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    Oakland DMV Office

    2.8 (637 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Oakland DMV Office Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Oakland DMV Office

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    The text messages that they send. Take advantage! It will help speed your appointment up!
    Chantilly A.

    Surprisingly I had a great experience here! I was nervous based on the reviews, and of course, just the fact that it's the DMV, but everything went well. First, I made an appointment. I also completed the application prior to my arrival AND I checked in using the text link they sent. This helped greatly, and I as soon as I arrived, the security card himself asked if I had an appointment, if I checked in, etc. and then informed me to just grab a seat and wait for my number to be called. It was crowded, but I was still able to find seating and my wait time was probably 10 mins at the most. The first rep who assisted me was extremely nice, helpful, and funny. She made the process very easy and then told me detail of my next steps, where to go, etc. I went to the other side of the building, took my photo and then grabbed a computer to take the written exam. I failed the first time and was disappointed that I would have to come back another day, but the gentleman behind the counter told me I could wait a few mins and take the test again, which I was not aware of. I'm so grateful he told me, because on the second attempt I passed. Yay!! Funny enough, that rep I already recognized because someone posted his pic in their negative review here. I expected rudeness, but he was very helpful, nice, etc. After I passed my written exam and had to get back in line, we made small talk and he congratulated me. I say this to say, use your own discretion and keep an open mind. I also recommend to make an appointment, and utilize the resources available, such as checking-in via the text, etc. In all, I was out the DMV in 2 hours. For the DMV I had a great experience and I'm so happy to now finally have my DL in Cali once again.

    Mona P.

    Shout-out to the Oakland DMV! The front desk staff and the employee at Window #4 were extremely nice and helpful. They were patient, understanding, and went above and beyond to assist me. This was one of the best DMV experiences I've ever had. Customer service like this makes a big difference.Thank you !!!

    Rude and stupid is not a great combination
    David L.

    This review is for one particularly idiotic, nasty DMV employee. It would be a two or three star if this was just another California DMV. I hope somebody in a supervisory role at this DMV sees it. I went in after having made an appointment, paid my fees, takien my test and filled in my application to replace my license with a Real ID. All done online. I arrived ahead of my appointment time and was directed to a fairly long and slow-moving line that snaked outside to the parking lot. That was the line for people with appointments. An even longer line was next to it for people without appointments. I waited almost an hour and then was called by the gentleman in the photograph. I have low expectations for the DMV. I know it's gonna take a while and they'll be at least one or two additional lines to wait on. But this DMV employee took it to new lows. He was sitting right next to the line, not at one of the usual windows, but at a rolling workstation that was up right next to the line He had a view of the line starting 2 or 3 feet from his chair. When he called me I went over and was stunned when he rudely said "why are you late for your appointment? " I said I had arrived early and had waited an hour on the line right next to us. He said, even more rudely, "what line? I don't know about any line." It was literally inches away from him. Having lived in California for a long time I have fairly low expectations of the DMV. They seem to find new ways to make you wait every time you arrive, but this was beyond ridiculous. This guy was a rude idiot and should not be working for a public agency , I got out about two hours after I arrived with a new picture taken and a slip for my new license. The other DMV employees did their jobs, efficiently and politely. .

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    11 months ago

    My ID photo made me panic and I worry that I can not afford things as much as the person in the picture.

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    Oakland DMV Office Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Oakland DMV Office

    What's the best time to visit to get your real ID processed with the shortest line?

    Have all your acceptable documents and do the application online. Bring your confirmation number for the application. Make an appt. Or go on Tuesday between 2 n 3 or after 4:15

    What's the average wait time for an appointment at this location?

    Is the Claremont or the Colosseum DMV less busy?

    Claremont is definitely leas busy

    How is the driving test at this location?

    So these idiots thought it would be fun to make every driver's test applicant have to drive in front of a Keep Clear zone which is right in front of an intersection, not even in it. And passing through it makes it an automatic fail. This place… 

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    Review Highlights - Oakland DMV Office

    That's 32 minutes after my appointment time, spread across three employees who were kind and efficient.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

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    California Department of Motor Vehicles - Entrance

    California Department of Motor Vehicles

    2.6(363 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    What a great day at the Albany, CA DMV. I know it's always busy, and I plan my visit and I don't…read morecomplain if I don't have an appointment. They were so helpful getting me a Diasabled Veteran License Plate. Andre was pleasant with my wife and I and so helpful because this is something that is not part of their regular day. With the assistance of Gurnita "Mission Accomplished." I have always been given a smile and respect at this and other DMV's. Thankyou from my wife and I. BE SURE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT BEFORE GOING THERE.

    I recently moved and went online to update my address for both my registration and driver's…read morelicense. After waiting the required three days, I attempted to request a replacement, but the system would not allow me to do so. That experience alone was already frustrating, which led me to visit the office in person today. The first employee I spoke with was direct and helpful regarding what I needed to do. However, my experience changed once I was sent to window #21. The employee assisting me there was rude, unclear, and difficult to communicate with. She handed me paperwork without properly explaining the next steps. She was wearing a mask and speaking very softly, making it difficult to hear or understand her instructions. When I asked what I was supposed to do with the paper, she simply pointed me toward the computers without giving clear guidance. Afterward, when I got back in line and asked additional questions for clarification, she became argumentative instead of helpful. I eventually asked for her employee number, and she gave me "C5." I mentioned I would take a picture, and there was no issue with that. Overall, this employee would greatly benefit from additional training in communication and customer service. Customers come in already frustrated at times, and clear, respectful assistance makes a big difference. Other than that, it wasn't a long line to be seen, which gave star.

    Photos
    California Department of Motor Vehicles - C5

    C5

    California Department of Motor Vehicles
    California Department of Motor Vehicles - The line

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    The line

    Social Security - Grab a number from the machine as you enter.

    Social Security

    2.9(75 reviews)
    2.1 miDowntown Berkeley

    Having to approach the SSA is nearly as dreaded as having to go to the DMV…read more Here's how I managed to have a 5-star experience at the Berkeley SSA office today:   1 - I did not have an appointment so I made the effort to arrive at the office front door 15 minutes before opening (8:45 am); 2- While you're waiting for the office to open, you'll see a flyer posted on the front door.  The flyer has a QR code for checking in.  Even without an appointment, I scanned the QR code, after which I was prompted with some questions (such as purpose of visit and etc). Once done, their system sent a new QR code to my phone (to be used once the doors open). 3- Once the doors opened, I approached the "check-in kiosk" inside (once you walk in, turn to your left and you'll see the kiosk).  The kiosk will prompt you to scan the QR code given to your phone (see #2 above). 4- Once the system scans your QR code, it will issue you a paper ticket with an appt number. 5- I took my ticket and found a seat.  By this time, the waiting room was about 1/3 full. 6- In less than 5 minutes later when my number was called, I approached the Window I was told to go to, sat down and received outstanding service, guidance, etc.  All my questions were answered very clearly and concisely .  In another 10 minutes I had everything I needed and left the building. I noticed that by this time (9:15), the waiting room was full.  It definitely pays to get there early! 7- remember to bring your gov't-issued ID, and some method for taking notes in case there are some followup steps you'll need to take.

    Well, I had to return. A claim of mine was denied with a form letter that did not explain why…read more I wanted to know how to appeal. An hour later, I was seen my the guy that actually sent me the letter. Oh, now I get why. Okay.

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    Social Security

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    City of Berkeley Finance Department - Ouch!! Why is parking so expensive?? It's actually to park at some of the garages..

    City of Berkeley Finance Department

    2.4(7 reviews)
    2.2 miDowntown Berkeley

    I was trying to make some payments online and the computer asked me to identify some objects. I had…read moreto click the squares containing crosswalks, which I am capable of. But then the squares refresh, so there are multiple rounds of crosswalk identification. After identifying roughly 200 sidewalks we moved onto bicycles, and then traffic lights. This process took over 10 minutes to make one payment. The images start appearing with a deep fried filter, maybe to add some sort of a challenge? I really can't fathom the purpose of this. I have nearly 50 separate payments to make to the city today. Altogether, this will take me a full days work, primarily identifying objects in little squares. The website times out after a few minutes, so I can't even take little focus breaks and watch youtube on my phone in between sets of identifying objects. The pictures aren't even taken in Berkeley / from Berkeley. When I go to the store, they let me pay without identifying any objects for the cashier. I don't get quizzed to pay for things normally. Likewise with any other online shopping or payment. Is there a problem with robots logging into the city of Berkeley websites and paying people's bills for them? I don't think this is functioning like a security feature, I think there is something nefarious behind this picture identifying ruse. Do they want us to make the payments? I am told these little tasks train the computers to take over for humanity and do these jobs. Well then let's do it already. I'd be happy for computers to run the city of Berkeley, they basically are already robots anyway. Going forward, I am going to pay each bill with hundreds of $1 checks, because my time is evidently worthless to them. When cities adopt inconvenient systems and place the burden of public service back onto the public, people feel frustrated - I am frustrated. It is radicalizing and I wish the admin wings of the city gave a damn about something besides adding more admin tasks.

    I really wanted to play nice. Even though payments are required by check, I managed it. Even though…read moreall communication is through postal mail, I dealt with it. When I moved, all my mail managed to find its way to my new address. Except for City of Berkeley Finance. And for that reason, I was charged $700 in late fees when *one* payment was late. I appealed the fee, explained the situation, accessed for a one time late fee waiver. No dice. Because as forgiving as the City of Berkeley Finance asks everyone to be of it, it is not willing to reciprocate. It's just another financial institution, no better than Chase or Citi.

    Berkeley Parking Enforcement - Now using the Park Mobile App, better DL it before driving into Berkeley

    Berkeley Parking Enforcement

    1.2(116 reviews)
    2.2 miDowntown Berkeley

    Sweet Street Sweeping Non-Ticketing: Jan.8 (Tues) I have no…read moreidea why these clowns are going through the motions -- today IS NOT the First Tuesday of the month for scheduled street weeping. They cannot legally ticket my vehicle (and did not, whew!). So today they ticket the "parked wrong side" -- actually, "parked more than 18" from [opposite side of street] curb; LOL. I reflect that last week, in anticipation of omg-the-first-tuesday-happens-to-be-new-years-day-holiday, the street sweepers motored down the middle of the street (again, "going through the motions") on the day-before (Mon, new-yrs-eve). As we all were parked here, knowing it is a city holiday, the sweeping would have been useless, save for the fact of the irreparably neglected asphalt: thanks for spewing the gravel. Have a great year y'all. Clearly gets 5-stars: "as good as it gets" (sadly) in Berkeley CA

    I had a bizarre series of events spread out over 1/2 a year during which my vehicle was 'booted'…read moretwice and towed twice, the windshield was broken on drivers' side, further tickets, DMV wouldn't allow me to register the vehicle because BPD put a hold on it, and I finally lost it when they denied me my RIGHT to a 'tow hearing' thereby they just gave it to the tow company to sell. And all this after making an agreement with me, that if they had honored their end, to avoid all this. For what? I parked on a block that in the morn I was there a few minutes too late, and later that day, a street sweeping was going to come. No street sweeping was prevented nor interfered with. Or "Improper Display of Disabled Placard". I even had photographic proof that one of the tickets was just bunk, and violated their own published policies, but they wouldn't honor that. Because then they wouldn't have had enough tickets to do all they did to me. I was 'between places' at the time so lodging out of my vehicle. I am a senior citizen with disabilities. They knew this, but still just jerked me around for months then screwed me, stole my truck, making me homeless in the streets. The Sgt. that reneged on her 'agreement' with me (Murphy) has since retired from BPD and taken an exec job at an animal shelter. She'll double-cross a disabled senior to take his truck and put him on the street homeless, but now spares animals from that demise. You just can't even make this stuff up! Then they lied about it. They are crooks doing a scam. People, they try to avoid letting you know that you have a Right to both a 'boot hearing' and/or a 'tow hearing'. You CAN also make only a partial payment and have your vehicle released AT NO COST. I did. For traffic tickets, please note that the Federal Court ruled that 'administrative courts' (the kind Berkeley uses) are UNCONSTITUTIONAL and unlawful.

    Photos
    Berkeley Parking Enforcement - $1 for 15 min

    $1 for 15 min

    Berkeley Parking Enforcement - Doesn't this pretty much say it all?

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    Doesn't this pretty much say it all?

    City of Oakland Parking Citation Assistance Center - Illegally parked and junked cars and boats parked on the 3400 block of chestnut.

    City of Oakland Parking Citation Assistance Center

    1.3(292 reviews)
    2.4 miDowntown Oakland

    Disclaimer: I have VERY low expectations for city, state, and federal offices…read more Both times I called with questions, the phone was answered; I got the info I needed; and the employees were polite, respectful, and helpful. The first time I went down there for a parking permit, the system went down. Before I left, the person working the booth window made sure I had what I needed when I came back the next day (i.e., checked my documents). I came back the next day and got my parking permit without issue. I think some people might have an issue with the security guard, but I didn't. When I consider what city workers have to deal with from both sides - being hated/reviled, people looking down on them & talking to them any kind of way, and then having to deal with crazy, unhinged people... they got it. Unless they actively disrespect me, I wish those workers the best & a better day. The guard took the time to explain exactly why she was limiting the number of people at one time in that cramped room, and it made sense for safety reasons. But I also understood why some of the people standing outside were angry about not being able to sit down. The issue is that the office is understaffed. They have one booth open to deal with everyone. I know people are leaving Oakland, but damn. You still have some people here. You need better staffing than this. If I were one of the two people working that day, especially the woman at the window directly dealing with people, I would be irate. They need to give those people help, and staff that office properly. Raise the salary, offer on-the-job training, and hire Oakland natives.

    These cars are rusted out junked cars the the city of oaklnd refuses to tow...they have been parked…read morein the same location for a year and bcuz someone noticed this NOW WE HAVE A FUKING BOAT PARKED taking up space..WTF..RESIDENTS who live in this neighborhood have to fight everyday for parking, we get tickets if we're illegally parked but these Muthafukkas and the BOAT DONT...MAKE IT MAKE SENSE CITY OF OAKLAND.

    Photos
    City of Oakland Parking Citation Assistance Center
    City of Oakland Parking Citation Assistance Center - Illegally parked junked cars and a boat on 3400 block of Chestnut street in OAKLAND

    Illegally parked junked cars and a boat on 3400 block of Chestnut street in OAKLAND

    City of Oakland Parking Citation Assistance Center

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    Oakland DMV Office - departmentsofmotorvehicles - Updated September 2026

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