit said I'd receive my new license via the USPS within two weeks, its now been more than a month with no word on the holdup. read more

The information on the site is woefully limited. If they need more paperwork they should've explicitly stated it online. I can't find anything online and when I get here they're so unhelpful. Honestly it would be better just to let me behind the desk and run the show ourselves. They're so rude and lazy. It's unclear if they even know what they're doing. Looks like they hire just about anyone. read more

If your taking your driving test don't come here the people have horrible attitudes and the lady that's in charge of signing people in is rude asf she let people that had appointment go in for 7:30 and mine was at 7:40 and she's letting them go in and once it's my turn she tells me I'm too late the lady was horrible and she would not be working here with attitude like that my sisters is pregnant and we can't be going back in forth and waysting time and gas the people here are horrible and they go do stuff that take up time and once it's your turn to sign in they find any excuses to start sending u away don't come to this dmv read more

Typical service. The first time I went, we got there at 7:45 am and it took a solid 3 hours (without an appt). Anyway, that visit was a mess bc the guy helping us was so rude. Fast forward to today..got to the dmv at 7:15 am, there were about 20 people ahead of us. They started to give out numbers around 7:30 am. The person who was giving us ours..well all I can say is they need to have ppl at the DMV who know what they're talking about. All I had to do was drop off a form, but she still said we needed a number to wait. However, this took us only 45 minutes (TG it was not 3 hours!)..and when the number was called, the guy helping us was bewildered we waited just to drop off the form. Anyway, the guy helping us today was nice! read more

To the guy working at the front door today August 19 @ 11:40 Mann I hope you get massive diarrhea cuz why you so hostile all I said was.. I have a question where can I get a handbook? instead you yelled if I had questions that I get in line , that the books were on the other side of the building and that I had to go around I repeated myself so I have to walk around he said yes as I walk away he's calling me back tryna argue talkin about your not listening NO SIR you said I had to go around why you trying to argue with me let me get my book and leave your making it so difficult for what read more