AVOID. I have to tell all of you, AVOID this place as much as you can. This DMV is a cesspool of the most incompetent people I have ever encountered. I only came here to renew my driver license; that turned into a fiasco. I usually just get a renewal in the mail but I guess they have to take a new picture after a certain amount of years. When I got my notice, I actually prepared for my picture, got a haircut, picked the right color of clothing that will enhance my skin-tone, got my teeth cleaned and whitened, heck I even practiced the right pose in front of a mirror. The day finally arrived, it was pretty uneventful. I expected the long line so that did not bother me. I also expected the kind of people that will be in line so that did not bother me. I actually got in and out of the DMV pretty fast. Well, that was the end of this fairy tale story because in two months time it will be hell. When I left this DMV the clerk basically told me do not call us until after a month. She even noted it on my temporary license renewal. So, never thought anything of it and relying on the competence of our civil servants I waited patiently for a month to pass, which will be three days before my license will expire. The clerk also noted that there is an 800 number to call to check the status of your license. I have to admit I was checking the status every week and it seems everything was fine. A month passed and no driver license showed. Post Office problem I was thinking, patiently I waited another two days. When nothing showed I called the 800 number again and the message was the same, license being processed. Worried that my license will expire, I called the Santa Ana office and talked to an actual person. Here is where the typical DMV comes in ... the person who answered practically blamed me for not calling earlier and that I should know by divine intervention that my picture did not come out and they have to retake it. Practically panicked, I rushed to this office to get everything settled. It was in the middle of the day so the place was basically empty. I got to a clerk fast, basically the second clerk who took my paperwork and referred me to another clerk for another paperwork. While talking to the third clerk, he was practically interrogating me about the information on my license and giving me some 'tude. At this point I was already on my boiling point so I gave him a taste of my 'tude and told him, "look, I don't really have time for a chit-chat as I have better things to do so if you are really looking for a bitch you are about to find one." To round this review up, I have the worse picture on my new license but I got it in two weeks. I will never come back to this DMV. I will drive to another DMV office that is not in a principality of Mexico. Hopefully, with the massive budget deficit in California most of the incompetent people at this DMV will be let go soon. It will be a blessing for us all! Do you really need four people to process paperwork for a driver license? Thank God for AAA, I don't have to come here for other things DMV related. read more

As I write this I am rather upset. In December 2014 my husband was required to come in for his license renewal. Over 70 years of age you must take the written drivers test for your renewal. His was due by January 23rd. He passed the vision test, got a new picture taken and then took a written exam which he did not pass. Wanting to study some more he chose to return and was assured that with the paperwork he was given when he returned he could just go right through to the exam center, show his paperwork and retake the test. He had 60 days in which to accomplish this. Of course, as of January 2015 our " undocumented " population was given the privilege of being able to obtain a Drivers License and that has become a nightmare for all of our citizens and for those that are here legally! When we returned to take the test the place was flooded with the undocumented eager to use their newly unearned privilege. However, bypassing that mob he returned to the exam center, paperwork in hand ready to retake the test. He was told that things had changed due to this new, chaotic situation, he must wait in a non-appointment line to obtain a special ticket before he would be permitted to take the exam. This line was so long it extended through at least half of the building. Frustrated, we left. He decided to make an appointment for his next attempt at a retake. The first available appointment at Santa Ana would not be until March which was unacceptable, his time was up by February 27th so he made an appointment at Fullerton DMV and was able to make one for Feb. 12th at 8:30 A.M. that was this morning. We arrived right on time, there was a long line extending outside the door, could have been 100 or more people. We were told that the entire state computer system was down and the wait would be at least 4 hours! People were leaving unable to complete their business. We had to leave also. Why are citizens and those here legally being penalized so that those here illegally can aquire yet another privilege? I was aware that four additional centers, one in Stanton were opened strictly to help handle the " undocumented " population that is now overwhelming our system. Why not have made these additional centers the ONLY places that these people could go? Make them wait! They are fortunate to be able to obtain their driving privileges. Better yet, make the simple written test available on-line. A real estate license renewal test can be done on-line, why not a written drivers exam in some cases. This is disheartening, it is outrageous and VERY unnecessary. read more

This place is awful. The employees clearly hate their jobs. They're miserable turds. They are lazy, and if they actually did their jobs at an appropriate pace, their wouldn't be such long wait times. So many Spanish speaking customers and the biggest paisa looking Mexican employees, speak the language under protest, they're douchebags that think their above it. Lol!! It hurts them to speak Spanish, should a person need them to. Welcome to Santa Ana, Change your location, if you don't want to put your bi-lingual skills to work, you nopaleros. Spanish, English, Chinese, Russian, it doesn't matter what language you speak, or if you did everything right, or wrong, or if you showed up with an appointment or without, the staff here are scum bags. Bitchy shitty attitudes, by every single one of them. I was shocked how every person that worked here had the same bad vibe. It's like they're all one. Like one big mutant entity, they're all fused as one but yet separated, they seem to be nice to each other, like their a part of a gang or team of shit head DMV employees, or maybe they're just being "fake" to each other but they definitely hate anyone that's there giving them work to do, and a reason to live. Lol. I mean, thank god y'all have a job to make a living, and that my hard earned tax money pays for your pathetic livelihoods. They're dmv employees with dick head attitudes. I'm sure the money doesn't suck so what's with the sticks up their asses? It's like they're just bitter from working there for years, They literally go out of their way to be "little bitches". Very unattractive staff I might add, but when you're miserable as fuck, it shows. I kinda feel sorry for them, you must have lost in life to end up working at the Santa Ana DMV. Lol!! The DMV on beach Blvd. is bigger and the staff is faster and super pleasant. The vibe is much better at the beach Blvd location. Go at your own risk to the Santa Ana dmv. Some of These positive reviews on yelp are all fake too. Go into the DMV in person and you'll see why. There's nothing but douche bags working there and every person waiting is miserable. Seems suspicious that anybody, including hundreds, even took the time to write positive five-star reviews for this shitty DMV, I think the employees are blowing each other. They must get pizza on fridays if they maintain a high rating on yelp. Hence the overly positive reviews. They're all fake. Anybody that has gone to this DMV, has had the same experience. read more

I took my driving test at this DMV. I did my 50 practice hours and my mother was even telling me if I fail she wouldn't be upset and how I couldn't have changed anything because I did all the practice I could which was appreciated at least. We scheduled the appointment here because it was the closest available appointment to the 6 month of me having a permit even though San Clemente and laguna hills have highest pass rates in OC. Basically I go the wait isn't a problem. And the instructor comes and I get a perfect score with the pre drive inspection. So I drive totally okay like I always am 5 mph under the speed limits, signal before turns, look at my mirrors and blind spots before lane changes. And I realize the only error I could've possibly gotten was this one stop sign which I braked too hard. I did 10 and 2 on the wheel too and always practiced hand over hand during it. So apparently she tells me some feedback I could do at the end of the test when I go back at the dmv. Then apparently she then tells me causally "also you are disqualified from passing due to stopping at a green arrow" but I only did that because I thought the pedestrian could've crossed so I waited for one second. This place pissed me off and seeing the terrible reviews and stuff online, and how San Clemente is great, I totally am retaking it at San Clemente. My instructor seemed so nice but in reality she just wanted to fail me ‍ I would never come back to this dmv unless Its bedrive past it to go to the Santa Ana zoo. Update: I retook it at San Clemente and even though I got someone who seemed strict, I still passed the test i never feared failing it the whole way through. If you are scheduling a drive test appointment, I highly highly highly recommend San clemente read more

If you're in Orange County and need to schedule a behind the wheel test, this DMV location is a top tier choice (probably because most people are scared to drive in the chaotic Santa Ana area). Checking in was a breeze, no hassles from the staff at all. The thing about the evaluators, those guys are a hit or miss. Most of them are chill, and if you get one of those guys, then that's a gold mine for you. You're most definitely going to pass. But if you're unlucky enough to get one of the evil evaluators like me, then you're in for the most stressful time of your life. I got stuck with this absolute Karen of an evaluator. She didn't even give me a friendly greeting. It was just attitude the whole time. So the odds won't always be in your favor. The Karen only gave me criticism upon criticism and gave me zero helpful tips. She said my eyes were closed for most of my driving, like, are you serious right now? I know for a fact that she was wrong, and I'm very certain that she was being condescending or worse, a cold-blooded racist. Not cool. Not cool at all. I don't remember her even giving me any feedback that was remotely helpful or positive. She was just trying her best to discourage me. I pray to anyone going into the driving test that you won't get a scumbag like her in your passenger seat. DMV says evaluators "want you to pass," but after my experience with the Karen, I find that very hard to believe. Like there's no way she's this bad on purpose, but oh boy, it felt like she was trying to make me fail. Major yikes. There wasn't even a second during that test where my nerves weren't on major overdrive. I'd say pray you don't get her, but yeesh, just hope you get one of the chill evaluators instead. read more

Of course I knew better. C'mon, lines are known to be worse than the ones for Space Mountain at Disneyland. I went prepared. All I was really missing was one of those portable chairs that people carried around during the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena. Prepared as in having enough snacks to last me an hour in a line that wrapped almost more than half of the building. So thank you almond toffee chocolate, macadamia nut cookie, and hot caramel machiatto. Ok, fine. I lied. All that junk lasted me for only about 15 minutes but the experience here, as many reviewers had said, top notch. I texted a friend when I got there to check what the estimated wait time was on the website: 35 minutes. Darnit, my morning lecture was starting in an hour and a half. I better be in class jotting down precious notes and grasping every ounce of the professor's knowledge by 11am or I'll be pissed off. As if losing my driver's license wasn't enough to begin a gloomy, raining day. I'm a serious student, all day, every day! ;) From being the very last person in a ridiculously intimidating line, I was at the beginning of the line within 30 minutes. Did I mention it was raining the whole time I was in line? Once I stepped foot into the building, from the kind lady who gave me the form to fill out, the kind security man who directed me to the desk where I can complete the form, the kind woman who entered my paperwork, to the kind lady who took my photo ID, was nothing but excellent service and friendly smiles all around. I made it to class half an hour early. PERFECT! enough time for me to... YELP. :D, DUH! read more

I recently had to renew my license at the DMV, and I have to say, it was a breeze. I don't understand why some people struggle with such a straightforward process. If you follow the instructions, bring the documents they ask for, and simply go where they direct you, it's smooth sailing. I made sure to schedule an appointment, and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was in and out of there. In less than 30 minutes, I had my renewed license in hand and was on my way. Sure, the parking situation wasn't ideal, but with a little patience and strategic timing, it's manageable. What struck me the most was how inefficiently the DMV was run. There were no officers inside, which was a weird change from what I've experienced in the past. Due to the lack of authority figures, everyone seemed to not know what they were doing and didn't follow the rules. Of course, there are always a few people who seemed a bit lost and unsure of what to do. I couldn't help but shake my head at the individuals who tried to cut in line or didn't follow the proper procedures. It's not rocket science, folks! If you approach your DMV visit with a bit of common sense and patience, it's a breeze. My experience was proof of that. So next time you need to visit the DMV, just remember to bring your documents, follow the instructions, and for heaven's sake, don't be an idiot. It's not that hard. read more

It will take me years to recover from the screwing I received from the DMV today. !!! 41/2 hours of ( I"d rather be water boarded ) to renew my current license. This entire organization is a mess !!! Tomorrow after I recover, I'm going for the juggler of the officer in charge of this worthless organization, My letter will be cc: to all the news media and the governors office, Why ? because these f---king people are as dumb as a shoe !!! ! hour in line, (at the shortest line according to their worthless website) (1hour from my home)to get to the "start here" (useless) (time wasting) (money wasting) window, who sent me to another line to answer the very same questions and get a number. The "number allowed me to wait 3 GD hours to go to another window for the same BS and then took my money and sent me for a pic and fingerprints and then the test, only to go back to the same lines as before. What kind of a brain dead moron came up with this. ( I SAT FOR THREE HOURS FOR NOTHING AS IF I"M A POLITICIAN AND HAVE ALL THE TIME, AND OTHER PEOPLES MONEY IN THE WORLD TO SQUANDER ) All in all, from 9:30 at the Hollywood DMV with lines of several hundred people around the block to SIMI valley and finished at 3:45. P.S. I could have flown to N.Y. in less time, what is wrong with this picture. read more

This DMV is incredibly busy, crowded, and overall disappointing. I came here to get my Real ID, expecting a quick and efficient process since I had already completed everything online at home. While the Real ID process itself was surprisingly quick and employees were helpful, the overall experience was far from pleasant. The line for other services was ridiculously long and overwhelming, and the entire facility was dirty and dusty, which made the wait even more unbearable. I specifically chose this location to avoid the notoriously crowded DMVs in LA, and a friend recommended it during the week, claiming it would be less hectic. Unfortunately, her suggestion turned out to be wrong, at least for the afternoon. Perhaps mornings are better, but I can't say for sure. If you're planning to visit, I'd recommend coming early or trying another location altogether to avoid the chaos. The only positive part of this experience was the parking, it was easy to find a spot without any hassle. While I was glad the Real ID process was quick, everything else about this visit was frustrating and disappointing. Good luck if you decide to come here! read more

If you want the Disneyland experience of waiting in line, but hate the actual ride? Then THIS is the place for you! Do you enjoy looking at the beige and light brown walls that bring back PTSD of previous visits? Then THIS is the place for you! Do you enjoy pop up ads and would like tv screens constantly showing you ads while you wait? Then THIS is the place for you! Do you enjoy filling out forms at work multiple times over, but hate the part where you get paid? Then THIS is the place for you! Welcome then to the wondrous place called the DMV, the Devil, Maniacs, and Villains association, where the lowest level of hell is revealed to you, and all without the convenience of dying first! (unless you call death by boredom and frustration a possibility) This full day vacation spot is famous for having a live performance show of "The People of Walmart," except the government equivalent. They also offer continual redirections in an attempt to make your day worse as an added amenity. Just remember to bring your own toilet paper! ***the only reason this isn't a one star review is that a single person here was a decent soul read more

I just wanted to leave a review for the Santa Ana DMV because I had such a surprisingly positive experience today. From the moment I walked in, Crystal was incredibly kind, attentive, and patient. She made the process feel smooth and welcoming instead of stressful or overwhelming. You can tell she genuinely cares about helping people, and it immediately eased my nerves. Janet, who administered my DMV test, was also so sweet and encouraging throughout the experience. When I passed my test on the first try, she congratulated me and made me feel genuinely proud of myself. That small moment meant a lot to me. I've honestly had terrible DMV experiences in the past, so this visit completely changed my perspective. Both of these women made the experience 110% more pleasant than I ever expected. Thank you to Crystal and Janet for being so kind, professional, and supportive. Employees like them truly deserve recognition and a raise! read more

I am appalled by the service here!! Not gonna complain about the wait time, that's a given.. However, I've sat here for 2 hours watching "Rene" impose her rude, condescending, disrespectful attitude to everyone!! I mean someone seriously pee'd in her cherries this morning! After a patron asked to speak to a manager I could no longer hold my tongue!! I made my way to the counter and told her exactly what I witnesses.. She apologized and asked me to fill out a comment card and give it back to her directly.. During my conversation another guest complains about the very same employee.. All of a sudden her attitude changed!! Sad! Don't work with people if you suck!!! I hope the manager follows through!! She seemed very concerned! Sucks knowing you have some bad attitudes on your team!! So, if you are ever at Santa Ana DMV, stop by window 14 and tell Rene she can suck eggs!! read more

A worthless extension of a worthless government agency. I've been trying to register a 1969 Mustang (that was originally built here in Southern California) for months now. I've been rejected four times for everything from emissions to VIN verification. Not only is it a pre-emissions car, not only have I had the front quarter panels removed to verify the VIN stamped on the frame, and had two separate VIN verifiers fill out forms, AND gotten a letter of emissions compliance directly from Ford, they still will not title the car and insist on having it brought to the DMV so they can verify it themselves, because they're obviously so knowledgable on old cars. Absolutely useless. Anyone who works for this institution should be ashamed of themselves. This entire department is a testament to the sheer failure of government bureaucracy. read more

Man fuck this place my instructor was Javier and long story short he failed me. This guy really fucking failed me and marked me 29 points like wtf did i do wrong when switching lanes i looked through my mirrors and over my shoulders. In his notes he wrote that I did not stop on a green arrow light when turning right and see other cars just to make sure i could pass safely but thing is i yielded and looked at other cars when turning. Then this stupid idiot said I didn't stop behind a Stop sign line but yes i did and i couldn't see on my left so i went forward till i could and stoped again just to make sure that I could pass safely and then go this guy is a straight up dumbass. read more

I recently visited the DMV for some license renewal and vehicle registration matters, and I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency and professionalism of the staff. Despite the common perception of long wait times and bureaucratic processes, my experience at the DMV was smooth and hassle-free. The employees were friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, making sure all my queries were answered and my paperwork was in order. The facilities were clean and well-organized, further enhancing the overall customer experience. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of the DMV staff in serving the community. Keep up the excellent service read more