MVA has such a bad name and honesty its deserved most times as was this visit. We were there to get my son's license reinstated, literally no exaggeration, we were there over 4 hours waiting. They state that they were waiting for Glenn Bernie office to respond. They seriously need a new director or managers as this is totally unacceptable. read more

Quickest MVA trip ever. Since when has efficient and MVA ever been used in the same sentence. I mean, I had downloaded a movie and expected to be here at least an hour if not more. I was there atleast less than 10 minutes, couldn't even check in before I was called up. Granted, I was just there for an eye exam and then was advised I could either renew my license online or on their kiosk... and being the antisocial butterfly I am... I went and renewed it in my car in the MVA parking lot... because I have trust issues and I didn't want to leave the premise until I can confirm it was done... cause trust issues... But the MVA didn't let down and I was on my way. read more

Where to begin... Wow. Have you ever experienced something so awful that it just left you speechless? That was my experience with these folks today. Only some of the staff were wearing masks (including people that were on the floor interacting with customers, and the security staff who literally have to interact with every person that walks in the door. Yikes). The tall lightskinned lady with a short curly hair who checked me in was a godsend, and the only reason that this trip wasn't a complete nightmare. She helped me as best as she could, but with a useless set of coworkers, it's kind of hard to get anything done. I just moved (back) to MD and brought literally every piece of documentation I had to get a new license and register my car in the state. When you go on the MVA website, it gives you a list of documents to bring before confirming your appointment. The first person (heavyset dark skinned black girl) had an issue with my documentation, and told me that I couldn't my license or order my personalized license plates today. She told me that I would have to go to Glen Burnie for the personalized plates, which I found later (from another of her colleagues who actually completed my vehicle registration transaction) was not true. All I have to do is go on MVA's website and order the plates myself. No additional visit necessary. This chick clearly did not come to work, and I don't think she understood her job very well either, because over the course of the next several hours while I was waiting to get my business handled, I saw her keep getting up to ask colleagues to show her how to perform various functions in the system. Anyway, she was ready to send me home empty-handed, but no ma'am. We were going to get SOMETHING done today. I asked her to tell me what I COULD accomplish during this trip, given that I bought practically every piece of identification known to man with me. She seemed unwilling to provide me with that information, so I asked to speak to her supervisor, who told me that I could at least complete the vehicle registration portion of my visit. Fine. The supervisor gives me paperwork and makes me wait in line again. Great. After waiting an hour, they still haven't called my number. I happen to see the same lady with the short hair who checked me and for assistance, and I asked her to help me. She managed to put me back in the system and after another few minutes, my number was called. This guy started my transaction and asked me for an additional piece of information that was not on the list I've required documents: the registration for my car. I told him that I would have to run to my car and get it. He told me I needed a pass and asked his supervisor to write one.... And he informed me that I would have to get back in line. Again. Great The same supervisor from before (a short, heavyset Hispanic woman) whines and complains about having to write it (she literally just had to sign her name at the bottom of this little slip of paper), and before handing the slip over to the guy, she gets on the intercom to announce to everyone that she will not be writing anymore passes and that if someone doesn't have documentation then they'll have to reschedule their appointment....All because she didn't feel like doing her job. Passive aggressive much? I politely informed her that if the state of Maryland had given me an accurate list of all the documentation I needed in the first place, we wouldn't be in this situation right now. Imagine not doing your job simply because you don't feel like it and inconveniencing people to the point where they have to take more time out of their busy day to return to this hellscape in order to complete their business. The audacity... Long story short, pack your patience... And probably a face shield. These people clearly don't care about helping customers, and they definitely don't care about our safety. read more

Motor Vehicle Administration - This supervisor decided she didn't want to do her job today? Why? Because she didn't feel like it. Oh, ok. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I went to take my driver's skills test last December, and I passed! The examiner (I forgot his name lol), was very kind and friendly, he knows how to make students comfortable. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my experience. The lady at the counter was very nice as well~ This MVA is one of the nicest, in my opinion. read more

Do not ask for documentation more than once. I had to make four Appointments to complete my process which it's still pending.

Let me start by saying if I could give this location zero damn stars, that would be giving it a positive rating. The staff at this location are some of the rudest and disrespectful set of individuals I'd ever seen, and if this location were to shut down and in particular the woman at the information booth on 7/17/2025 with the braids, wearing a jean outfit, were to lose her job, that would be her karma for her horrible treatment of individuals simply seeking direction on how to navigate an already confusing and stressful MVA system. At one point before I even reached the front of the line to be slighted and spoken down to, I overheard her go to an employee at the window area who was assisting a seated customer, and ask if she wanted to go outside with her! WTF?! You might not know you're on the clock and an employee, but let others do their job. But while waiting in line and surveying the entire room, I watched as others conducted themselves in unprofessional, condescending manners. It took everything in me to simply walk away from her as she was mid-sentence, and not give her any further satisfaction with this power trip she was clearly on. I would look into escalating my frustrations in a formal complaint, but I know this is simply par for the course when dealing with some state government employees, and especially the MVA staff. Until accountability and respect are made requirements, I would avoid this location at all costs to those reading. read more

The place everyone loves to hate, but I can't say I've ever had any issues with this location. I recently had an appointment to update my file for the real ID. This is something everyone nationwide has to do by October so you might as well get it in now! I received my updated DL (with the star) in the mail a few years ago so I just needed to bring in my documents. My appointment was for 9:45 but I went in about an hour earlier and I was given a number. I brought in my U.S. passport, social security card, and two bills with my address. They made a copy of these items and I was out within 15 minutes. The service I received was really good. No complaints from me. I've heard horror stories from folks who were here for hours, but luckily that wasn't the case for me. I think with the convenience of doing so much online, there hasn't been much of a need for me to physically come in over the years. If for whatever reason you need to come in, be sure to have whatever you need and make an appointment. read more

MVA White Oak, MD Stay clear of this location. Employees and supervisors are full of miss information, no accountability. First employee I had to deal with was slumped back in his chair, mumbled and stared, that person did not want to be there. Issues are with trying to tax, tag and register a newly purchased vehicle. Issue 1: was told that I did not have the correct insurance policy number. So he told me I had to leave his station and return when I found the correct one. The policy number I gave him was correct. He never looked it up and getting back in line took another hour. (after he said I could come back in 5 minutes) The process was insane and frustrating, I went back and forth with employees trying to get help...none was given. Issue 2: had a temp registration, we went back to use the kiosk for a full registration only to find out the tags we were driving with were not valid and neither was our temporary registration. (if we had gotten pulled over for any reason this would be even a bigger nightmare) Issue 3: trying to figure out and rectify an obvious White Oak MVA error. Found out someone in the White Oak office registered the new plates as being returned the next day and that there is nothing they can do unless I run through the process again. (schedule an appointment and get new tags, at my expense and time) nothing they could do to quickly rectify the issue. So at this point I have a car I cannot drive. They also wanted proof of my tags on my car, we did not drive the car to the MVA therefore it was not with us. They would not tell me why or how this happened only that they can't just simply fix the issues and abide by the rules of registering your car. Issue 4: I called customer service multiple times to help with this MVA blunder. I was told, since White Oak MVA made the mistake, they would have to fix it and that they should be able to do it without me going through this process again and paying extra fees. (At this point I have wasted many hours of my personal time on the phone and two trips to the MVA. Customer service also said I should not drive my car. The White Oak employee and supervisor said that the info customer gave me was wrong and that they do not know the process of what we can and cannot do. White Oak could not give a care of this situation and the large inconvenience this is causing or apologize. The supervisor was no more help or did she even think about the situation her branch put us in by their mistakes. Issue 5: Situation is still not rectified and no help has been given. I sent multiple emails, nothing back. All the employees at the MVA said that something happened in the system. It was not "the system", it was the employees and their lack of ability to help in a reasonable time and manner but that is what happens when there is zero accountability and zero responsibility at the workplace. They made me feel as if it was my fault, stay away. Oh , good luck talking to a manager or a direct complaint line. Customer service is only for advice and nothing more. Issue 6: Would like to find out how this happened and who is responsible. If we did not have to go back due to the temporary tag we would have been driving a car that was not registered and with voided plates...good luck explaining this to a police officer. MVA White Oak ,fix your issues so others don't have to experience your incompetencies causing use valuable time, money and sanity. Hold yourself accountable! read more

The wait actually wasn't that bad. I made two online appointments. One for transferring title from another state and the other for getting a driver's license. After checking in at the 'appointments' line near the front entrance which only ever had one or two people queued up when I checked, my ticket number was called within a matter of minutes. It was nice they had a greeter to help direct where we should go if we hadn't been there before. Vehicle titling customer service agents are to the left. The one who helped me was pretty nice. Drivers licenses are handled on the right side of the room. If you plan to use a rental agreement as proof of residency you need signatures from the renter in addition to your own so I found it was easier to use financial statements. The vision test wasn't too hard. There was a hard stop on my application where they had to contact the head MVA office to verify my identity so I had to wait for a manager to be available but that only took about half an hour. After she was available the application was submitted successfully and I was able to register to vote as well. I think I heard on the intercom that those who scheduled appointments beforehand should be serviced within 15 minutes of arrival so would highly recommend that route if possible. read more

I had to renew my drivers license. When I received the notice I was faced with dread. Going to the MVA is akin to going in for a colonoscopy but without out the fun. You must be asking "But how can you give the MVA 4 stars?" Because I had a great experience. I arrived 15 minutes before they opened and waited outside. When they opened I was 20th in line. I checked in, got my number. By the time I say down my number was called. 15 minutes later I was out the door. It would have been faster if the person helping me didn't have to reboot his system. I even got a great picture for my DL. I almost forgot how good looking I am. The staff was friendly, service prompt. Yes, a lot was driven by the fact that I was there early, but it was well worth it. The MVA misses the 5th start because of the system reboot, because their web site is awful and because you don't walk out with a DL like you used to. Don't go often, but when you do, go early and you should also have a nice experience. read more

Motor Vehicle Administration - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Great experience. Used the website to book an appointment. Checked via text message, gave me the ticket number. Waited about 10 minutes. DMV employee kind and courteous. Out in 5. The appointment system is the way to go. read more

This place continues to disappoint me in ways that only a government agency can! I have spent a total of about 4 hours in this location in the last few weeks which is 4 hours to many. And I still haven't completely gotten everything I need done because they keep giving me the run around. The first time I went they told me I need d to stand in line. I stood in the kiosk line for about 72 minutes due to the fact that 2 out of the 3 machines were malfunctioning. Once I got to the kiosk to print out the proper documentation they told me you can't print that here you must go to the dmv in virginia. I just went back to my office and decided to fight this battle another day! Day 2 I brought what they told me to bring. I wait 65 minutes for my number to be called they call me I'm excited ready to complete my long awaited task and they inform me that my birth certificate is actually a registration not a proper form of ID but the woman at the front checked it all out 69 Minutes ago. At this point I'm just going to try again tomorrow. read more

Motor Vehicle Administration - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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I never thought I would say this about an MVA, but my experience renewing my driver's license at this MVA was actually pleasant. I was able to check in for my appointment on my phone, no waiting in line. I only had to wait about 5 minutes. I had trouble finding which counter to go to, but several MVA staff helped me and were nice. The clerk who helped me with the license renewal explained how to find my counter in the future and was very patient with my concerns and questions. I was finished in about 15 minutes. read more

9 minutes - start to finish - title, tags and registration of vehicle. Staff was extremely efficient and friendly. White Oak MVA is the best! read more

I took my skill test there today. The staff was friendly and the most important is that my examiner was very calm and spoke English perfectly. Also he gave directions in advance so I had time to organize maneuvers smoothly. That was a nice experience! read more

Service is quite slow here. Front desk checking in customers are rude. Only bright spot is the cleanliness of this MVA. I highly recommend making an appointment online then coming here to be serviced. You may still have to wait about 30mins to an hour before being serviced tho. Parking is a nightmare during busy hours. Try to come early in the morning. read more

This was our lucky day, short lines fast service, I am guessing it was a day of days to get in and be out of the MVA in under 90 minutes

Hard to write a nice review of the MVA, but honestly... I have no beef. Place is a little dirty looking, but otherwise, it was efficient. The staff isn't super-friendly, but if you don't give them grief, they are very helpful. They know their craft, so be nice to them. The lines were long, but they moved, and their system is very efficient. Keep monitoring the screen for your number to come up (go to the front to get your number first), and be ready with what they ask for. Yeah, no kidding, it was a smooth process. Took less than 20 minutes from parking to walking out the door with my needs addressed. Can't honestly complain about that. read more

I had a similar experience to Emily R., only I arrived in the pouring rain shortly after 10:00 am on a Friday. The place wasn't crazy busy. I waited in line for about ten minutes to state my business and get my number. I took my seat and waited. The place was bustling with toddlers running amok. One of them was barefoot! They were happy; babbling to each other in Baby-ease. You'd think you were in the Social Safeway! My number was called after a 30 minute wait. Look here. Click. Sign here. Check, please. Done. Just a five minute wait for my new driver's license, and I was out of there in under an hour. Not too bad in my book, and I can live with this photo for another five years. read more

The MVA (which I insist on still calling the DMV - old habits die hard) is one of those necessary evils. You know you need them, they know you need them, and everyone acts accordingly. When I was here a few months ago for my drivers license, I was ready to kill someone. The front desk people couldn't understand my documents proving state residency - not a hard task. I finally had to be referred to a manager, who took one look at said docs and was like "sure." After that, I had a surprisingly helpful and nice lady help me get my license, including taking a helpful decent picture! I'm back again to finish the car registration process. It's a Friday afternoon, it's not too crazy, and my front desk experience was much calmer. Keeping my fingers crossed... read more

Came here on a Saturday to get a new driver's license (bye-bye CA ID =/ ). For some reason I thought this place would be less crowded since they only did driver's license services on Saturdays. Boy, was I wrong. I arrived at 8:45am, 15 minutes after they opened. The lot was PACKED. The line to get a number wrapped around inside. Yikes, about thirty minutes just to get a number! I finally got my number, sat down...19 people in front of me! Two and a half hours later, my number finally got called. Although there were 19 people in front of me waiting to get a new license, I guess they also did other driver related stuff on Saturdays too ...not just driver's licenses! So, don't be fooled when it says Saturdays are for driver's license services only. When I finally got called up, the man helping me was rather nice and informative. After 15 minutes, I got my new license, registered to vote, and signed up to be an organ donor. Sweet! Not so bad once your number gets called. FYI- read the MVA site before you come and have the right documentations with you. Bring a book to read because you'll definitely spend your Saturday morning here. read more

This MVA location is so bad that I'm actually writing a review The White Oak location is inefficiency at it's finest. If you can make an appointment in advance I highly recommend it. I tried it twice but both times their "online appointment system was down" so I had to do it the old fashioned way. First off, I pull into the parking lot and instantly notice a traffic jam. People are literally circling the lot trying to find a spot just like at the mall the weekend before Christmas. Not a good sign. Second, you have to wait in a line to get a number to wait in another line. When I arrived there were 24 people in front of me (I counted). Sure this triage system is a good idea...except they only had ONE employee at the desk. I was in this line for a good 25 minutes. Just wait. Prior to coming here I checked their handy online wait time page. It said 32 minutes for license renewal (which I had to do in person since I was switching from another state). No biggie. Except I ended up waiting in this line for two hours and 50 minutes. I was checking the online wait times as I was sitting there. Never once did it reach over one hour let alone two. How they can botch this wait time so bad is mind boggling. Oh, and if they're going to make people wait for nearly three hours they could use an upgrade in the seating department. I've been to intake rooms at prisons (as part of my job) that have better seating than this place. Once my number was finally called the process was relatively speedy. The employee I worked with did everything as fast as she could and was friendly. Others...not so much based on my observations over the course of several hours. I think they really need to evaluate their entire system because clearly it isn't working. Try making an appointment in advance or else go to a different location. read more

My fiancé has recently relocated to Maryland from the west coast. After assessing what requirements he would need using MVA's web resources, I booked an appointment for two days time to obtain a new driver's license and begin obtaining plates for Maryland. Appointment time was sent for 3pm on a Friday, the line were probably less than 30 people long in total and we were seen within 20 minutes for a new license and another 15 minutes for temporary plates. Rare in occurrence to say that my experience at an MVA was astonishingly pleasant but it truly was. The worst part was the pouring rain outside that soaked me through into my trainers. Thanks Ravon! read more

The people here are doing the best they can with what they have. Management needs to find a way to make things more efficient to build the morale of both customer and the staff. This can be accomplished easily with better planning and communication. Fix it read more

Motor Vehicle Administration - Don't visit the MVA expecting to get out in a timely manner. Come early enough to handle your business. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

The White Oak, Silver Spring MVA is the most efficient, user friendly and stress free Department of Motor Vehicles I have ever experienced. I have a work deadline tonight, but I am actually taking the time to write this review because the employees were so kind and so helpful, I want to thank them for making our experience so pleasant. I was at the White Oak MVA for a family member who took their road test (and passed) today, and that experience was surprisingly stress free. We were in and out in a little more than an hour, and I actually had time to address a glitch with my registration that could not be resolved at the kiosks. They have a staff member rotating through the self serve kiosks who speaks both English and Spanish and he took the time to make sure each person who asked for help at the kiosks, got the help they needed. When he saw what my issue was, he advised me how to quickly resolve it. I am still surprised how easy it was. It was really amazing and I thank all of the staff at the White Oak MVA for being so helpful. IF you need an MVA - GO TO WHITE OAK! read more

The worse mva of all times. The staff always have unhappy face on, they always scream loud like you cakt hear them. There are some good people there but for the very most part its just shambles. Waitin time could be uo to 3hrs, that sounds hard to believe but i has to wait for hours. At least after i have waited for so long i was processes fast and that's the bright side of the story. read more

The parking lot is a zoo. I spent 3 hours here, had to stand in multiple lines. The clerk did not know what he was doing, he was yelling at his computer and and I was told, I needed to come back. I was going to speak with the manager, but I felt like that would put the spotlight on an incompetent person. They do not wear name tags for a reason. read more

Came in early on a Friday. Parking still doesn't exist, people drive like idiots, office is packed and you will spend far more time than you should here. Customer service is mediocre, the process is slow and inefficient and the available parking falls short of being able to handle the amount of people here (maybe if the process was expedited it would ease a bit?) Sadly, when I'm done I have to go to the emissions next door. I hope it's not the same. read more

Lines are horrible. Parking is horrible. Got a flat tire in the lot. Staff is not helpful. If you arrive early for an appointment, they won't service you. read more

My license was about to expire, so I was in need of renewing. I came here on a Saturday morning and was met with short lines that moved quickly and a mostly friendly staff. It's a pain how much documentation is needed to renew one's license, but I cannot fault the MVA that much. I was out of here within 30 minutes as I await my new driver's license in the mail. read more

Took my son to take his driver's test today. Long story short, we were not prepared with everything we needed. However, Hakim Graham at the White Oak location went above and beyond to help us out. He was very helpful, kind, professional and even wished my son good luck. Thank you so much Hakim...my son passed! read more

Expect to wait a long time. This place is a joke. Typical government inefficiency, and it's like they think of ways they can get out of helping you by making sure to nitpick every details so as to avert actually providing a service. read more

I wish I can give them a zero star. They don't understand people at all. I got a suspended tag because my progressive insurance put a wrong closing date and now when I told them I used to have insurance and fix everything they said u need appointment for ur tag. And the next appointment date is after a week. So I that's case they want me to have a suspended tag. I gave one star because one guy help me with things. read more

Extremely rude staff and workers who give you attitude and are extremely impatient. I would recommend a different facility.

Does anyone really like the MVA? The lines are long and lots of people leave frustrated. But this location tries to get you to the right desk/person as fast as possible. My most recent visit I just needed a new EZPass. I was in and out of the MVA in about 20 minutes. Parking was the worst part of my last visit. While the lot was completely full, the MVA itself was far less crowded. Recommend that you bring a book and avoid going on weekends or the first or last day of the month. read more

I waited until the last day (last 15 minutes of on a Friday) to get my tag renewed, so the hour and half spent in here was totally my fault. For the most part, customer service was pleasant considering that it packed with other procrastinators. I waited for about 45 minutes, but they were getting people to a desk quickly. The young lady who helped me completed everything in less than 10 minutes. Overall, I prefer this one to the ones in Easton, Glen Burnie, and Largo. read more

Lines, Lines, Lines. Maryland, we can do better. Get the Leaners Permit paperwork process online. We could at least eliminate the typing, and set and appointment for the test. The folks who helped us were very nice, and truly concerned about the wait. read more

How long does it take to get a learners permit? Answer: not sure - we arrived at 9 am, it's 1:35 pm and we are still here. My son passed the test 2 hrs ago and we are still waiting to pay the $50 fee. There were 4 people ahead of us waiting to pay - no one can quite figure out why it takes 30 min per person to process a credit card payment a bit it does !!! Also, there was another 2 hr delay because our son had been registered to play football in Maryland. After 2 hrs of confusion and waiting for a supervisor to comment they said the process was slow because he had played football for a club in Maryland. WHAT??? What does that have to do with applying for a learners permit. He also played soccer - does that not matter? They insisted we should have reported his interest in football although no one ever asked. We were stunned - who knew that the two were related? To be safe we started spouting random facts - he has a brother and a sister -does that matter? His grandmothers name is Heidi. He likes to wear sneakers. He also really doesn't like math or eating cheese -is that relevant? We don't know.... just trying to avoid another 2 hr delay Soooooo, how long does it take to get a learners permit ? At least 6 hours!!!!! Total time spent at white oak MVA today - 7 hours!!! read more

Have you ever gotten in and out of an MVA in less than an hour? Rare occurrence, right? I arrived at the White Oak MVA at 8:27 am to find a line of people waiting to get inside despite the downpour of rain outside. You'd think they could open the doors a few minutes before 8:30 so people wouldn't get drenched, but no. The line for driver services moved fairly quickly compared to the other line. And actually waiting for my number to be called took the least time of all. I was out of there before 9:15. So, overall, I'm ok with an MVA trip that takes less than an hour. Maybe the trick is arriving when they open. Also the employees seemed to be in a decent mood, which I'm sure can change by the end of the day. read more

READ THIS IF YOU JUST MOVED TO MARYLAND The MVA gives you a temporary registration when you register your car. It's good for 30 days, during which time you need to get a MD state safety inspection. No one at MVA told me this. Follow this process, and you'll be fine: when you get the temp registration, you have 30 days to go to a service station, get the safety inspection certificate, and bring the cert back to MVA, at which time you get a permanent sticker for your license plate. [side bar: I got pulled over on Jan 1st for tags that expired Dec 31, so obvi the cops have issues with this, and it is a $530 fine]. Emissions test is something different - you'll receive notification from MVA (via mail) about where to go for emissions test. read more