This is a difficult review. Moving from Florida back to California & getting my vehicle plated was a nightmare. This is the kind of thing they won't let you make an appointment for. The kind lady who waited on me after my 5th & final visit to the DMV in Clairemont made the process seamless & with a smile mixed with a good sense of humor. My one star review is for the blatant misuse of power with the DMV workers in University Heights/Hillcrest. They had me make 4 unnecessary trips by failing protocol at my first visit, by not providing me with the information I needed to complete the process of plating my leased vehicle & obtaining my disabled placard. I started off at the closest DMV to me in University Heights/Hillcrest. First thing I noticed is they don't have a separate disabled line. I've always gone to the Clairemont location, where a separate line for the disabled treats you with dignity. When the government workers in UniversityHeights/Hillcrest placed every roadblock before me that they could & it became a game to them of requesting one more additional document each time I came back, I was disgusted. The final straw came when I went back a 4th time with all my documentation, stood in a line wrapped around the building & was then told by a worker that came out to let everyone know their computers were down. He advised all of us to go to to the Clairemont location. I paid for my plates in University Heights/Hillcrest during the first visit & was given a 30-day temporary paper-thingy "plates" to tape in my window. By the time I was through my "plates" taped to the window had the number 4 on it. Four visits. Ridiculous. Ultimately, this process of the University Heights DMV overlooking everything I needed to complete the transaction in one visit delayed me actually getting my plates in my possession for 4 months. Since I'd already paid for them at my first visit, I'll now need to pay again this December. The University Heights location doesn't even have a self-serve kiosk for renewals like the Clairemont office does. Whatever. I suggest you skip going to the University Heights location at all costs. Rudest workers ever. You'll get it done a lot faster if you go to the Clairemont location. read more

I came to get a handicapped placard from the DMV. At 2pm in the afternoon on a Wednesday there was a 5 HOUR WAIT TIME. The line was wrapped around 2 walls of the building and out into the parking lot. Many people had questions in the long line about where to go. Everyone seemed confused. A very RUDE man named Mr Ramos (who had deliberately covered up his 1st name covered on his identification) was telling people they should "leave if they didn't want to wait 5 hours." Btw during your wait, you are not allowed to have any food or drinks either. They just kicked a lady out for that. I'm sure she wasn't happy after waiting for hours. I decided to wait since I desperately needed the handicapped placard for my disabled daughter who cannot walk on her own. Mr. Ramos was condescending and just plain rude and did not answer my questions about the handicapped form too. He kept interrupting me and kept saying "I just told you!" very close to my face. This is UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR from a state employee. He also snapped at a foreign lady who didn't understand the form she was filling out. I felt really bad for her. Because Mr. Ramos would not answer my questions: I waited unnecessarily in line for over 3 hours. Once I got to the front I was told I needed an official ID FOR MY 2 YEAR OLD BABY!? Whaaaat?! If he would have answered my question back in line I wouldn't have wasted 3 HOURS OF MY LIFE! Other people also would not have had to wait behind me either. THIS is the epitome of why people dislike the DMV. It is inefficient at best. People who are forced to come here should not be verbally abused & condescended to & deserve to have their legitimate questions answered. It almost seemed like the employees who were being rude were having a good time knowing people needed to be there and there was nothing customers could do. Time to privatize this ridiculous mess the call the DMV. PS For fun make sure you read the Yelp reviews that 'aren't recommended'!! I only wish I could ready the ones that 'were reviewed for violating terms of service' read more

One star looks no line short staff poor staff people need more breaks seem overworked and short tempered

Beyond incompetent. I feel like those two words perfectly describes the DMV in San Diego. I came here to renew my license in-person because I had to take a vision test and a new photo. I made an appointment online and waited about a month for my visit. Everything seemed to be going well enough. I filled out my form, got my number, took my vision test, got my paper license, and took a photo. Then I left. I looked at my paperwork and realized that my name was misspelled. Ugh. So, I went back in and spoke with the lady managing the appointments desk and explained the situation. She sent me back to the man who processed my paperwork and made the error. He told me nothing could be done since I had already taken a photo and it closed out my file. He suggested making another appointment and coming back in. He assured me that I wouldn't be charged again since it was correction. I had to wait longer for my second appointment, about 6 weeks. When I arrived the DMV was packed. Even the appointments line was a 20 minute wait. Since the time of my last visit the DMV had gone paperless, and since my last application was on paper I had to get in another line to use a computer and fill out the application again. Once that was done I finally got a number and waited another 40 minutes to speak with someone. He seemed like he understood the problem and had everything under control. He gave me paperwork with my correctly spelled name and told me I didn't need to take another picture. So, it all seemed good, right? I mean I was there over an hour and half with an appointment, but I walked away confident that it had finally been straightened out. Well, that was not the case. I got my new license in the mail a week later with surprise, surprise - the old misspelled name once again. I called the main California DMV line listed on the accompanying paperwork and after 40 minutes spoke to a lady who told me that it sounded like processing made the error and gave me their number. I spent another hour on hold with the license processing center before being informed that my last visit was processed as a "duplicate" and not as a "correction" and since I did not take a new photo to associate with the way to actually spell my name, I had to make another appointment and go in again. So, needless to say I will be choosing a different southern California DMV in the hopes they can actually spell and process the correct forms. read more

The easiest and best dmv experience I had. Was in and out within 30 mins to renew my license.

Customer service is so terrible here. The DMV workers are generally miserable, especially the young male checking people in with numbers today. Very rude to several people including myself for no reason! read more

Sad workers . Christmas time and 2 employees next to each other angrily said to me To walk out the door and read the sign on the door, and wait when I asked where I could find the applicatIon to fill out for driver license renewal . No one should be that miserable ! The way they talked to me was demeaning , condescendant ! read more

I always expect delays with the DMV and the lines to take some time. I'm usually very understanding. However when a automated phone system says my wait time will be "one minutes" and it ends up taking almost two hours... I get frustrated. I knew they close at 5 so I called at 2:15ish. On hold until 4pm until I was unable to be connected. Now I gotta try again tomorrow and hope for a different result. read more

DMV - Hold - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

First, do not just get in the giant line around the building, go to the front as they may put you in one of the other three lines (especially if you did stuff online before coming). I had an "appointment" for the Real ID, was put in a shorter line and was in pretty quickly after that. I was in the building for less than 20 minutes total! Saw Alyssa at Window 6 and she was so nice, everyone was nice actually. No Plexiglas to separate the public from the workers though. read more

I came and waited 2.5 hours on Tuesday then was called to pickup my daughter from school so I had to leave before my number was called. I had already completed application documents in their computer system on their kiosk. I came back today and they literally only need my fee and to take a new picture...but now I have been issued a new waiting number, and its 75 people more away from what they are on now. The computer system kiosks to get your applications done is a great service but the "human" processing part is still really slow. Horrible wait times and the bottom line is that: CALIFORNIA DMV DOES NOT RESPECT THEIR TAX, FEES, & FINE PAYING CUSTOMERS' TIME AT ALL. A lady in the customer service area says you cannot be on your cell phone camera while in the DMV Ofc..last time I checked, this is still America. I think they are afraid of people posting pictures of the crowded office...or video of no customer movement. read more

Went to this particular DMV last month. Yes there is a line if you do not have an appointment prior to shut down however this facility manages particular same day walk-ins (which is what I needed at that time). I believe I was there for a good 2 and a half hours but what do you expect? Staff was friendly and did their job (even having to deal with a few rude customers). Tip: Check out their website as they provide additional locations (supermarkets, small mom and pop shops) for services you can get vs going to the DMV. read more

I mean, has visiting a DMV office ever been a positive experience? This location is tiny, doesn't have a Kiosk, and the reps are beyond rude. The information DMV provides online is different than what this location practices. But hey, do as much as you can online and then what you'll need to do in person is a breeze. 3 stars b/c the in-person part was decently fast and the check-in rep was nice and empathic to a girl who failed her written test. read more

Misha was awesome!!! I had a difficult predicament with my registration and title. She was able to work with me and make the process smooth and simple. read more

The older lady working station #23 on 9/7/23 at around 1:00 pm, is extremely rude and condescending to customers & even her co workers. She told one of her co workers to stop being a "smart - ass" and was speaking to customers like they were dumb. This is while the system shut down so everyone is already upset and stressed as it is and she is just being a b****. Her shirt said "over it" which I actually thought was perfect for her attitude. I didn't have her (thank god) but no way would I let her talk to me like that. do better read more

Why are most people miserable in the DMV?? Because they didn't make an appointment.... Long wait times without one. I scheduled my appointment 3 weeks out - that's how long I had to wait for something that fit my schedule. Went in to renew my license, was in and out in less than 30 minutes!!! The line for those without an appointment was out the door, around the corner and into the parking lot. The appointment check-in line is to the left when you walk in the door. Don't say I didn't warn you... This location (all of them actually) could use the self serve kiosk for registration renewal. Female security guard on duty was rude. read more

If you can, avoid this DMV location. The several people we had to deal with were rude and gave conflicting information. No one seemed to know what was going on, and the wait was long even though we were early for an 8am appointment. In the future, we'll go to the El Cajon office even though it's out of the way. The experience we had there was a million times better. read more

Day of visit: 9/30/19 The previous time I attempted to visit this location, their system was down, and a line was wrapped around the building from the time they opened. This time, during a day off, I faced my fears and showed up just past 10am. Rather than spending the entire day here, I left after about two hours. Not bad for a non-appointment. Why was my visit a good one? I came with only one purpose, which was to renew my license since it expires soon. I didn't make the situation more complicated than it was or had to be. I brought everything necessary, which was my old license, proof of residency, and a checkbook. I then realized that during this visit, I only actually needed my old license since I was able to fill out the form to change my address, and when I paid the fee for the change, I had the option of using card. Maybe I'm just older and bigger, but this location didn't seem to be very big, at least compared to the location on Derrick Drive. Yet, it seemed much more efficient. I bet more people go to the other location because it's more centralized, especially to those in La Jolla. Parking: Limited (yet decently-sized) lot. I was able to find a spot almost instantly. If you're not as lucky as I was, there is also street parking all around the area. FYI: - There is a separate line specifically for IDs and driver's licenses, both renewals and written tests. It is just to the left of the main entrance. - Appointments always help. However, don't expect to make one unless it'll be a few months away from when you set it. For example, when I tried in late September, the earliest date I got was for mid-December. - No notes allowed when taking the written part of the driving exam. - If you're a student like me, bring a book to read while you wait. Been putting off studying? Well, you might as well do it now while you have the time. - The letter at the beginning of your number actually matters. People get called numerically, but only according to that letter. One guy I saw didn't get that. - Please crack your car window open if you have a dog in there. Same guy as above just didn't understand that. An associate had to make an announcement about that. read more

So I know it is a common running notion/joke that the DMV is rude and inefficient. I came here last month for a simple driver's license renewal. I opted for the Real ID since I hadn't had my photo taken in a long while and even took the opportunity to get a haircut and look decent for my photo. I made sure I had all of my papers and the process was surprisingly efficient. The agent gave me my interim license and told me I'd get my license in the mail in 2-4 weeks. I was in and out within 30 minutes. As I'm heading home I notice the interim license she gave me only has "Class C" and I hold a car & motorcycle license ("Class CM1"). I head back to the DMV office and ask if this is going to be a problem. The door person says yes, the agent made an error, go back to the window. The agent admits she made an error processing the renewal and it is already in process and she can't change it in the computer. I have to wait for the incorrect license to arrive and she makes an appointment a month away for me to come back to have it corrected. I then have to have my picture retaken and all the usual stuff. This morning I came to DMV for my appointment which was supposed to be an easy correction. First I had to fill out a driver's license application. The agent, Willard, looked confused and like he had no clue how to operate the computer. He kept printing forms and taking them to his supervisor. The level of his frustration was palpable. I had to give my thumbprint 4 times, have my picture taken twice (had to stand in line), had to fill out 2 DMV DL-11 Information Transmittal forms. And had their Examiner Karrie who was wandering the floor bark at me "Did you take your driving test?" As if it was my fault that the previous agent failed to properly process a simple renewal. I start to explain how it is their office's fault for the error, and she immediately raises her hand in a rude halting gesture as to indicate she doesn't want to hear what I have to say. All in all, I spent an hour and ten minutes, with an appointment, dealing with the DMV's own mistake and didn't receive one apology or acknowledgment of empathy. I also sent a letter to the DMV Office Of The Director a month ago when it happened hoping they could rectify the error at the corporate level but I didn't even receive a reply. read more

Walked in with no appointment at 1015 on a Thurs & walked out 15 min later with my certified driving record. Granted, this is a simple request but still amazing to not be kept waiting. Staff were friendly all across the board too. Good experience! read more

Why did I make an appointment? To avoid waiting. 12.30 appointment and I was done at 2.53. That's right people, you too can make an appointment and spend over two hours of your day standing in line and practicing the angry face you'll make in your license photo because that's the only emotion you'll have. read more

The long line under the sun is what least bothered me of this location. What made everything extremely unpleasant is Lisa! She was extremely rude and unprofessional. To every person she encountered she deal with them in the same arrogant manner. How can she be dealing with people with that ugly attitude. I really hated every time I had to be serve by her. I'll also report her for racism. read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

Just left after arriving a little before 9am, so quick! I had to get a license renewal and name change, thankfully I filled out the application online :-). DO IT! It will save you and the DMV time. My husband went with me since he didn't receive our new tags and registration for our new car. We brought in the plates and the gentlemen behind the counter was very helpful. Remember to show a little kindness to these hard working people. read more

Despite having an appointment or filling everything out online and being told to go to the appointment line, they tell you to wait in the same LONG LINE. They said they would "weed out" appointments, but I didn't see anything. No one came to check. Online the wait time said 15 minutes. It took me THREE hours to get my license renewed (took 10 minutes in person) even after I submitted everything online and had a pass that said to go straight to appointments. The wait was grueling and some of the service was awful...only had one helpful person who actually helped me renew my license. She is the only reason I bumped from 1 star to 2. I still think it's worst DMV I have ever been to. I am going to try San Marcos next time. I hear it's way better. read more

I got a parking spot easily, even though it was midday. Came in 5 minutes before my appointment. Overall spent only 35 minutes there. Best DMV experience I have had. The staff were all friendly. The only thing I would say is if you need to sit, there isn't much seating. read more

Today was Friday November 8th 2019, I arrive at the dmv at 4:20, I'm gone by 4:45! Took a written exam, new picture, and got everything done in under 30! No appointment! The lady was nice, told me that they hired new people and its usually empty after 3pm on Friday wish I knew this earlier! Lol read more

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Had to come back two days in a row, and twice on the last day. Complete waste of time. The staff are friendly, but not attentive to details. Had to remind the clerk three times that I did not have corrective lenses. I'd rather be at the dentist. read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

Don't even bother making an appointment!!! They don't care and you will be treated like if you didn't have one. We had to wait in line even longer than those who didn't had an appointment. Complete nonsense. This is why Dmv employees have a bad reputation. They all suck. Rude and unprofessional. read more

I recently went and the employees at the desks are very kind but the employees that assign the guests with ticket numbers look very stressed. I asked a white, older male on 08/17/23 at around 2pm about a veterans verification form and he had absolutely no clue what I was talking about with a puzzled face and I needed to keep repeating myself. Poor guy looked very confused and disorganized, could also be because since he was WAY older and needing to deal with many people throughout the day. Other than that the rest of the employees are very kind and greet everyone well! read more

This DMV is the worst. The people here are mean and not helpful. My husband and I went in to renew our licenses and get the real ID. There was an issue with my husband's renewal in which they would have to call another DMV office for. Long story short, the person who was helping us was about to go to lunch and informed us that the supervisor would call and help us. We waited 45 mins and decided to go up to the inventory window and ask, a window that has nothing to do with why we are at the DMV. She redirected us to window 1 only to find out that, THE SUPERVISOR DID NOT CALL, she forgot (how do you forget? it's not like the DMV is at full capacity right now anyways so, what were they doing?) and the original person helping us came back from lunch. We basically waited an hour with no one looking into our issue nor was provided any information until WE BROUGHT IT UP. What kind of government facility is this? I understand that the DMV breeds individuals who hate life and their job, but what the f**k? Simply not doing the job is just, wow beyond words. Bottom line, if they tell you they are looking into something, don't believe them and nag the hell out of them to get what you want. This place is filled with employees who don't care about you or helping you. To say they are a bunch of robots would be too nice of a compliment. read more

-Make an appointment! When I did, there was nothing earlier than 2 weeks! -When you arrive, go straight to the door and turn left, to the appointment line. Otherwise, you're waiting in the long line snaking around the side of the building. -Do your research as to what documents you need. You don't want to have to come back here. I had just moved to CA and this site was very helpful: http://fightingbroke.com/best-guide-for-moving-to-los-angeles-part-7-get-a-california-license-and-register-your-vehicle/ -If you need address verification documents, don't rely on mobile versions. You need to print the items. Postal service address change confirmation letters work. So do bank and credit card statements. Lease documents. Check their website for a full list of acceptable documents. -If required, get your Smog Check done in advance. It's good for 90 days. -Find out if you need to take the written exam. I was transferring my license from another state and I was surprised to find out that CA required it. I'm glad I studied because I think I would have failed otherwise. You can find several practice tests online: http://driving-tests.org/california/california-permit-practice-test/. I found this to be more helpful than trying to read the Driver Handbook. Some of the questions are not particularly relevant to being a good driver - like fine amounts. This is annoying - so just study everything. -Payment methods accepted: check, money order, cash or debit card. -To transfer/update a registration, you need an employee to inspect your vehicle. This takes place on the side of the DMV building. Pass the main parking lot on your left and make the next left. This is a quick process but I waited for a very long time in the inspection area outside because there was only one person doing both inspections and driving tests! The latter obviously takes a while. You can do this before your appointment but just be aware of time constraints since there can be a long wait. You can also check in for your appointment then go have the inspection done and then return inside. You can even do it in advance - I was told the verification was good for a month. Just bring registration/title docs with you. -Overall, the staff was pretty friendly here. At least the people I dealt with. There was one woman who was kind of surly but I didn't interact with her much. However, I didn't think the DMV was well organized. I've been to locations in NY/NJ that operated much more smoothly. Their biggest problem here is the fact that they are understaffed (e.g. the solitary employee doing both inspections and driving tests). Also, there was only one person doing intake. That is, one person was assisting people in both the standard and the appointment lines to issue a number. Not great. read more

This is a very busy place. The staff is very limited. Space inside the facility is very small for the amount of people going inside for services. Some of the staff is hostile some of the is helpful. That's the reason I always go to the one on Bradley in El Cajon much faster service and more larger staff to help out read more

The staff here are extremely hard working and friendly! Of course the wait is lengthy but the staff make up for it. Thank you!

It's the DMV so expectations were low. I made an apt and was surprised to have arrived at 2 and was out by 230 for a real ID apt. No one was overtly friendly and no options to see your pic before accepted - that lady was just on a mission with a "don't talk to me attitude." But I was surprised at how efficient they have made the process. My expectation was to wait hours. But to get out in 30 was a very pleasant surprise. read more

Went In this morning, first I got there at 7:30am there was already a line. The doors were due open at 8a but it was more 8:30a. The person in window 3 was great personable and kind African America gal. The camera lady however- rude, unprofessional, no personality, and had a bitchy attitude, i over heard her say to another customer, are you going to figure out where the camera line is? And rolls her eyes. Another instance she throws a customers paper onto her belongings that was placed on the counter. Didn't even give anyone the time or day. What happened to customer service.... people? She was an older Caucasian women. Jean shorts, red faded hoody with her hair in a messy gpony tail. Quite loud and often roams the section into other peoples cubicles despite if she had a line of guests waiting for a photo or not. read more

As usual a bit of rude costumer service, I don't know why it's like a national trend to be rude at the DMV. Went to the DMV to change/update some information on my license and replace it with the "REAL ID" Waited about 30 minutes in line (disclaimer I got there 30 minutes before opening). Not BAD of a wait. Overall in and out process took me about an hour. read more

Terrible service and rude employees. I got in trouble for simply standing, when I moved and stood against a wall the employee yelled at me again. Had an appointment at 11:40am and didn't get seen until 45 minutes later. Terrible place read more

The DMV has become a caricature of itself in recent years, often depicted by morose faces and a grim place you can't wait to get out of. While, yes, this location is very busy and, yes, it's warm and loud and you're likely to wait for a while, I had a wonderful experience. Every staff member I spoke to was cheerful, welcoming, and patient. Heather, who helped me the majority of my visit, was kind and answered questions clear and concisely. Never once did I feel rushed. She and her colleagues seemed to really enjoy their jobs and working with each other. I was led seamlessly through the process to get a new license and was out of the center in under an hour. All staff that I could see were masked, though there was no requirement for patrons to mask at the time of my visit. read more

Got there at 6:50am on a Friday, was done by 8:30am. Come early to get a parking spot and a seat, there was only standing room maybe by 8am. There are a few employees here who seemed very unhappy but the gentleman who helped me was wonderful and funny. Got my license renewed (as a real ID) and picked up vanity plates. I ordered the plates online and it took a couple months before I got a notice in the mail to pick them up. They don't take credit cards, you can pay with debit/cash (probably other methods). There are so many people going to the DMV now for real ID so it's bad. They will pre-check documents before you sign in to avoid wasting as much time waiting in case you don't have the right stuff. read more

Filled out the paper work online and they give me a code for my real id. Came in around 3 and left at 3:20. Very fast and organized if you do the stuff online first. Very impressed. read more

YELPers, drivers, my experience here has been remarkably helpful, despite undeserved harsh ratings. The female Security was unbelievably patient, gave me direction, handled a loud customer with dignity, maintained a positive attitude. I didn't hv an appointment & was able to replace a needed item in less than an hour. My worker was extremely patient & knowledgeable. I observed @ least four other staff demonstrating professional, courteous service. It's not easy waiting & its not easy dealing with those waiting. YELPers, drivers, this DMV will change perceptions, provide hope. read more