I just want to acknowledge the front desk guy (information) today 01.23.26. He's very patient, accommodating, helpful, and well-mannered person. I had no appointment in prior to my DMV visit today. I was there around 1030, and l was done at 12 noon. There was no long line at the information desk. The line got busy at 11am until l left the building. The lady who assisted me in the number 3 window was also super kind and helpful. I wish l asked her name! I had her before from my previous DMV visits and she's been consistently nice and helpful. She has glasses on, short hair, Asian tall lady. read more

Look at the pictures of the DMV and you're probably thinking there was a bomb scare. Absolutely NOT! I am going to share the secret of getting your drivers license renewed without waiting. I am serious. Quit laughing. I was in and out in 7 minutes. So go online The DMV and fill out the simple form for your renewal. Then just before your appointment ( which will be selected by you on the form submission) fill out what is essentially a verification of the info you put on form. Easy Peasy. Then zip through the actual process, pay your $50. You're done, there were exactly 6 people in the whole DMV. read more

DMV - Inside view. Yes really the DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Seaside, California

See all

I recently went to the Seaside office of the DMV to renew my driver's license and had a really good experience. Paola, who took care of all the paperwork and eye exam and Clarice in the photo department were both very professional and kind. Also the man in the appointment line was very courteous and helpful (I did not get his name). I believe that good employees set the tone for the DMV and I hope they get the recognition they deserve. It was such an easy and effortless way to get my driver's license renewed here and I thank them for their attention. read more

Where can I start? Glenda She was amazing. She helped me to clear my record and she was on it . Amazing service.

When you walk in you are immediately met with a help desk to guide you. There were two lines, one for appts and one without. I recently changed my name and needed to get a new drivers license. I had no appt and was in and out within 40 mins. Customer service was nice and helpful. read more

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

This is a third world operation! The rules governing drivers in CA change slightly yet the Department of Motor Vehicles responds to those changes as if the entire legal system was rewritten every week. If this was ANY other business it would be considered a failure. Waiting 4 hours for basic title exchanges is beyond unacceptable. read more

I have been back and forth with the DMV online and in the office to try and pay my renewal. online/phone says they can't take my payment and, in the office, says they can't take my payment? No one wants to help me or do their job!! The DMV trying to go all online is NOT working!! Bad enough the actual people don't want to do their jobs now anyone online just blows you off too!! read more

I'm bad on computers. I don't like being put on web sites that take information and want money. then can't find my way back

Unbelievable waiting times. At one point, for about an hour, they only had two windows making any progress and a completely full waiting room. You can tell DMV has made making appointments more difficult because only a handful of people in the last 2 hours had them. It's been decades since I had an awful experience at a DMV but today they made up for it. Flunk!!! read more

Kinda rude. 3 people had a problem with the kiosk and are trying to explain the issues they are experiencing online and with the kiosk, and are met with getting cut off by employees and being told they can't help you unless you're registration is expired or that you are just doing things wrong. I'm not trying to pay a late fee or get a ticket. Your system isn't working and you could've helped me. AAA was able to help me, through their DMV Services. Please be kind, I'm not trying to cause the employees hardship but that seems like a one way street at this DMV. They are not people oriented, they rather you pay more fines, have expired registration and waste time than to listen to you and help. read more

This location is the worst DMV we've visited in California! Terrible staff who are inconsiderate, inflexible, lazy and condescending. Booked two drive tests back-to-back in 20 min. interval of appointment for my kids but they said it's not possible which was unusual according to another DMV we later went. The "reason" is the alleged "understaffing".  The female white supervisor crudely turned down our second appointment stating "we need to come back in 20 min. with the car ready", which was impossible because we found out all of the appointments were way delayed by at least an hour! That happened before we even stepped in. But she hid this fact from us, and lied about "trying to squeeze us in" while later either too lazy or too biased to do it. They could have been kind enough to squeeze my daughter in, since we already have her appointment but they didn't! That makes you wonder if these government workers really work for the people to solve their needs and make things convenient for them. I guess not. There's nothing wrong with two appointments being next to each other. They could have been more flexible. One female staff suggested me to drive two cars here because we have two testees. That was stupid because not everyone lives in local, for us we drove an hour and half to this location that day because my kids' permit are expiring.   It shouldn't be a big deal as after my son finishes his test, tester can come back to the car to have my daughter ready for her test. Yet they denied her test. Using a skew of lame excuses such as "system issue" of "double booking" (It wasn't. It was two separate appointments.) is not our problem but yours, you as the supervisor should strive to solve problem for customer instead of cancelling for undisclosed "understaffing" and being sly and manipulative about it.  This whole shenanigan left us without any satisfaction for these unkind, authoritarian workers, especially that mean and biased female white supervisor in driving test section, who have zero customer service and zero manner (didn't even apologize!)  They so called follow the "rules" although they make up their ridiculous rules so there's actually no rules and it's only up to their moods. That's pathetic! If you can't do your job fulfilling customers' requests, don't work there! I feel this DMV is poorly run by terrible staff who don't care about customer's service. This is a government entity entirely paid by tax payers' money, yet refused to work for people. Truly the worst DMV in California! read more

So I decided to go to the DMV the other day in seaside really quick because someone had stolen my I.D. card and I needed a form of identification to fill out some important papers. Just my luck!!! I pulled up and there was a line out the door!!! I couldn't believe it!! I've never seen the DMV that packed before.. It was weird because I looked around at the staff and there was literally no one working either. I thought to myself, well that's weird, a government building with no workers??? And then proceeded to think wow this could be a really good job for me... Something different that would be perfect and beneficial with the possible benefits that come with it!! I thought this line will probably take an hour or so but def not 2.5 hours!!!! I couldn't believe that I actually sat there and waited that long... When I got up to the window I asked about possible jobs because they definitely need to hire some people.. It was obvious!!!. That was absolutely way to long to wait!! When I asked about it I was told that they were not hiring but the watsonville branch was..I thought that was sort of odd... They should really fix the problem honestly, it would be easier on them and the people would be happier and less combative and rude them. Win win situation!! There was also 2 flights while I was there as well and non stop arguing with the workers... Welp it's hard to feel bad when that branch doesn't even want help to fix the problem. They should really take some of the weight off of them by hiring and filing up some empty desks (which by the way was like half of the room.. There was literally only like 4 workers working!!!) ‍ Bummer ... Please don't steal my I.D again so I don't have to go through that mess again lmao read more

Worst costumer service!!! Every single person that works here is rude, hate their job and are miserable because of the way they treat others. My daughter had her behind the wheel test and the instructor was very hard to understand due to her hard accent, she was rude and called my daughter a liar. Everyone here needs to take an ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASS!! read more

FU***** terrible service !! Everyone there is RUDE and so disrespectful. I dread going to the dmv because of the employees. All miserable, slow, rude people. read more

Since relocating I've visited this location a few times for services such as registering a vehicle, or switching licenses from out of state. As of 2/2021 no new test is required if you are changing licenses from out of state, but they could change. The most important thing for any visitor is to ensure you bring all required documents, to avoid making several trips. The employee at the front will help you double check or get the necessary forms. You are not allowed to go in as groups currently. The Real ID process goes in three steps. First you will fill out the online application at the computer kiosk, then line up to have your information entered and evidence checked. You will then be directed to take a photo, upon which you'll receive a temporary ID (actual one takes a few weeks to get to new address). The employees are helpful if you ask the right questions. For those who can't join their family members during the visit, I recommend visiting the park across the street or hanging out at the benches behind the DMV. read more

See all

So rude!! The appointment lane isn't even designated. Ask a question and you are treated with distain as an idot! I was accused of standing too close to the people at the window when I was clearly in the appointment lane. I was not told that my appointment # would be posted on my text nor was I told that I'd be notified there when my number came up. I was just given it verbally, really? I was there to get a real ID. Sure wish I didn't need one and that I had to go in person with all my documents. They must all hate their jobs. read more

The d.m.v from seaside ca has friendly staff members that helps people if they need their support 100%! The members that work there are amazing with their awesome personalities towards others!!!!! The manager was amazed with her performance, the way how she helped!!! Thank You very much to the manager and her staff employees!!!!! read more

Heads up!!! DMV is open every day at 8:00 - EXCEPT Wednesdays!!! Door was opened by office manager (per her badge), we did not have an appt but were first in line. Sectioned off in two different lines, appts and non appts. My husband was seen immediately, requested a real ID and that was done quickly by rep. I was told my husband should've had to wait as he had no appt, so next rep made sure I waited. Once called I applied for a real ID and turned in personalized plates. After one and a half hours later we were doneThis office runs very smooth, most reps are friendly. Office mgr at door and guy taking picture, unfriendly. I found website challenging so opted to bring in necessary papers for real ID. Get it done by May 2023. read more

The employees were always professional and answered my questions and every step was prompt and accurate to show up in person. Making an appointment was the best way to finish sooner. read more

Who likes going to the DMV? Well this is one place to avoid. Waited 40 minutes to be acknowledged! Then told to go to another line even though we followed directions and we were correct. ( outside) Person was rude probably because I called them out on this. If I didn't have to be here I wouldn't. If they were shutting down a lane outside they should have had signs up. Blocked a lane off. Not my fault they didn't want to get wet. read more

If you happen to deal with Maria ( she sits at station 4 ), be prepared for a snarky attitude infused individual that will irritate you. Dealing with her, you would believe her last name is DMV and she is the sole heir of the business. Don't let it slide, report her. read more

worst customer experience ever, i always take 3-4 hours here to turn in some papers, always overcrowded and long lines with people not even from here. Also the website is terrible does not work It took me 6 months to get a new drivers license online. Why is this place in business? read more

The DMV has come a long way over the years. Service was fast and friendly. Making an appointment in advance is an easy process and helps everyone. Visited today to obtain my Real ID ahead of the October 2020 deadline for domestic flights. Online forms inside the facility also makes the process more efficient and more environmentally friendly. read more

I went to the Seaside DMV with a somewhat complex issue ... Dennis is the agent that help me and i could not, in a million words, say enough great things about him. He was extremely knowledgeable, personable, and helped me to get my issue resolved the same day. By in large, no one wants to visit the DMV but if you have to and your close enough, head to Seaside and see Dennis ... I only wish everyone in customer service held themselves to the standard he sets. THANK YOU DENNIS!!! read more

I made an appointment to get my drivers license renewal. It was so easy and quick 30 mins. Everyone was so nice. Thank you

This is the best DMV I have ever stepped foot in. Check-in took 2 minutes with an appointment. I was called to the window less than 60 seconds later! My appointment was for 9am, and it is now 9:13 and I have everything I need for my vehicle. Hands down the nicest DMV employees I have EVER met. Thanks for the great customer service!! read more

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

There's a REASON people MAKE FUN of DMV incompetence-- living up to every stereotype of bungling bureaucracy doesn't help! I'm writing this from inside the DMV waiting room while I wait for my APPOINTMENT that I made online. Thing is, PER THE BOSS HERE, "we don't do dat here." So appointments are useless. And the entry person? Ha! I've encountered faster moving rocks... This is for a damn change of address that the online form kept choking on. No reason given.. That's NOT hard coding. Week #4 assignment in my class, actually. Just got back from the window. OH My GOD! How do you keep a job, princess? So infuriating! Fill out paper forms so they can type the same info in? How lame IS this place? She wanted to help but BUREAUCRACY. And bureaucracy. And plain bad customer service design; Melanie can only do so much. She tried to help. After she quit blaming me for being frustrated that even in person, I couldn't change my address. The system is very poorly designed (says the programming and design prof) with crippled feedback to the user and all sorts of Byzantine aspects. These should NOT be defended. No, the DMV should be RIDICULED until it reforms and reaches the competency of a 3rd world backwater (oblique reference to ineffective colonialism intended). I've literally lived all over the world. Why does the US consistently have some of the lamest, least efficient bureaucracies?!? read more

The staff at the door are friendly and professional. This branch requires mask so you can go in. They are observing social distancing. The branch is clean and the process was relatively quick. And the staff was helpful to an elderly gentleman. This is the DMV to go to. read more

DMV - lobby - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Seaside, California

I can't believe I am writing a 5 star review for DMV, but I am. I have to say this was the most efficient, productive and helpful experience. When we arrived they have someone at the door who determines what you're there for and makes sure you have the forms you need. Then since we had an appointment we simply went and sat for a moment and then were taken at a window. NO more waiting in a line for 30 minutes to get a number and sit and wait 1-2 hrs to be called, I'm not kidding. We told them why we were there. They gave us 2 forms, filled them out- then they faxed them to the appropriate office AND followed up with a phone call to settle the matter while we waited!! They gave us copies of everything too, for our records. I'm not kidding. We were SO grateful for their help. Saved us over $500. Thank you!!!! read more

So I went into the DMV because my I.D. was expired and I needed to renew it. Im just speaking about one of the times, honestly ive been in there a few times and every single time has been such a horrible experience. Ive gone into other DMV's and they have all been pleasant and ive never had an issue, but for some reason this DMV wants to discriminate. I had filled out my forms online before I went in there so it would be easier and I wouldn't have to spend as much time there because last time I had issues with there computer so I didn't want to deal with that again. I had a number which I gave them as I walked in. I was told to sit and they would call me. When they did I went to a window and what seemed to be a nice lady sitting on the other side asked for my documents. Her name was Maria. I gave her my expired I.D. and I also gave them a voucher which I had gotten in the park. I didn't want to spend the $36 on the I.D when I'm about to get my license and I'll have to turn around and spend it again on a drivers license. I couldn't afford it. She asked me to check and make sure that the information on the screen was correct. It asks for my mailing address and my physical address and it gave 2 separate lines where I could put in the information. I have a different mailing address then where I was living at the time, so I put that. She then asks me if this physical address was where I wanted my I.D to be sent and I said no I want it to go to my mailing address. Then she said well I will have to go back in and fix it and it became a big ordeal and she then states that I have to go over to their computer and fix it. She was very irritated and was honestly kind of rude and I didn't understand why because I filled it out completely correct. Why would I want it to be mailed to my physical address when I put a mailing address on there? It didn't make any sense to me. So I went to their computers and fixed it like she told me to do, but they just asked me the same question as I was telling her? So I again put a different address for my mailing address than where I was staying, and I walked back to the counter to where she was. As I was waiting the girls that work there in the back were laughing and talking about this incident that happened at one of their houses that involved a spider and it was like she wanted me to hear it because she kept repeating herself over and over again. Again it was weird and annoying and I felt as though they were laughing at me. Like they were better than me or something? I just tried to keep my composure and I stayed kind even though I was really frustrated. When I got called back up to her she again got irritated about the same thing and called her boss over. She seemed to be mad about the voucher that I had, which makes no sense because I'm a united states citizen that has gotten everything taken from me and can't afford an I.D because I'm waiting for money from them? We should have vouchers for people that don't have the means to be able to afford an I.D. It was actually quite nice to hear that her boss actually felt the same way. I finally got through the paperwork and got to take my picture and appreciated them taking the time to help me because it was actually after 5 when they close so that was actually really nice of them to do. I just don't understand their frustration with me and their questions really didn't make any sense. I believed I filled out the form correctly and her question could have been answered if she just thoroughly read the form herself??? I felt like she was mocking me on purpose and it was pretty obvious because of the girls laughing in back..This time actually wasn't even that bad, the time before was actually way worse. Isn't this a government building? They should really do something about the harassment. I pay taxes and actually would have been able to pay the $36 if I would have gotten my tax return back from the IRS...hmmmmmm this is starting to become a pattern??? Wish someone would get back to me about this because ive been trying to get ahold of someone.... anyways thank you please pray for Seaside DMV, they need it! read more

We've never had issues here until today. We came in for a simple car registration. After we got our number we sat down and waited. They don't call out your number on the intercom anymore so we watched the monitors above. When our number came up in about 20 minutes we went to window 15 to be promptly told- Oh I called that number 15 minutes ago, um no you didn't. It didn't take us 15 minutes to walk to the window either! She told us- Well now you have to go back and get a new number, what?? We're still sitting here waiting with a new number while our old number is still posted on the screen. Confusing. It's really crowded here today but that's no excuse! We ended up waiting just over an hour and in less than a minute we were done. This used to be our favorite DMV but I think we'll look for a new one. Think I'll make an appointment next time too. read more

I had a very nice experience here today. At this office they line you up and check you in as you walk up. They check to see if you really have all the necessary paperwork you need before you go in! This system works very well. I was in-and-out while moderately busy in under a hour. read more

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

Im boutta Karen out rn but, this rating goes specifically for the older lady of color that is the driving instructor. I didnt get her name but she seemed like she was from N. Africa. Anyway, she was VERY rude. As soon as I saw her walk out I already knew she was gonna be bitter by how she had her face. She took her sweet time telling me where to go therefore, I began asking her where, since she wasn't giving me clear instructions. She replied with "I tell YOU where to go" which then I replied with "ok im sorry". As I continued driving, she began to yell at me which I didn't appreciate because I am NOT 10 years old. I had then stopped at a yield where a pedestrian was trying to cross, which I stopped for, and she began to yell at me again to "GOOOO". She then marked me for doing "unnecessary stops". What was I supposed to do? Run the poor lady over? I was being very respectful and kept referring her as "mam". She then led me into the dmv parking lot where she seemed like she forgot to give me directions. At the end, she gave me a 14/15 which I personally think she did it simply because i rubbed her the wrong way for some reason. Still passed tho :) ANYYYWAYYY, everyone else who was working inside the DMV, was very cool n super nice. They do needa put the "No appointment" and the "Appointment" signs outside tho :3 read more

New Driver's license available that is high tech and good for airport interstate travel in 2020.

I passed my driving test today!! I had a great instructor! She gave me clear directions and was very informative! At the end of my test she told me things I can improve on and it was extremely helpful! such a sweet and polite Instructor! I believe her name was Sam!! read more

Have been here three hours to just pay registration they literally call my letter every hour!! So I have to wait five more hours!?? This is ridiculous u need to get more faster efficient people behind these desks but of course no one listens to these reviews!!!! Kidding me frustrating Beware window 13 letters B this woman takes her sweet time! read more

Wonder why this DMV site is "unclaimed"? I don't know anyone who'd want to claim this crappy place. First of all, let me start by saying that the DMV, as a whole, is one of the biggest rip-offs that our government could come up with. I'm sure everyone already knows that. Vehicle registrations should be the same price across the board, regardless of how much your vehicle is worth, or how new it is. If they were covering/insuring our vehicle through registration, then I'd understand the purpose of higher registration fees. Let's be honest, the DMV is basically a cash cow. Anyways, my gripe today is with this particular office on Canyon Del Rey, in Seaside. My daughter comes in to take her driver's test. Mind you, we made this appointment well over a month in advance. She brought everything required (birth certificate, SS card, proof of parents' mailing address, etc). Two bills, in mine and my wife's names, are brought for proof of address (since she obviously lives with us) as well as her report card from school, to prove that she lives with us. They tell my daughter that because the bill in her mom's name doesn't match her mom's last name on her birth certificate, they can't use it. This is a federal/state run agency, right? How TF does the DMV not know that on all birth certificates, the mother's maiden name is documented and not her married name?!?! My wife's signature on the birth certificate is even signed with her married last name! So then they tell me, "Well, since we can't use that piece of mail as proof, if she's on your vehicle registration, we can use that." "Yes, she is, but it's her married name on my registration." "Oh, that's fine. We can still use that." I went back and forth with these idiots, TRYING to get them to make me understand this! They couldn't explain the difference between a legitimate utility bill, with her married last name, that wasn't acceptable, and my car registration, also with her married last name, that is acceptable. Instead, they began laughing and shaking their heads, because they themselves, knew it was stupid, but had no answer. Also, even though her HS report card has her entire name and mailing address on it, they couldn't use that either.... because it didn't have her birthday on it!!! Forget that she has her birth certificate with it; they want her birthdate on her report card too! Great job in doing your part to help protect the country from terrorists, DMV! It's damned near impossible for anyone to get an ID/drivers license now. Also, you've managed to save jobs, not only by not using machines or robots, but by training your employees to act like machines or robots, because common sense definitely isn't a requirement to work here. Side note: in the time it took me to type this up (while waiting for our number to be called), I've witnessed three patrons frustratingly ask questions. One guy got really loud and said, "You mean I can't get an ID, if I'm out of work?!?!" To which the employee replied, "well, it's saying you need a W-2 for proof of identification." Poor guy answered, "I'm TRYING to get my identification! Why isn't a birth certificate and SS card good enough anymore?!?!". I immediately felt his frustration and confusion. And now they just told my daughter that their camera/photo program just crashed! Guess it'll be a little while longer, while they reboot it. I can only laugh at this point. I remember all the disgruntled postal workers. I'm surprised there's no stories of... never mind. Don't need homeland security knocking at my door. They'd probably react to this Yelp! review a lot faster than they respond to scheduled appojnt read more

Worst experience ever Have to wait 2-3 hour to get examiner They must care and have to know the value of time read more

Seaside DMV is the most organized and efficient DMV I have ever been to. Have been in this branch 4 times and never wait longer than 10 minutes with or without an appointment. Staff are all very friendly and helpful. Only branch I will ever use! read more

Don't come here for Real ID, they will kick you at the door even after you had been standing in line forever, they said the deadline for requirement for real id is been extended until OCT 1 2021, so need to procrastinate until last minute. Dmv need to have big poster or announcements on their website or building area, so that people like me that want to have Real ID, and don't want to be procrastinating, will not come early and disappointed. read more