I came here on Tuesday morning at 8 am to renew my drivers license. Stood in line for 1 hour and 20 minutes to get checked in. Walked out at 2:25 pm. I was here for 6 hours and 25 minutes. This is not right. The system doesn't work. Yes, I should've made an appointment. I will be doing that going forward. Never again will I just walk in. Terrible experience. The employees who helped me were nice. read more

I'm so impressed with this DMV. I came for a real ID and license renewal. Arrived right on time for my appointment at 9:50 am and was out of there by 10:35. The wait to be seen was about half an hour but was fine since I had my phone to pass time and they now have this system that notifies u when it's almost your turn. You could easily sit in your car and wait as it is to sit in the waiting area. While I was waiting, I witnessed several interactions between people and the workers. The workers were mostly all friendly and tried to be helpful as much as they could. When it was my turn, I had all my documents ready and the only thing for me to do was to verify the info on the touchscreen at the window (ooh, California u fancy now) and pay the fee. From the check in line to getting my picture taken, everyone was nice and everything went smoothly and efficiently. Definitely come here if u need to be at the DMV. read more

This review is for the Carmichael Branch. I have visited this location more than a few times. My previous visits (2015-2016) warranted a one star. My recent visits last year and 3-times, this year have been exceptional. The typical complaints some have about DMV in general may still apply here; long waits, frustration, and now, the COVID, guidelines and restrictions, etc.... yeah, this does exist here also. However, it is what I have experienced, what I've seen and yes, my overall instincts and feelings that prompted me to write this long review. Overall, this DMV and it's staff is awesome. The staff has the ability to work quickly under pressure, even though if you just watch how things unfold, the myriad personalities of customers and staff, the paperwork that must be absolutely accurate or it's their behinds, then you can see some of the frustration from the staff as well as the customers. Regardless, all of these staffers are human beings, they are trying, they are working their behinds off, they are working to maintain some degree of professionalism. They also have families, they are also tired but they keep working, they are also possibly being exposed to any number of customers that may be asymptomatic or actually sick, yet the staff keeps it moving. They really should be appreciated more than they are. When I look at the whole picture, the frustration of long lines that I may experience is not a personal attack against me, it's really how their system is set up The fact is that the DMV, as a whole needs a major face lift and more funds. This has nothing to do with the staff. I am not writing this review to dismiss anyone's personal one star review or experience. I am saying, imo, these staffer's work incredibly hard with an awesome Manager named Marie, overseeing it all. A special thank you to Amy, a staffer also named Marie, and a gentlemen (name escapes me). Thank you all! Keep up the great work, I know it's a real challenge. read more

Make an appointment if you're coming to this site because even with an appointment you're going to wait about an hour or so to get checked. Without an appointment, you'll wait 2-4 hours. It's crowded, slow, and has unfriendly service. I recommend to look for another location. I don't see the point of them having so many windows if they are only going to have about 10 open read more

Yes they are improved the system , yes they are way Mach faster !! Thank you DMV for all the efforts!!

Today I went to the DMV and had the worst experience. Of course going in without an appointment I knew I was going to play the waiting game. So I was patient at first, but after 3 hours of waiting and talking to 3 people about renewing my license no one could help me. After talking TO THE MANGER ON DUTY, EMILY SHE GAVE ME ATTITUDE AND SAID I HAD TO PAY ANOTHER $55 fee to renew my license. I did not receive good customer service not was I helped by the staffs and manger. I will never come to this location again. I would advise anyone who does not live in this area to go to another dmv if you want to be treated right. read more

Nobody likes DMV at all, especially this one. Long waits for the people to tell you all different things than the last person said. More than half the desk are empty. Recommend you make an appointment read more

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

very unhelpful, the first lady i walked into was very rude and was pushing ppl out the door with any help

Kudos to the Carmichael DMV staff. I had an appointment for new RealID and license renewal. The front desk staff directed me to a window a few minutes early, and I was out with everything completed in 20 minutes. Mariah was my DMV representative and was awesome, but all the staff, from check in throughout, were on top of it. Even the non-appointment line was moving fast. DMV doesn't need to be audited. They just needed the resources. read more

I typically do not expect much from a DMV office, but I was pretty surprised by this one. I was told about a week ago my registration tags were already sent out a few days before(by the main DMV help number.) Okay fine they should be here any day now. A week later nothing so I called this DMV (my local) office and they said the same thing it was sent out 3 days ago. I asked if they could just cancel the tags so I could get them reissued at AAA. They said that was impossible. Impossible?? Whatever I asked if there was any way to get this worked out and they said no and the person for some reason had to add that "well you waited until now to submit the smog since last May, when you paid the fees." First off that was completely irrelevant to the issue at hand. Second I should not have to explain that the car had check engine light issues thay took a lot of time, money ,and effort to fix. I was lucky that we did not need a second car at the time and did not have to rush to fix it. I apologized to her that my car broke down and it took some time to fix, but that I still need my registration so I can drive it. You try to do things by the book and completely legal and this is the type of treatment you get. Guess I'll wait another week to be told they were mailed out 3 days ago. The only difference in this interaction from any DMV field office I've been to was the comment from he person that "helped" me. They could have just stuck with unhelpful and absolutely unhelpful, but had to spice it up a little this time. read more

Well everyone that lives in north Sacramento already knows this DMV location is hands down the worst !!!! Of everything there always way over capacity for space , ghetto people both employees and customers, extremely long wait times with rude ass employees unorganized papers everywhere on the floor. read more

I am a 17 year old Muslim Afghan American, who happens to wear a headscarf. I went to DMV a few days ago, wanting to get my permit. I even waited in a long line for 1 and half hour. When I got inside the building, I was so excited to finally get my permit and start my driving journey as a young adult. But when I got inside with my father, this man came up to us and started speaking very loudly, we didn't mind. Since it's hard sometimes, but he was treating us differently, he did not let my father speak and kept cutting me off. He asked for my passport ID and when I showed it to him, he didn't even look at it and passed it back to me, asking if I have "a bill", I said no because I am not 18 yet meaning I have not paid any bills. But he did not listen, he went up to the front desk and told the young man sitting there something while pointing at my father and I. Again, we did not mind. The young man sitting at the front desk did the same thing and asked for "a bank number" or "a bill". I showed him an address that was on one of my collage letters, asking if that will work. Since he needed to conform my California Residency. When he saw the paper, he refused to let me in and said "period" while giving me a document saying this is what it needs to be. We said thank you and left. But I felt very disappointed, especially regarding the way the two men behaved and treated us. It was also very unprofessional of the young man for cutting me off by saying "period" while I was speaking. It was clearly discrimination. I am still very disappointed. I would like to say that please treat everyone with kindness and respect. I hope some day this changes and people don't treat you different because of your faith. Thank you for reading, have a nice day. read more

I needed a "Real I.D. Driver's License" and license test due to turning age 70. I made an appointment on-line, showed up early due to all the press about long lines...my appointment line had five people while the non-appointment line stretched almost to the street nearby. I was greeted by a gracious and personable rep, had my documentation reviewed, and was directed to the room to type out an on-line application. All this was as smooth as silk...took maybe 10 minutes. Returned to window 24 and met Elonda (who is fabulous and has a great personality while she efficiently took care of all the necessary steps... Took the test on-line...had the photo taken...just a (dare I say it) a pleasurable experience. Start to finish, 40 minutes max... Every person working at this DMV was gracious, efficient, hardworking, and effective...I appreciate the hard work they do for us all...they deserve enormous respect... read more

This Department has always been a convenient location to go, there just out side Sacramento's busier offices and closer from North Sacramento. This particular time I was impressed because the Front Clerk Lady quoted me a wait time of 20 mins on a non-appointment, and this was during lunch hour. I actually got out of there in 25 mins with 2 vehicles registered and I only had walked in with paperwork on one vehicle, thanks to having all my information current in the system the Counter Cleark assisted me in getting both cars tagged and paid with just some of my basic info. If this type of service continues in the DMV I have restored faith in the system. #WAYTOGODMV read more

This is a DMV. Fact. Unless you make an appointment there is going to be a bit of a wait. Otherwise the service is decent/good. read more

I'm sorry, not trying to be blunt but Carmichael DMV earns a 0 star. The driving instructor screwed me over. Before the actual test, he told me that he will give me instructions ahead of time but he did not. When we exit the DMV, he wanted me to pull over to the curb and do the backing up portion, but he did not tell me ahead of time. He told me when I was almost going pass the side walk already. And of course, I'm not going to park my car in the middle of the damn road when there's a street that you can turn right on. However, I had to squeeze my car to the side, and went over the side walk a little and then he disqualified me. Anyhow, I'm not pissed about failing, I'm pissed about the instructor giving sudden directions. If he's an instructor, he should've gave better instruction and ahead of time. Also, he slammed my car door when he got out. That was very unprofessional of him, he even called me a "CHILD." I was offended by it, but being a good person that I am, I didn't confront him for calling me a "CHILD" and for slamming my door. If anything worse, I would've reported him even though I know the DMV won't do anything about it. And I hope he sees this. Please don't be a driving instructor if you're going to discriminate against teens. I will never come to Carmichael DMV ever again. read more

Never had I ever had to wait this long to be seen. I came here before opening. 3 hours later I am still in the lobby waiting for a simple vehicle transfer to be done. There is 26 windows here. 26. I only see 5 open and active. This being said. Not even enough seats for people to sit in. I get it. Breaks and lunches need to be met. We are not barbaric here. But for a government office that is always packed. Every single day this is unacceptable. We get taxed and money goes to fund places like this and yet when it's our turn to be serviced we are waiting for 3 hours and still waiting. For crying out load. Even the pens are dried up. Yeah. Keep pulling money from us Americans and yet you guys can't keep a steady flow going when it's time to serve the people who pay you to stay open. Hey make it 4.5 hours now. Still here. read more

I totally forgot about writing a review for this dmv! I felt like it was so crowded and so suffocating with so many people! It was 8 AM darnit! And people were all in line waiting to get helped. I was glad I had an appointment or else I would have been waiting in line for a very long time! All I have to say is if you want to pass your drivers test! This is the easiest DMV to go to, to pass the driving test! Seriously! I passed with only one mark on my test! Apparently they aren't as strict as the other DMVs. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing! May be good for you! But not sure for the road! ;) read more

They blow - after arguing for 20 minutes with the check in lady, and proving at least 6 times I had not only waited 30 days, I had in fact waited 37 days, to receive the tabs that they never sent..I received my number, B134, as they served B57....ummmm not no, but hell no..I would have sat in a chair for 8 hrs..not gonna happen..I will never set foot in this DMV again.. read more

Yes its the DMV, yes it sucks balls. I had an appointment so it wasn't too bad. My problem is, I get anxieties coming here which turn into panic attacks, you know the sweating, shortness of breath, freaking out kinda thing. Yep that's me. Everytime I set foot in the DMV. Unfortunately I had put it off long enough. My license has been expired for 2 weeks. I also needed to get the tags and registration that never made it to my house on a vehicle that expired in June. So that leads me to today's fun event. I arrived a half hour early, surprisingly the lady at the first window to get your number was really nice. Wow shocked me. Am I at the DMV? OK then. About 15 minutes later my number was called. 2nd window another nice lady. Seriously is this a prank? She did all my registration stuff for my car and ordered a new title since I lost it and am selling that car. OK done with her, still need to renew my license. Slide over to the window next to hers and do the whole thimbprint, eye exam stuff. Pay my fees and I'm off to the 4th window to get my picture. OK now I'm getting anxious because there is a small line. Oh dear God don't let me have and panic attack now, I'm almost done with this place. I get to the front of the line and just can't do it. I asked the lady at the window if she would mind if I sat for a few minutes and hopefully let this pass. She said yes and I told her to please help the others while I waited. After a few people and some deep breaths I was ready. She did my thumb print and took my picture and I was outta there in less than an hour. Must be a record. Nice employees and getting out under an hour? Unheard of! Today was my lucky day. Hence the only reason for giving the DMV 4 stars. read more

This is not directed at the Carmichael Field Office but DMV as a whole, their website updated my address for my drivers license but not my vehicle so my new registration and sticker has been sent back to them and they cannot change it over the phone stating they need an electronic signature, no wonder DMV is the most disliked state agency read more

I can't stand the DMV due to some of the customer service reps who seem to hate what they do, waiting for hours in the seating area wishing I brought a book to read... so I try to avoid it at all costs but this Carmichael location seems like one of the better locations with more seating even though they're always so busy and the line wraps around the building. So make sure to make an appointment, they offer appointments over the phone (# 800- 777-0133 ) and online. I was just here recently to get Registration stickers, I paid the registration online and got my car smogged after. A week later, I didn't receive my sticker so I called them to check the status of my registration. Good thing they give you the option to leave your phone number so they can call you back instead of waiting on hold for 30 mins to 1 hour. They called back shortly after and said the registration sticker got sent to my previous address, I told her that I changed my address before I paid the registration so I would think they would catch my new address to send out my new sticker! Then she said I had to go to the DMV to change my address. Something I already did before I paid my registration! I get to the DMV and they tell me since it was sent to my previous address, that the policy states I have to wait 30 days to request a new sticker??!!! How irritating!!! Smog is done, registration is paid for but they couldn't just give me a new sticker right then and there?! All they had to do was wait for the one that went to my old address to return back to them in the mail. read more

The manager at that location profiles people. And if she feels the need to make it difficult for you, she will. She completely made up a lie about my driving record, and when I confronted her about it, she walked away. Because of her lie, I had run around, make calls, I'm never going to that location again. Seems like she was having a bad day, and wanted to make my life hell. But I squared everything away, only took me 4 hours of my time, when it should have been 15 min. Thanks a lot lady! read more

Lady at window 25 was very helpful and knowledgeable. Best dmv experience I ever had.

We were 10 minutes late for our appt due to a dental emergency. They still allowed us to check in. We took our number, waited less than 10 minutes to be called. Surrendered our plate with paperwork and paid registration and got all new plates and registration card with the friendly gentleman less than 10 minutes. Probably one of the best dmv experiences I've had. read more

I lost my wallet so had to get a replacement DL. I just relocated from Oakland and was dreading going to a DMV. I was checked in at 9:50 and was out at 10:50! Mind you I was a walk in I did not have an appointment. I dealt with three people and every one of them were polite and courteous. While waiting for my temp DL the gentleman helping struck up a conversation about me relocating and even gave me some tips on places to visit. This is by far the best DMV experience I've ever had. I mean come on, 1 hour turn around? Yes this is why I gave it 5 stars. Thank you! read more

This location is like a god damned country club compared to any other location in Sacramento. The wait is usually about half of any of the dmvs in south sac and the clientele is usually.....how do i say this......ummm......well.....you know....... read more

In and out in 40 minutes, simple registration renewal with no appointment. Window 16 being worked by a woman with lots of ink. I would have asked for her name but the transaction was too short for small talk. read more

Very very long way over five and a half hours and that was getting there in the morning this new system is awful they really need to make some changes and adjust it I was literally there it felt like oh days of a day of work very very awful service once I reach the window come on California you've got to do better read more

To say the least, the people do not know what they are doing here. Each person says a different thing. They love to waste your time making you go back and forth telling you completely different things only to tell you at the end they can't help you. read more

No amount of pre planning or will of God will ever alter the DMV. Come back and go straight to this line, after 40 minutes in that line, whoops, we changed that rule, go check in. Well now we are non appointment people because these a$$holes cannot communicate in any meaningful way. This is now 1 hour and 40 minutes into a "20 minute visit". We wonder why California is in trouble, stop by here and you'll know exactly why. God help me. God help us all read more

Manager Stuart was very rude and condescending. Waited for hours our number was called and was rudely told that we would not be helped because they decided to help someone else. Very rude and unhelpful. read more

Everytime I visit this DMV I'm taken care of properly, in fact today was the best visit I've had in all of my transactions past and present. Being that life happens regardless of your situation, with a newborn at home and being a new parent running errands today seemed like everything fell In place for once. When I walked in the door I was without an appointment And was in line maybe 10 minutes before the elf at the counter gave me my number and sent me on my way. Having almost been called I approached the window #19 finishing up an import automated call the guest service began as I finished up my call (mind you I hate being rude) but I had to finish this call. I was helped with how a DMV interaction should go dispite the info I was given. My teller reviewed further documents and best resolved my issue and resolved my requests as best as I could imagine. Being under the stress I've been accustomed to I felt huge relief and happiness I never imagined I would experience at this branch. My vehicle I came to register is too legit to quit now and I'm a happy customer and person today. This may not seem much but in my world this was a big deal and I appreciate you guys over there. Keep up the good work and friendly customer service. Two thumbs up. read more

Had an 8am appointment that started off fine until I tried paying. The machine printed out an accepted receipt, but the machine itself said it was denied. Checked my bank online and the charge went through, so should've just been a quick hiccup and moved on, right? Well it took them 50 minutes to come to that conclusion. Manager was rude enough to hurry me away when I came up to ask what the deal was after 20 minutes. When they finally figured it out too, they pulled in another customer in front of me before I could finish the process, and they had two open windows on both sides where the workers weren't occupied with anybody! An hour long renewal which should've taken 10 minutes at most. The worker behind the counter was pleasant enough and apologized, but management is god awful. Appointment didn't help for anything, even when it's planned months in advance. read more

By far the most assistance I have ever received, one employee wrote a letter on official letter head for me so that I could prove I no longer owned a vehicle, another employee provided me with a statement of facts to reduce the cost of my out dated registration, gov brown would have been proud, for once the dmv wasn't filled with old people not wanting the do the extra paperwork, it's as if the dmv employees had all parties in mind with no worry if extra work was involved. read more

Do not take your driving test here. The lady I had yelled at me the whole drive back because it didn't look like I checked my mirror when turning right. I feel like you're not supposed to yell when you're in the car testing someone. It was so stressful and made me feel like shit the whole day. read more

Horrible to visit every time. Trained chimps could operate this office more quickly.

I renewed my drivers license in early December. I made an appointment, filed my paperwork, got my picture taken, received my interim driver's license, and I was good to go within an hour. All fine and good, but my drivers license has not come in the mail and my interim has now expired. I called to find out why my DL never arrived, and I was told over the phone by some jerk named "Ross", that "Your picture wasn't taken, you get to bless us with your presence!" and he hung up on me! Not even a chance to ask what I should do. So I am going back tomorrow and I am stressing about it... I am praying that they do not try to tell me that I need to pay anything else...and just let me take my picture (again) and go. This is really crap! read more

The website stated a 5 minute wait for non appointments....It took us 15 to drive over and by then the wait was 30. That was ok. I enjoy people watching and there's no better place than the DMV for endless entertainment. From the two girls sitting in front of me, reciting CA licensing laws...to the old lady who was so large she took up two chairs and kept talking in a loud voice about the wait time to the empty spaces next to her, 'Oh for God's sake--this is taking forever!'. Crying kids and still smiling DMV employees...this location is a gem. I also saw a woman who was laughing to her husband about how their daughter was having her photo taken for her license and flicked her hair back right when the tech took the pic. It turned out blurry and he couldn't get the camera rebooted, so the mom kept saying 'She broke the camera!' and had to go to a different spot for a new photo. Classic. Oh yeah...my son passed his Driver's Permit test! (and took a good picture!) Yahoo! read more

I went to have my disabled license plates replaced . I was in a accident and damaged my front plate . I made a appointment . And sat for about 10 minutes before my number was called . When I got up to the counter I was planing on paying about twenty dollars for the new plates . They were free because they were disabled plates great news . read more