3 stars on all DMV, still can't fathom why they just don't have kiosks to issue numbers and forms, or why the you have to come in to the DMV just to get a replacement I'd if no info has changed, oh well this one is still faster than the rest smh read more

The DMV in San Ysidro, CA is a fantastic place full of friendly efficient staff. My husband and I got our Real IDs in less than 45 minutes. I had an appointment and my husband did not. We even filled out the application while we were there and there was a gentleman helping everyone who had questions. Make sure you have the right documents - everything you need to know is on the DMV website. We went at 10:30 am on a Tuesday. Great experience. read more

This is the only one we could get an appointment for. It was about a 30 min drive for us but well worth it. It was very busy. But the staff was nice and very efficient. I had to change my dl from fl to ca. The entire process took a little over an hour. For the amount of people waiting i was very impressed. read more

Graphics: 3.5 Gameplay: 2.7 Difficulty: 4.5 Overall Pretty entertaining to play with good friends read more

We were helped by Cathrine, she was very friendly and helpful with all the questions we had. Thank you Cathrine!

Set up an appointment online for license renewal, and was in & out of there in literally 15 minutes! This included eye exam & taking a new photo. Pleasant staff. I wanna go back! read more

I would have given more stars if I hadn't started my appointment with a total jerk! Stood in line for 40 minutes when I got to the front the man tell me there's no way I waited 40 minutes to get to the front ( which is irritating when I really was!) he then argued with me until I said listen, I'm here are you going to take my info or not, he replied with I'll let you slide today.... excuse me? Rude! Not a good way to start my day at the DMV he put a total damper on my mood and I will not be back. I'll be sure to make a formal complaint. If you have an appointment be sure to arrive early. The line had about 25-30 people in the appointment line and about 100 in non appointment. read more

By far, Most time saving DMV i have been to. I tried 2-3 DMVs to book appointment in San diego. but online appointment system was giving me appointments after 15 days. Then i found this DMV on Yelp and I got appointment very next day. I was the first one in the line with appointments. in total 30 min i finished everything and went home. read more

Absolutely ridiculous. My boyfriend went in waited 2 hours had everything ready to go but left his wallet in the car I try to run inside and bring his wallet. The rude security guard would NOT allow me to run inside to bring him his money. All he had to do is pay that's all! I asked her ok can you bring him the money for me? Can you call him over here? No we're closed. Are you kidding? He took a day off work to come down here and now he has to come back and do the process all over again all because you wouldn't let him get the money from me at the door? You couldn't even call him to the door? Or even meet me at the door? I can't believe this security guard she is very rude and now he has to come back and do everything all over again. Smh this is ridiculous. read more

A girl named Crissy at this DMV gave me some rude attitude after waiting more than 2 hours to apply for my ID. I asked her a question politely about how long it will take to process since I have a flight soon and I lost my ID. And she said "If this flight was important then you would have done this a month ago" .... how rude, as if she knew my circumstances. I hope this review shows about the service that some of their workers showcase here. Never again will I be back. read more

When I got there, the lady who was trying to help me was very rude. The two women who worked there were very rude to the customers before. Never going back there again. I get it, it's early in the morning, but can't you at least put on a fake smile for everyone their who is trying to pass their test or get their license? Thanks. read more

After moving here 2 years ago my license was expiring and I decided to take the plunge and get the new REAL ID license. I heard so many horror stories about the lines and wait times. I had to wait 5 weeks to get an appointment at the San Ysidro office. Most of the other dmv locations weren't even taking appointments. Well today was finally the day of mine. I arrived 35 minutes early expecting to see lines at least in the non appointment line. As of 8:20 am there were no lines at all. I walked in to the check in area. Only 2 people ahead of me. After check in had a seat. Called within 5 minutes and very nice and helpful lady got me processed and done. I walked out at 8:55, 5 minutes before my 9 am scheduled appointment. I don't know if this was unusual or not but was definitely pleasantly surprised! Every employee was courteous and friendly. read more

With a few items to do at once, I decided to follow the reviews and make an appointment for this location. Surprise #1... Things can be scheduled within 24 hours. On the day of the appointment we show up a bit early to arrive to this enormous building. Surprise #2.... They have 30 windows! Wow! If you feel you would like your service expedited, simply ask them how they day is going. Within moments you will have a new best friend!!! The place is clean and well organized! Anyone who needs to take a written test will do on a computer!!! That's keeping up with the times! I was informed I needed to take a new picture. A quick run to the restroom to fix the hair only to discover it is clean!!!! Whoa!!! The best surprise was everything we needed to do was done within an hour!! I would certainly recommend this location anytime! read more

Expect long Lines since all of Mexico goes to this DMV once they Cross the Border!

Such a friendly staff. The guy that did an inspection on our trailer hustled to get us processed quickly and was super sweet to our dog that we had brought along. Great service. read more

Best DMV, only complaint is that it's not closer, but the 25-30minute drive is so worth it. Seating, quick in and out even without an appointment(1hour total), friendly staff!! Wow, who woulda thought, will be my go-to DMV. read more

Positive experience at San Ysidro DMV off the Otay Mesa Road. Had an appointment at 9:00 AM. Arrived at 8:40 am and was done by 9:10 am. That's my paperwork, eye exam, fingerprint, photo and testing. I not only passed but the ladies I encountered were very pleasant. That's the way I like to do business. read more

In and out in 45mins for a drivers license renewal! I had no appointment and I arrived there at 9:15am and I was out the door by 10:00am. It's not ghetto here and there's a huge seating area in the middle; I was quite surprised! I wish I would have known to fill out the paper form before waiting in line. The form was only available at DMV buildings and not available online. I mostly loathe the DMV, due to how the workers there treat you. They didn't treat me very nice, although it went immensely fast! This place should be your best bet in San Diego county... read more

21+ teller windows and only 3 windows open with over 100 in line. When does DMV get this right?

I mean, this is a DMV branch, it is not like it should be pleasant at all. But, out of all of the other branches I have been at, this is the best one. Employees actually speak English and dont breathe heavily and sip on their slurpees while your try to explain your situation. This is a new facility, well ventilated, you dont suffocate in people's body odors and there are no offerings for oral sex written in the restroom stalls. If you get there after 3 pm, you might as well bring a camping tent with you, or the latest Patterson novel, or whatever people read these days. read more

Wow!!! This DMV is so much better than the other ones around San Diego. I went to this DMV ---without and appointment---because my license had already expired. The 2 people where you check-in are so efficient at what they do, that the line moves pretty quickly. They were also very friendly. The lady who took my picture was nice too. Finally, DMV workers with a smile on their face. The building looks brand new. read more

Where to begin. Parking sucked. I had my apt @ 9:30. The walk in line was shorter than the apt line. I waited in the "apt" line for an hour. I really don't see any point of making an apt when the walk in line went faster than the apt line. Waited another 30 mins to be called. The guy who helped me was really nice. In all left almost two hours later even with an apt. read more

Arrived at 0840 for a 0920 APPOINTMENT. Waited in line to fill out the same paperwork I filled out online for the appointment and didn't receive a ticket until 0930 (clerk was very nice and helpful). 1000 and still waiting, over 26 booths available but only 6 clerks working. Interesting! Finally seen at 1010, heads up: they don't accept credit cards! Picture taken at 1017 & DONE! 1hr 37min with an appointment read more

I walked in at 11 in the morning, my number was B108, at the time they were serving B72 i waited 3 HOURS, because these people decide to take their nice looong brakes! I find this totally outrageous and ridiculous!! then after the 3 hours, I got attended by a man in window 20, the most arrogant and rude person. He told me i should come earlier and that its not his fault I was paying my registration so late, i didnt ask him nir sid i tell him anything for him to tell me this.I am never coming back to thia DMV ever! read more

Coming from NY state (aka HORRIBLE experiences at the DMV), I was not optimistic about them here in California. However, when I initially moved and needed to retake the test, this DMV was a dream. Everyone was incredibly efficient and polite. I recently had to go back and request a name change on my license because I am recently married and about a year and half after my initial visit, I can say happily it was not a fluke. I was in and out of there within 30 minutes. My recommendations are: make an appointment, and get there a few minutes earlier than scheduled, and have a good attitude going into it! read more

As far as California DMVs go, this one is the best! Large waiting room with tons of empty seats, trivia questions on flat screen TVs and way less people. Huge parking lot with tons of open spots as well! With an appointment, I was helped within 10 minutes (that's including the short line, getting a number and the short sitting period) Make your appointment here! read more

DMV tends to have such a bad reputation, but I am writing this review to refute the stereotype and share that I had such a great experience during my visit today! I was feeling very anxious prior to coming, because I did NOT have an appointment, and I was here to renew my drivers license. From speaking to friends, I was told that this location tends to be less busy, but I did not want to get my hopes up. I showed up around 7:45 (15 minutes prior to opening) and I noticed there were 3 lines formed already. One side said "appointments" and the other side said "no appointments." Well, I didn't have an appointment, so I walked towards that side, however, there were no other signs explaining what the two different lines on this side meant. Fortunately, the people in line told me that there was one line for licenses and another line for registration. There were only about 12-15 people in line ahead of me. They started letting a few people in at a time, prior to 8 am! The line moved quickly. Once 8am hit, they opened the doors and we all went in single file. First stop was doing an online application for license renewal, which took about 10 minutes.. After that we were given a conformation code, and another employee gave me another number which was my number in line, and I was told to wait to be called. (I was G033). There was ample seating in the general area. Overall the facility it self was very open, clean, and spacious and did not seem crowded at all. I only waited about 30 minutes before I was called and the woman who helped me was so kind! She greeted me with a smile and was very efficient and professional. After that, I went to take my photo for my new license, and I was walking out of the door with my temporary license by 9:05am!!! The staff that took my photo was also very friendly and greeted me kindly as well. Overall, I spent just about 1 hour inside the DMV without having an appointment, which I am still in awe over! besides the slight confusion regarding the lines outside of the door prior to opening, my experience here was perfect! I will recommend DMV San Ysidro to everyone and will definitely come here again for all of my DMV needs. Of note, sometimes the cell phone service will say you are in Mexico (since it is so close to the border), so just beware if you have roaming charges. Very happy with my experience! read more

Really long line and not enough open windows to help people out. It's very loud very crowded and at least a 1-2 hour wait time. When I finally got to the window they told me I had to schedule or comeback because I didn't have all the documents. Why didn't they check and make sure I had everything before assigning me a number. read more

Horrible place the lady at the counter was very rude but it was faster than the other iv been to in San Diego

Best DMV experience I've ever had so far. I dreaded going bc even though I make appointments for all my items, I've always had a dreadful wait and terrible customer service at other locations. This was my first time here and it was great. I made an appt. a few days out, arrived and found parking right away at 9am. There was a line, but the guard directed me indoors to a much shorter appointment line. From that point on, I was in and out in 15 minutes for registering a vehicle from out of state. Nice staff and fast service! If you can fill out your forms online, bring them with you, it goes much faster than filling it out there. read more

Best DMV ever. went in at 9 out by 1007 with no appt. lines go super fast. The drive to SAN YSIDRO IS WELL WORTH IT.

After reading these reviews I thought I would give this location a try even though it is a 20 minute drive from my location. I arrived without an appointment and to my suprise I was able to walk right up to the check-in desk. There was plenty of room and the environment was pleasant. I was out of there within 10-15 minutes. I couldn't believe it - Even the staff was friendly and even cheerful. I mentioned that I heard about this location from yelp and the employees got all excited. I got the impression that they really care. This would have taken me 2 hours at Clairement with an appointment and of course not to mention the drama. read more

I can't stand this dmv their customer service sucks , they talk to the Mexicans that can't speak right like there stupid , that's not all the handicap people were told to go to the back and wait in line , so I wasn't the only person complaining this time ... It's non sense here , male workers there are Assholes read more

Knowing that DMV is a waiting game. I thought I was prepared for this monotonous waist of time. However when I arrived. The gentleman trying to expedite the process was rude and did not want to listen to my simple renual registration question . Finally reached the information area where you get a ticket to wait Longer. Found a seat, filled out paperwork and observed people. This place smells of body oder, farts, constant coughing, clearing throats, on their cell phone( speaking loud like nobody else is around) , kid running around screaming (parents could care less) . The staff not happy to be here. Although the lady near me was friendly to all that she took care of. I'm 3 hours 15 minutes in my wait. The random number picking make no sense. People that arrived after me were already taken care of. Some that just got a ticket were called immediately. I'm sure I have at least an other hour to wait. There has to be a better way. read more

Bad Experience had my first driving test, I got the worst lady she was such in a bad mood, she would not shut up during the test which I did not pass. She made me really nervous. Complaining that no one listens to her about putting cones away. she even put her hand on my wheel and started honking at this car literally like 5 honks and threw up her hands and said what are you doing with a rational tone.She had so much anger i understand you might deal with rude customers on a daily basis, but that was no reason to act like that. she should NOT be in charge of people taking the driving test!! On top of that I had my appointment at 2pm and waited in line for about 2 HOURS!!! I wish I remembered her name doesn't even say on my test score sheet! but she was a short Mexican chubby Older women, with glasses, and I believe light brown hair RUN FROM HER read more

Department of Motor Vehicles, Oceanside The Short Story: The first thing they do is give you a number and tell you to watch the board for your number to come up. THEY NEVER CALLED MY NUMBER! The Long Story: In March I renewed my driver license at the Oceanside DMV. It was ok. But I lost my new driver license so I had to phone DMV to ask for a replacement. The robot who answered the phone said there was an hour wait to speak to a person! So I waited, and finally talked to a person who said I would need to go into a DMV office to get a replacement. And it would cost $30. So I made an appointment about a month from that day, at 1:30. Last week I went in for the appointment. I left a few minutes early just in case there would be heavy traffic on the freeway. I left home at 12:10. I arrived at 1:15. The guard would not let me in the building - he said "Wait over there by the brick wall". It was very hot and sunny, so I waited about 3 feet from the brick wall, so I had some shade. At about 1:40 he let me in. I waited about 20 minutes in the first line - where you are given a paper with your number on it. My number was FF00067. They were currently serving FF0039. I guessed I would have to wait a long time. They told me to go to the bank of computers in the back corner, and fill out the form. So I did, at about 2:10. The last part of the form was about voter registration - they are trying to get more people to vote. The very last question was "Do you want to register to vote?" That was a poorly worded question. I wasn't sure how to answer. I had been registered for years. If I said no, (because I am already registered) would it take me off the voter list? If I said yes would I be illegally registered twice? Then I went and sat down. It was about 2:30. I looked up at the electronic board to see where the FF numbers were. For each number there was another number telling what window to go to. There were no FF numbers displayed. I watched the board, and saw lots of BB's and CC's and GG's, but no FFs. I started chatting with the woman sitting next to me. She told me that some young people who were in line to have their photos taken had been there since 7:30 a.m. It was very warm and noisy there. I kept checking the boards, but never saw any FF numbers. And I did not even know that they were calling out numbers on the loud speaker - it was very noisy there. After about an hour, I told the lady sitting next to me I would walk around the whole room and look at all the boards, trying to find the FF numbers. So I did, and all the boards were the same. So I want back to my seat. I started to read a book I had brought with me. At about 3:30 the woman sitting next to me said "They are serving FF0068, why did they skip your number?" So I went up to the window where FF00068 was being served, and waited right behind him, and immediately two other people lined up behind me. They had FF00066 and FF00065! When FF0068 was finished, I stepped up and told the man that nobody posted our numbers. He said he had called us over the loud speaker. None of us heard. He should have said, "ok I will take care of you now." But only thing he did was take fingerprints and then look at his PC. He made all of us go back to the first station, where we had been assigned numbers. Fortunately, the man at that window did not make us go to the back of the line. So I only had to wait for 65 and 66 to be served, and then it would be my turn. When I went back to my seat to wait, I did not take my eyes off the board at all. I stared at that board for at least 20 minutes. Finally my number came up. But I went to the other man who was taking fingerprints. He was very nice. I told him how our numbers were never posted - he said everything was a mess since they installed the bank of computers in the back, to get people registered to vote. read more

The dmv ain't fun BUT as far as they go in San Diego this is probably the most mellow one out there. If you don't have an appointment LIKE YOU SHOULD and you waited last minute like me then definitely come an hour before opening. There's a pretty heavy line but it goes by. It took me 30 minutes after opening for me to get my ticket and another hour of waiting. There was lots of seats and it wasn't too hectic at this time. Plus these workers are probably the most polite ones I've been helped by at any DMV. read more

This DMV location is by far THE best in customer service. As with all DMV's, the walk-in wait time is pretty painful. Appointments are definitely the way to go, but when there's a time frame to meet, you have to wait your turn in a very long line. My entire time spent from the start of the line to walking out was about an hour & a half to 2 hours. The people working there were very pleasant & patient. The experience I've had at the Chula Vista location was garbage. The 1st contact was the check in desk gentleman who was rude AF. The San Ysidro office has always been great every time I've gone. The # system has changed. It goes by 1st name & last name initial & last 4 digits of your phone #. It's a more orderly fashion & efficient. 2 Windows are specifically for appointments unless directed otherwise. GO TO THIS LOCATION for a pleasant DMV experience. read more

This one is so far the best DMV in San Diego area, and believe me, I've tried them all!!! I am a nervous driver that struggled all her life with driving issues, at the point I could not get my drivers licence, I tried and tried and failed every time. After spending all this years fearing driving and getting used to it I decided it was time to stop. I started by failing a few behind the wheel tests in San Diego, at this point I was ready to fail again hoping I would pass, only by chance. I have to be honest, I researched this place and a few very few comments mention how easy this route is. I also want to mention that the staff was very professional and friendly, yes, nice and friendly. My instructor was Lourdes, very polite and her comforting words made me feel safe, she told me she knew I was nervous but that it was okay and she wasn't going to trick me or try to fail me just because, she wanted me to drive safely and pass the test. She ask about the blinkers first, highlights, honk, the wipers and defroster, emergency brakes and lights, then she stepped into the car and said, let's go. As soon as you leave you have to watch for pedestrians byt the sidewalk and then would be asked to turn left, then right at the stop. Change to the right lane and make a right at the stoplight, check speed limit is 50 this is Otay Mesa Rd, make a right at the stoplight and you will enter into a residential area this is Ocean View Hills Pkwy, speed limit is 40 but then she asked to turn right onto Breakers Way and then you are driving in between the homes and speed limit is 25, right turn at Seaglen Way, and then another right turn on Hidden Trails Rd, NO POSTED STOP signs for anyone in this intersection, stop, check and proceed with caution, then she asked to pull over next to the curb, reverse in a straight line, stop and then drive into traffic again, remember to signal all the time and check over your shoulders. Then you will go straight and make a left at the stoplight, you'll end up at Ocean View Hills Pkwy again and asked to change lanes and merge to the left, this turn can be tricky if you don't know the area, go turn AFTER the gate kind of thing in the middle of the street, is easy to pull into incoming traffic, is a very easy fail. Then you are on your way back to the DMV, you will be asked to change lanes to the left and then turn left at Corporate Center Dr, after that turn right and you'll be asked to go into the parking stalls designated for test driving, no parallel parking thankfully for me!!! I am very happy, I feel free!!! I hope somebody finds this review helpful!!! Blessings and thanks Lourdes DMV staff!!! https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zNJQJWfZnaQ8.kBmTagu4O0eg read more

Walked in without an appointment at 0700. Staff told us a new DL would take all day because of new computer system. It did 8 hours. Everyone on the staff was very professional. California needs more DMV's. That is the only way to make it less painful. Not the staffs fault for wait times. This is for the Oceanside, CA DMV read more