Craptastic. When the earliest appointment dates are at least a month away, I figured I could by-pass all that by showing up right when it opens. Wrong! Big time! Apparently everybody thinks the same way I do. -Arrived at 8:00 AM -Serviced at 9:30 AM -Given a temporary "vehicle registration" print-out because I did not wait the 30 days before my sticker was considered "not received". FAIL. FAIL. FAIL. read more

You're seeing those right. 4 stars. Not that my experience was like a day at a spa, but it was painless, overall. There were some interesting characters; this location is known for that. But I'm not bother by that kind of stuff. The DMV is like a dive bar, we are all there for different reasons but we all have issues that we want fixed. So I'm not judging, but chose to keep to myself. Anyway, I got there at around 4p on a Tuesday, without an appointment. I knew that the possibility of a long wait and a failed attempt at getting my tags without paying their penalty fees, was ahead of me. But I was prepared and had my documents in one hand, my BlackBerry in the other, and my wallet on me, just in case I didn't succeed in talking myself out of having to pay the added $160 fee ..../sigh. So in I went and there I sat. Tick tock....my number gets called. I walk over to window 15. The gentleman was plesant, asked me a few questions, told him my story, handed him the documents and next thing you know, I'm walking out with a 2011 red sticker in my hand. The complete process was done in approximately 40 mins! Best part.... no late fees!! Horrray!! I may not of had that fresh out of the salon feeling but I had the biggest sigh of relief walking out! I just wanted to give that little man at window 15 a big hug. Big props to him and props to this DMV for having fast, efficent and kind hearted folks working for them! And another thing. The last time I came in, I also didn't have an appt (what can I say, I'm a spur of the moment or is it procrastinator, type of gal) and needed to renew my license. In and out in 20 minutes!! Yeah, this DMV is pretty awesome like that! read more

The Customer Service at this location sucks. The Ladies directing Traffic flow were very abrasive and unnecessarily rude. I can understand this is tough job dealing with many different people with different personalities, but don't sign up for the job if you don't want to do it read more

If I could give this location 0 stars I would 100% because of the woman at the front. She is so rude to every single person and speaks in an incredibly condescending tone. If this place was organized people wouldn't be so confused and wouldn't have a million questions. read more

Had a wonderful experience with everyone there, the most helpful & efficient DMV out of all i've been to. I highly recommend.

Wow. The lines here are INSANE. I arrived at the DMV office early, so that I could fill out the necessary paperwork before my appointment. There was no parking in any of the lots, so I had to park in front of the University Christian Church on Cleveland Avenue, down the street. It was POURING rain, and the wind blew my hair through my bright red lipstick and then blew my hair all over my face. Go, me! Way to look good! I walked to the back of the line, which wrapped around the building, and asked, "Is this the line for appointments?" At first, everyone just kind of stared at me. So, I went up and asked a specific person, "Is this the line to stand in if you have an appointment?" She said that she didn't know. I'd made an appointment online, and the print-out told me to go to Window 20 to pick up a ticket, so since no one knew anything, I figured I'd try it. I walked inside, and looked for any kind of sign. As soon as I reached the interior and stood on tip-toe, looking for any kind of direction, several people in line (behind me) told me, "The line is back there." I asked, "What time are your appointments?" They all looked at me like they had no clue what I was talking about. Just then, a very nice man told me that he did not have to wait in line the last time he made an appointment online. Then a lady pointed out that I could indeed go to Window 20, despite the jealous crowd outside saying otherwise. (Think ahead next time, suckers!) After I checked in, I had just enough time to fill out my forms before my number was called. All three of the DMV staff members who helped me were quick and courteous. So, if you are going to the DMV, here are a few things to remember: - MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE. THIS SAVES YOU TIME. SERIOUSLY. - DON'T LISTEN TO PEOPLE WHO TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE IF YOU HAVE AN APPOINTMENT. Just go to the check-in window (it was Window 20 for me) and check in. - CHECK ONLINE AHEAD OF TIME TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS. If you do these things, your DMV visit should be a breeze (unless you go in the pouring rain, like me, and look like a drowned rat, with bright red lipstick smears all over your face. I'm sure I'll die laughing when that license photo comes in the mail). read more

Ok, it's the DMV, what can you expect... First off, BRING CASH!! They accept debit card (not credit card), but as always, Navy Federal Debit Card never works... This being said, I went to get my motorcycle permit, and my experience wasn't half bad. I went at 6am to wait in line, knowing the it always wraps around the building. Line started to build up around 7am, and the DMV promptly opened at 8:00. Got inside, found out I had to pay in cash, so had to go to the local 7-11 to use the ATM. I would of been in and out within 10 minutes had I of had cash on me and had I of passed my written test the first time. Yes, if you fail it, you have to go back and wait in line all over again. Thankfully, the line wasn't out the door, so I was able to take it again within 30 minutes. The workers here aren't as disgruntled as other DMV's I've been to, only one guy gave me a hard time, but it wasn't too bad. Btw, the "head guy" here is a total Ron Swanson, Hispanic look alike (from Parks and Recreation) . He even has that same "I hate the government" faux-smile. It made me laugh, and seeing him made the experience. read more

Number one rule of DMV: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!!! www.DMV.CA.GOV Click "Online Services" select "Appointment" and choose your location. It will offer you the nearest date and time available. Select your date and time, and then confirm your appointment. Sometimes I like search the other DMVs in the area for earlier appointments if they are two weeks out, but that doesn't happen often. In the past, I have been able to make appointments as soon as the next day for this location. On my last visit to replace my drivers licence (apparently they can't swim) I had a 3pm appointment and was back in my car on the way home before 3:30pm! When you come in for your appointment, don't be alarmed by the line around the building, just cruise right past them into the building and on to the right side. You check in at window 20 for your appointment and they will assign you a number. Afterwards you can people watch for a just a few minutes before getting called up to the next window. Trips to the DMV have never been so easy! Also, they don't accept credit cards, only cash, checks and debit, so plan ahead! read more

My former girlfriend was really into "50 Shades" and the whole Anne Rice vampire series. So one day she looks at me and says, "I've been a really bad girl." And I replied, "do you need to be punished" And she said, "yes" So I dropped her off at the DMV. To be fair, their website is awful as well, but being miserable is often times an experience best shared. read more

Great customer service and super fast without an appointment. My mom and I got in and out within a few hours.

Worst human interaction I have ever had. I get it, nobody wants to be here, but as an employee to be blatantly rude to every single person you encounter is complete unacceptable. I am referring to an older woman with dark brown/red hair and glasses. I wish I knew her name. I watched her talk down to every person she spoke to, shout "reminders" to other people in the building as a means of shaming/embarrassing the person she is working with. For example I apparently committed the ultimate sin and had to reach into my purse (quickly) to grab my paperwork instead of having it in my hand. She proceeded to make an announcement to the entire building to have your paperwork ready. She then spoke to me like I was a complete idiot and tossed my paperwork back at me when we were done. I don't expect to have great customer service at the DMV, but this was just a complete lack of human decency. This woman should absolutely NEVER interact with people, her attitude was completely appalling. read more

How i ever mentioned how much i hate the DMV ? If I haven't then here let me count the ways.. 1st - I feel as the DMV is a way to keep us in line with the man. They give us ID cards.. with numbers so they can track our every move. 2nd- they fustrate most of the people there by telling them you can't have _______ (insert here the reason why you went to the DMV) until you pay _____ (insert fee here) They make you wait in line for hours and hours on end. Then if you werent able to take care of your business... you have to do it again! what the fuck? really does the government really have this much control over us that at least 2 times a year we must come to what happens to feel like hell. When im there i feel as though im the most normal person there... The people watching is amazing here. However i got so caught up on it i missed my number and back in fucken line i go! get another number... This week alone i have spent about 400 bucks on the volvo! Just so i can update the tags! i hate you DMV! read more

You can't say something about a DMV that people don't already know. We all know it takes forever, and it sucks ASS. But, this DMV isn't so bad... every time I've been there the employees were nice to me (which is usually my main complaint...not the time b/c they can't help that everyone has to get there EARLY as fuck or right after work). And there is LOTS of parking (I hope so its a freakin' DMV), which is usually an issue in the MIDDLE of Hillcrest. Helpful tips: 1. Bring something to do 2. Go in the MIDDLE of the day if you can 3. DON'T make an apt., you have to wait a month+! 4. Check online to see which DMV has the shortest non-apt wait!! Its constantly updated!: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/appl/fo_data_read.jsp?foNumb=506 5. Watch employees scold other people's kids for being misbehaved (they said exactly what I wanted to SCREAM at the kids!)...you know no one is going to retaliate against DMV employees for fear of going to the back of the line! 6. People watch. There are some very interesting people at the DMV for some reason. read more

The DMV sucks in general.... this we know. But, here is my quick story. I planned ahead to make the experience as painless as possible. I printed my forms at home, filled them out, made an appointment and came in ready. The window for appointments is practically hidden. Took me about 10 minutes to find a sign on where to go (I wouldn't dare interrupt an employee for help!) Finally, i saw a sign that said Window #20. Window #20 was a free-for-all. No line. No rhythm or reason as to who was next. I jumped in and handed the clerk my paperwork. I thought "wow this is going to be so easy". Then, she handed me a number. Just like the rest of the yahoos there. I had to sit back down and wait for my number to be called. Granted, i guess it was a bit "quicker" if you call 35 minutes quick AFTER seeing the first clerk. When my number was called, the gentleman "helping" me couldn't have been more sour. Wretched attitude. I tried to smile and make small talk to ease the discomfort but it was impossible. I actually feel very badly for him to be so miserable. The good things about this place: the parking and... yeah i guess that is is! read more

Holy crap did I just give the DMV 5 stars??? Well here's the deal... my registration was due in March, but I never received the statement in the mail. Of course I procrastinated and finally just made an appointment to go into the DMV. I went in today and waited a couple of minutes before I was called to my window. The girl was very nice and waived like $200 in fees since she could see that my statement had been returned to the DMV. My car is due for smog so I still have to get that done. Not here is where that law is kinda stupid. When you come pay your fees if smog is not complete or something else isn't taken care of you only get a one day pass to get it taken care of... Let's see here... it's Thursday and they are giving me a one day pass for Friday. The DMV is closed on Fridays. WTF??? Well I gave five stars because the girl was very nice and told me that if I got my smog done today I could just come back to her window and she would take care of me. Luckily AAA is going to take care of me tomorrow so no biggie, but in general I think the girl at window 20 was working real hard to do a good job. read more

This is probably one of the best DMV experiences I've ever had. 1. You gotta make an appointment! Skip the lines, save your time! 2. It's across the street from my former apartment. :) 3. The man I was talking to was super nice, even though it was around 4pm and everyone else was grumpy. 4. I was able to find a seat during my short waiting period. Honestly, just make an appt and it'll make your life much easier. Trust me! read more

I've been here a couple of times and have not had a horrible experience. If you do not have an appointment, I strongly suggest that you arrive right before they close, around 4:20-4:45 because you can get in and out within an hour. Just don't make the mistake that I have made and try to run an errand while you're waiting because if you are not INSIDE by 5pm...They will refuse to let you back in. No Exceptions. I was upset when the security guard wouldn't let me back in the other day and he definitely could have handled the situation better. Then I thought about the amount of people that would try to argue with him because they weren't let back in...so I decided to give him a pass. read more

Paid my $350 Registration online and next thing you know it says I'm ineligible for online renewal. So I stop by the DMV to figure things out and pay possible additional fees, the lady at the desk tells me that she can't find out about anything. After the 2 hour wait, No info found. Nothing, Nada, Zero, Air. Where's my sticker, Where's my money, Where do you guys get the lousy I Don't Know *shrugz* attitude? DIE, DMV. read more

I have to take a moment and share a super positive review today because the DMV always gets such a terrible wrap and my experience today was awesome!! I had to renew my license and wanted to go ahead and get the Real ID card taken care of. I showed up at 12pm with all of my required documents and had filled out my application on line (big help) and waited about a half hour! Jose and Karisma helped me wrap up the process and I was out of there by 12:45! AMAZING job all around. Thank you for improving your processes CADMV! read more

I couldn't get an appointment for my driving test at my normal DMV (El Cajon), so I decided to go to this one. I was excited to get an appointment, until I looked at the date. Friday, June 13th. I'm not really superstitious, but it would not have been my first choice. I was lucky to get a parking spot, but it was 9:30am. The line was outside the door, but mostly because there is almost no room to stand inside before the counter to get your number. I just waltzed to the front, "I'm with the band" I said. They let me go straight to Window 1, where only 1 person was waiting. The employee was surprisingly friendly. They must put the select few at that window as to not anger those of us taking our driving test. After giving him my paperwork, he told me to pull up to "Lane 2" and wait for someone to come out. That sounded easy enough. I got in the car and searched for Lane 2, which had a 1/2" number 2 stenciled on the ground. Was this part of the eye test? I waited until my driving test administrator arrived. "Please not Big Joe." I thought. Big Joe was the infamous one that administered my mom's test here back in '75. Luckily, I got a woman, who was also surprisingly nice. Aren't I at the DMV? It was almost a pleasant experience (the same cannot be said for the women's bathroom). Much better than the El Cajon location at least. In case you were wondering, I passed. read more

Had to renew my license and apparently by law you have to do it in person (at the DMV) after renewing it by mail twice previously. So I made an appointment a couple weeks prior. My appointment was on a Friday at 8:40AM. The DMV was easy to find and I didn't have any trouble finding parking but I parked on the street since it was easier. I got scared at first because I saw that the line had wrapped around the building but it turns out that was for the people without appointments. The line for people with appointments is to the left (window #16) when you enter the building. There were only three other people in front of me (sweet!). The place is pretty small so there isn't a lot of seats to sit and wait. You get a ticket and you wait for them to call your number or when it shows up on the TV screen. You don't have to wait inside as you can hear them call out the number outside the building too. Staff were friendly and quick. I believe they only accept cash, check, and debit (no credit cards). I got everything done in 20 minutes! Easy peasy lemon squeezy~ I know there's always the horror stories from the DMV but today my experience was a positive one. So if you can - MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. Have all your paperwork ready. Don't put yourself in a nightmare if you don't have to. Good luck. read more

Made an appointment. That really should be the end of the review. Made a Friday appointment on Wednesday. They had some for Thursday, but I wasn't available. Took me about 45 seconds to get a number. About 3 minutes for my number to be called. I laughed and joked with the guy at window 26 for about 5 minutes, which probably made my transaction about 2.5 minutes longer than it had to be, and then I was out of there. Motorcycle license (with a waiver from taking the training course) in 10 minutes. And service with a smile? Not what I expected at all. read more

I made an appointment to update my license, so it wasn't terribly painful, and the whole thing took maybe 30 minutes start to finish. The people working here have no sense of humor and are MISERABLE. Look, I know that working at the DMV is probably pretty clinical and a little depressing at times, but would it kill you to treat people like humans? read more

The horror never ends. Do a drive by to make sure the line isn't wrapping around the building and fill out your forms beforehand. Bring several forms of ID and currency and hope for the best. I swear to you, make sure you don't come in for some dumb shi* you can do online because if I'm in back of you and you came in to pay your renewal I'm going to focus my hatred on you for the remainder of my trip. The people who work there are generally not the problem. It's the idiots coming in who swear this is their first time on earth. Read the forms and pay attention too. If people were more aware I swear it would go twice as fast. read more

Some how some way we got in and out of there within 40 mins with no appointment! That included the line waiting as well! We were registering our vehicle. BUT I would have said 5 stars if the agent wasn't such a rude person! *Location-small but clean *Parking-LOT's of parking outside around the building and around the neighborhood read more

The lady that took my picture at window 6 told me I was unable to test because of time restraints, told me to leave then allowed a girl who was behind me to test. I asked her the reason why and her response was, "everyone is different! Now go." read more

This location has a mix of miserable and friendly employees, but my issues stemmed from the person who checked me in. I waited 1.5 hours despite having an appointment because the woman at the check-in counter wrote the wrong guest number on my piece of paper. The only reason I was eventually helped is because I asked someone why my number was so far away from the ones being called; they looked shocked when I handed them the paper with the number I was given and said, "Wow. Where did you get this number? Why would someone have given you this number?" I was helped shortly after that. If the number you are given seems oddly far off from what they are calling, say something right away. Don't try to be patient like I did. The person who ended up helping me was very nice and my experience would've been totally fine if I was given the correct number. read more

Went here to renew my drivers license lol I.D - check! Birth Cert - check! Social Security Card - check! Car insurance - check! Car registration - check! Vision test - FAKK!!!! i've been cursed with nearsighted vision HAHA guess i gotta go back after my eye appointment and my opt gives me a new set of eyes (a.k.a birth control goggles)...ugh...why couldn't I have been blessed with 20/20 vision? FML Oh..quick tip: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT read more

As others have said: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. It will make your life so much easier. I made an appointment about a week in advance to register my vehicle. I was in and out in about an hour and everyone was very nice and helpful. I was so stressed out about this appointment all week because no one likes visiting the DMV, but it was nowhere near as bad as I expected. My only complaint is that they need to have a bigger sitting area. There is literally people EVERYWHERE and it is so unorganized. read more

I've been to this DMV 4 times in the past 6 months. Dealing with somewhat of a complicated issue. I've had different staff members each time. Not every visit was met with a positive outcome for me. Most likely errors made by me. Anyways, I can totally tell they are trying to turn around the customer service experience. Willard helped me today. What a great experience! Totally professional and personable. Thank you sir! Keep up they great work. read more

I think the fact I had an appointment made everything go smoothly, and the employees working were nice, and personable. I went during the week; maybe that helped, and my appointment was early afternoon, 2:30 pm. Parking was a breeze. I opted for street parking, easier entry, and exit, parking lot looked tight. I made sure not to drink any fluids prior, didn't want to see the inside of the restrooms (yup, I read some of the previous yelp reviews - although I didn't think the pics were that bad, but just in case I played it safe). Bring a book, or something to keep you occupied, while you wait. The wait is more bearable. But with my appointment, I was in and out in 30 mins. Oh yeah! O, and if you do happen to have an appointment, go directly to window #20. That was a little confusing as there are no signs indicating so. Good luck! read more

I'm not sure about everyone else's experience here at this particular DMV but to me it blows away the Clairemont and Poway location. Twice in the past 2 weeks I've been able to go in at 4:30 , get my business taken care of and come out before 5. Waiting to get stuff done at DMV just sucks and whats with the guys with the lab coats ? What are they experimenting on back there ? I agree with Ruggy about the people who work here. They all do look miserable and they probably hate you more than their jobs. Just so you know, they close at 5 pm but if you get in before 5 and get a #, they have to stay until the last person is taken care of. read more

Welllllllll I sure showed up at the right time! That's sarcasm. It was 10:30 this morning when I arrived, lo and behold everyone in the darn vicinity decided to show up at that time, as well. And you guessed it, about 10 minutes after I reached the front of the line no one else was in the queue. This DMV has been my go-to for years. It's like a second home to me. If you're smart like me, you aren't going to sit all stifled up in a room with a bunch of quiet strangers. It's eerie in these parts. What, about a hundred people in this large room including the workers and it's as quiet as a library - apart from the robotic voice lady calling numbers. One thing that's nice is they have a speaker outside so you don't have to wait inside. Well, the first thing I do is get my number. Then I take a glance at the teleprompter to see how far away from (for example today) G128 they are. Ah daaaaang, they're on G095. Okay, so that's about a minute and a half per number between mine, so that there is approximately 45 minutes. Well, looks like I've got time to take a nice little stroll up the street to University for a snack somewhere. Well, so ya, this DMV is cool because it is within walking distance of much more interesting places to hang out while waiting. It's $36 now to renew your driver's license. I had to, mine was about to expire. The DMV has definitely made this process more quick and painless than it was back in my day... read more

That's right, you see it. 5 stars. I don't know what's up with all the haters. I made my appointment YESTERDAY for TODAY at 10:30am. I was out with my temporary CA license in less than an hour, and everyone was super friendly. Some key components to my success: 1) Making the appointment online- there is no excuse. just do it. 2) Reading the directions posted and going to the correct window- if you can't or don't read directions and end up standing in the wrong line forever, or get to the front and don't have the correct documents, you have no one to blame but YOURSELF 3) Being polite to the employees and courteous of the people around me If you are having a hard time, maybe take an introspective approach. Ask yourself these questions: 1)Am I being a moron? 2)Am I being an asshole? Odds are the answer to one or both of these is yes, and adjusting your approach will yield better results. In one of the few moments where I was just standing and waiting, I looked around and surveyed the scene. This is a very busy DMV, but the employees handle their business with grace and efficiency. read more

Had a 9 o'clock appointment and 2 hours later were still here.... If you're enlisted in the military but are a resident of California don't expect to pay your typical military fees. $250 later.... When we lived in Hawaii registration was only $20 for all active duty At least it's air-conditioned read more

Yes, the DMV sucks. Get over it. That being said, the people here were helpful and mildly organized. I came in without an appointment to renew my license on a Thursday at 2 PM and left within 1.5 hours. Not bad... This review is really for Ladonna - with the pink hair and bright smile. She was so helpful and positive. She's worked at the DMV for almost 10 years and is still upbeat and energetic. I left in a great mood thanks to her energy and helpfulness. If there were more people like her at the DMV, it wouldn't be such a bad place to go! read more

I just came to the DMV Hillcrest for a driver license extension and had the privilege of dealing with the nicest, kindest and attractive representative I 've ever had. Her name is Parvaneh. The DMV is lucky to have her and so was I. read more

We give the DMV its fair share of crap, but even after spending an hour there today, I've got to say that I think we may be confusing their clients with the organization itself. Dirtbags? Check. Dumbasses? Check. Confused an embittered test-takers? Check. But when my number was finally called today (I was the seller, accompanying the buyer, who neglected to make an appointment), I've got to say that we were handled by a young man that was not only proficient, but efficient, friendly, and downright informative! When you think about it, most of the mouth-breathers at the DMV are the ones standing in line, right? Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater, folks. read more

I surprisingly, have really good DMV karma. I never make appointments, because I usually need said document as soon as possible, and everyone knows that appointments are always at least a week out. When I do come here, I'm always in and out within half hour. With the one exception of the entire system shutting down, and no one getting shit that day. Watch the next time I go, I'll have the worst experience in DMV history. read more

Death. Taxes. DMV being a miserable experience. These are the only certainties I know in life. Oh, and the Cubs losing. Moved from Chicago so need a new DL and new registration/plates for my car. Process seemed to be going okay as I made an appointment at 10:00 AM and had the car inspection portion competed by 10:40 and plates received by 11:00. Not bad. It is now 12:33 in the PM; I took my written test just over an hour ago yet I am still waiting for my passing grade of the "Are you smarter than an idiot?" test. I finally went up to ask the test grader what the deal was since I've seen 4-5 people who came over to the standing area (not enough chairs, not even close) well after me. He looked through the stack and said "I'll keep an eye out for it." Cool. So if I had 1) appointment set 2) all applicable paperwork 3) went through everything faster than the average person....then what the hell would happen if I was missing something? Does anyone here really think 2 hours 40 minutes and counting is a realistic time period for this to take? Just asked again. They can't find my test anywhere. Seriously. read more