Two of the four people I had to talk to were talking to friends while helping me. One was on a personal giggly call and one took my picture while he was looking over his shoulder talking to a co-worker about the weekend. I'm sure the picture shows me looking annoyed and away from the camera. I know it is a stressful job, but a job nonetheless read more

I've been here a couple of times now, without an appointment. First time we made it in the door 5 minutes before closing (they close-or rather, lock the entrance, sharply at 5pm), the place was still packed, and our wait time was about 2 1/2 hours. More recent visit, I checked in at 4:25pm and was done and out by 4:50pm!!! There were 30 numbers ahead of my ticket so I for sure thought I'd be waiting for at least an hour. Nope, I was pleasantly wrong! I overheard another guy saying he walked in 10 minutes ago also without an appointment, and his number was about to be called. Wow. Apparently, right place, right time. Sufficient parking. The building is old but fairly clean. I don't get that "ick" feeling while I'm sitting and waiting in the lobby. If I do, it is because of the clientele, not the place itself. IJS! Bathrooms were decent also, especially for being the end of the day. It is the DMV, so I still recommend making an appointment if at all possible, just to avoid a likely long wait. What stands out about this particular location are the employees. Everyone I've come in contact with has been friendly, efficient, and helpful. I totally appreciate public service workers who deal with high volumes of business and sometimes unhappy customers, but are able to maintain a professional demeanor and positive attitude. Good job, Carmichael DMV! read more

Make an appointment or be disappointed.

Always friendly in here normally short lines and even when there is one it doesn't take long. Always helped with courteous people!

While I was in line there was a woman standing in the line next to me and one of the dmv workers told her to scoot up but she couldn't because someone else was in the spot infront of her and it spaced because of COVID another worker told one that the woman didn't also didn't speak English that well to reply that to her and the dmv worker said "she shouldn't be driving if she can't speak English " completely racist and unprofessional staff read more

Made an appt at home this morning and got one for two hours later at this location. Showed up but it wasn't in their system :( The man at the check in counter looked at my confirmation number and told me not to worry and gave me an appt number anyways :) I was helped in under 10 minutes, just a few after my slotted appt time by a fantastic employee named Vincent at window number 6. He smiled, laughed and joked our entire transaction. It was a really nice change from the traditional less friendly employee. We finished our business and I was sent to the 'red carpet' picture line. The ladies there were super friendly as well, taking only a minute to log me on and snap a new shot. I actually enjoyed my DMV visit today and will come back to this location for future business! Thanks for starting my day off well Carmichael DMV! read more

This DMV for years now has had HORRIBLE customer service. This lady just harassed my wife's little sister because she couldn't find her insurance card in under 5 minutes. Don't come if you don't have to read more

The most unprofessional public service establishment I've ever been to. To utilize the "Get in line feature" online was easy to do but for a reason I now know why. DO NOT COME HERE!!! If your coming here for vehicle registration make sure it's something easy and straight forward. The rep who helped me was nice and helpful to the best of her ability but definitely needed additional training in vehicle registration. Now the manager Andrea, on the other hand needs to be fired and she shouldn't ever for any reason at all get into a job where she serves the public. Definitely not a role model at any capacity, as she's unprofessional, unknowledgeable, and meets customers issues with abusing her authority in her position as she refuses to listen to sound and just information. It was sad to see her not have any problem solving tools other than meeting a problem with aggression and pure ignorance. As mentioned if you have vehicle registration, I'd go to the extent of saying anything dmv related, do yourself a favor and visit a different location. read more

I've never had a problem at the dmv Carmichael. Fast and easy. The other customers are the ones you gotta worry about!

Took me one hour to walk here from the nearest bus stop. I am disabled. Let's see how long it takes for DMV to process the crowd this time. Last week I waited two hours only to be sent home without my real ID read more

How do you review a place that encourages you to make an appointment and then still makes you wait 45 minutes after your appointment to help you? They have two lines when you arrive, one for appointments and one for without. Obviously the appointment line is shorter but you are ultimately waiting in these line to get a number. So you get one and go sit and wait. I got there at 11:20 for my 11:30 appointment and was number A24 (I'm thinking A was for Appointment people) they were on A11 so I figure its gotta go faster since I am A for Appointment right? LOL well I was there till 12:20 so I don't think so. I live with a family with a lot of cars so this wasn't my first trip to the rodeo, I know it is a LOT faster with an appointment but come on, it shouldn't be that bad. It took 3-4 weeks to get the darn thing! I have been in before without an appointment, obviously lucky because it wasn't busy, and been in and out in an hour. Sometimes its better to get there mid morning or 2 hours after they open, to avoid all the people who got there when they opened and waited in line outside before they did. (I've learned this from experience, since I have done both) Its nice they have the feature to look online and see the current wait times too. Anyhow the service I received was nice, the lady didn't seem in a hurry but was friendly nonetheless. Obviously this isn't anyones favorite place but at least you can use your phone inside, unlike the hospital where you have no service to play games on your phone while you wait. So 2 stars for me this time. read more

Michelle is very condescending. Avoid window 10 like the plague! She was very rude to my mom. I should have demanded a supervisor and reported her but I was too upset. Usually takes forever even if you have an appointment. If you don't have an appointment I hope you have all day. read more

So up date, I went back to DMV without and appointment and guess what!! I got in and out in less than 15 mins, and noticed people with appointments had a must longer wait then the walk ins. Just wanted to update everyone with my experience. read more

Easiest appointment ever I made a appointment in advance to renew my license I had everything I had got in and out pretty quick. Dmv goes by fast as long as you have what you need and make a appointment. read more

They know me by face here. When I walk in the party starts, I refused to be one of those sour faced people who hate being at the DMV. On the contrary I LOVE it! No one is exempt from the DMV, rich or poor, white or black, tall or short, it matters not. I, so very much, enjoy the variety of people. I've met some of the coolest people in Cali so far at the DMV. I just get up and walk around and talk to people and mess with the technicians and generally have myself a good 'ol time. I love it, and if you don't you need to get in better touch with what it means to be a human. Put down your smart ass phone and introduce yourself to six people and see what happens... read more

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

Time to renew my driver's license. Waited way too long to make an appointment. Arrived at 10AM. Checked in and found a seat. One hour and 58 minutes later I was being served. I had finished everything (including the written test) and was out the door by 12:30PM. Are you kidding me. Two and a half hours without an appointment. Much better than I was hoping for. Oh, I received my license in the mail in less than a week. If you want to make an appointment, do it at least two and a half months before you need it. Friendly, happy, helpful staff. read more

I hate going to the DMV. I try not to go to this location, the one in Roseville is not so crowded as this one. Just a tip, even if you make an appointment, make sure you grab a number for walk ins as well, because most of the time you are waiting longer for your appointment than the walk in! read more

I came in as a walk in right at opening on a Tuesday. With all of the changes going on, I thought I would be there all day. I came for my licence renewal. There were already several people in line when I got there at 745am. Lucky for me, I filled out my application online. They were turning down people left and right. Line on left is for walk-ins. Because I had my confirmation number for the application I completed and every document needed, I was out of there in 30 min for Real ID. The lady in charge outside (afr/amer, little older) was awesome. The scene was a little chaotic. But she was delegating, communicating, and took complete control over it. What it comes down to these days, is how prepared you came. read more

Listen, I understand the stigma surrounding the DMV and it doesn't help that the REAL ID overhaul is putting more stress on DMV offices nationwide. Even if you arrive before doors open, the wait times are HOURS long. I arrived 90 minutes before doors opened and still there was a line of 40 people! By the time doors opened, the line had wrapped around the building and extended into the parking lot. Once doors opened, the line moved quickly as people were checked in and given their numbers. The desk guy, Jon, was quick and friendly with the impatient crowd. He helped answer some quick questions and after I was checked in He helped me realize I was missing important documents, he let me leave and go home and then return without standing in line to give me a prioritized number. It's unfortunate that the state cannot fully staff their DMV office. Maybe half of the desks are manned, yet the staff helped me with my needs in an adequate time and when asked, they were as helpful as I could have hoped! read more

No signs to direct a customer to the registration machine, wait in line for 1:15:00 to be directed to machine around the corner, INSANE! Put up a sign! read more

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

This branch of the DMV did not stand out as particularly terrible or unbelievably wonderful, but my visit here WAS more pleasurable than my visits to other branches in the past. As per the majority of trips to the DMV, there was lots of waiting involved and small amounts of not knowing what the hell is going on at any given moment. My husband and I both had some business to attend to. There were two lines when we walked in, one for appointments and one for non-appointments. I had tried to arrange an appointment for us, but they were booked two and a half weeks out. Once we reached the man at the desk who was taking care of everyone, we stated our business and he gave each of us a small receipt with a number to listen for to be called. He directed us to which seated waiting area we should head to and then it was time for us to hurry up and wait. The seating at this location is vast compared to others that I have been to. It was not hard to find a seat at all, and I also did not have to resort to being crammed in next to a stranger. It wasn't ridiculously hot, which has also been a huge annoyance factor in the past. It took about 45 minutes for our numbers to be called, but the wait was surprisingly relaxing and non-irritating. The woman who took care of me was quite friendly and made small talk with me, which was refreshing. My husband said that the gentleman who took care of him was also very personable and kept a light conversation going while he handled everything. Everything was so far, so good, other than the fact that they only accept cash, check, or debit (no credit cards). Hmph. As a side note, it's nice that you can actually go online and update/renew your vehicle's registration from the convenience of your own home. When we tried to do so with ours, though, the automated system informed us that our particular registration was unable to be processed online or over the phone (but we were never told why). After filling out forms, having the clerk process my request, and paying for the service, I then needed to have my picture taken. I was sent to another room near the front door where I had to wait in a pretty long line that was hardly moving. There was one poor guy who had the task of not only taking everyone's pictures, but also grading driver's tests and informing license applicants whether they passed or failed (I believe someone was on break, but it still sucked). Kudos to him, as he kept things moving despite the circumstances, but every other time I had gone to the DMV and needed to have a photo taken, the clerk who took care of my other needs also would take the picture. They would go to the station with the camera and handle that part of the process themselves. I wish that were the case here, as it would've saved a LOT of time. Anyways, picture taken, I was told that they would be mailing everything to me. This concept was pretty foreign to me -- I had always gotten everything that day and been done with it, but I later read that a handful of states do it this way to prevent identity theft (this is my first time doing this here in California). Annoying, but whatev. Moral of the story: see if what you need to do can be done online, and if not, bring something to do while you wait. If you wanna schedule an appointment, do so a few weeks in advance. And keep an eye out in the mail for your new license. read more

Carmichael DMV - His 'n hers. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Carmichael, California

Just took my drivers test earlier today and passed! Thanks to my instructor she made that happen today! Went in super anxious and nervous about it but she made the whole experience a good one for me she was very understanding and patient through it all. Considering how hectic and busy it got mid day the staff was also very nice. Really recommend coming here. read more

I had to renew my drivers license. I was not looking forward in going to the DMV. I got there early not know what to expect. I walked in at 7 am. Was done by 7:30 am. This is the best DMV location I ever been to. I have some tips. Get here early. Don't go on Monday or Friday. read more

Never thought it would happen but I had a flawless visit to DMV today. I attribute this mostly to having an appointment. Also, being prepared and having all my documents needed. It helped that I was pleasant to the greeter lady, she returned the kindness and got me inside as soon as there was space. Drew at window 26 made it that much better! While he ran me through the steps on the screen, he was attentive and gave instructions clearly. He was very nice and humorous. Just like that, I was outa there! There is a lesson to pay attention to. Be nice!! :) read more

It's a daily thing here. I got here at 7:30 am and this was the line. Skip this DMV...if you have a family in the Bay Area, go visit them and get DMV stuffs done the same time you await read more

Carmichael DMV - 730am - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Carmichael, California

Beware of virtual DMV online registration when they ask for you to mail in the original title more than likely they will lose it and you will be SOL read more

Such a rude place to go. Rude employees. Terrible customer service. Don't waste your time and go at different location.

I don't have an issue with the employees working at the windows, it's the old fart(security) who was rude to me. The last security was friendly, I don't see him there anymore, he probably retired so they replaced him with this douchebag! Hire a new security!! read more

THE WORST!!! They offer zero help! We didnt have the correct docs so went all the way back home and came back and the evil twat old hag in the front checked us in and just told us to go sit and wait for our number to be called and an hr later I've noticed our number range has been passed by Atleast 60 people so I go up front and asked another man if our number was still in the system to be called & he goes oh no this is an old number she was supposed to give you a new number once you came back! HOW ANGRY DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO NOT HELP PEOPLE? If you hate your job so damn bad GET THE HELL OUT!!! Just disgusting! read more

Only a half hour wait on a Wednesday at 11:30 am. Not bad without an appointment. I've had to wait much longer than that at other locations. read more

WOW---what a wonderful experience during this lock down!!! I had an appointment (scheduled pre-lockdown) on May 15th @ 8:20am. Arrived at 7:40am. I did have to stand in line before they opened, but the DMV employees were wonderful and organized. I was applying for my REAL ID and I was out the door at 8:20.......I know DMV gets a bad rap, but they really pulled it together nicely. read more

I was here with my daughter for behind the wheel test. We were 30 minutes before the time but the line was long and by the time our turn reached, we were already late by 10 minutes. On the counter, I noticed that I forgot my registration in the car and quickly ran to pick it. When I came back, I was told to wait in line again, I informed them that I am already late and have waited. I think the lady on the counter just didn't like that I said I already waited. By the time I reached the counter, it was 10:38 and they told me it's too late. It was just an excuse to not serve us, and I felt strongly discriminated based on our race and outfit. It was hurtful to see discrimination still exists in one way or the other in getting public services. read more

This place is a mess! Where do I even began?! 1st- I went to this location to renew my license and get a new picture. I made an appointment so it went fast. They told me it would take 1-2 weeks to get it in the mail. 2nd- 3 weeks went by and still my license is not in the mail. So I decide to call to see what is going on. The lady who answered was extremely rude, and could not tell me anything. Now, today makes it one month, and my license is still not here! I have been trying to get ahold of someone for the past 5 hours! Yes 5 hours! I have been on the hold where they call me back, but get this... the call back and I answer thrilled to finally have someone but they end up hanging up on me!!!! I am so annoyed! Where is my license at DMV?! read more

Women at the front was great, very pleasant, helpful and in general nice. However.. window 20 was a nightmare. Not sure why she chose a job in public service, she is rude and actively tries to make dmv tasks more difficult. Her exact words to me were, "I can see now that reading instructions and understanding are not your fortes". Also took her about 4 minutes to acknowledge I was standing at her window. Not even a look up from who she was talking to and the papers in front of her. read more

The worse DMV ever for people who need to take their behind the wheel driving test. The people there are really jealous, rude and just find any reason to fail you. Especially the old guy with long gray hair is so unfriendly, rude and loves to fail people. He treats people as if they were animals. Also he will be giving you last minute instructions, for example once you stop at a stop sign he will only then tell you to turn left or right and if you get lost, he'll be happy to catch you at that and fail you. Even if you drive well he will find a reason to fail you so make sure to avoid the Carmichael location for your test. read more

I came to the DMV on ~ 10am Friday June 29, 2018 no appointment to apply for a real ID. The gal at the front counter was super. She was handling 2 lines and was organized, helpful, friendly and efficient. I watched her interact with others as I waited in a long line. She treated everyone with respect and patience. I was so impressed with her performance. The others I worked with at line 21 , 24 and the photo area were also friendly and efficient. I was surprised at the level of professionalism I encountered and witnessed. I was very happy with my experience. I bet these are not easy jobs due to the wide variety of people, cultures and languages they work with day in and day out. Kudoes for a job well done. Keep up the great work, because nobody really wants to go to the DMV but you all made it well worth it for me this visit. read more

One star is one too many. This place is disorganized, dirty and not helpful. The manager was rude...their call center scheduled a real ID appt for me knowing that my CDL was in transit...I didn't want the CDL, however when applying for the real ID it renewed my CDL. I asked the call center rep if should go down to a DMV office to straighten this out since the DMV system is flawed...the reply was "NO" because you could be turned away. During my appointments It was explained to me that I couldn't get a Real ID today because I can't have two active ID's (counting the CDL in the mail). I explained that this has been a waste of my time and the manager handed me my material and said we aren't going to waste any more of your time. I can't fathom how any reasonable person would think that this is good customer service. Horrible experience starting from trying to fill out the Real ID application. read more

The service rep. was rude, handed her my ID Card and mind you the ID card WASNT dirty just old and worn out she was disgusted and gave us dirty looks and was totally unprofessional! Its like shes never seen a worn out ID card. Its like we were a huge inconvenience to her, card was legible and in one piece. Everyone else was helpful just not her. read more

Everyone was so helpful and kind here. I didn't feel like I was being insulted for not knowing where to go, or what to do, like the other dmvs I've been to. They worked super fast as well. Thank you for making my experience painless. I won't go to another dmv except here. read more

DMV Carmichael is top notch. Considering it was the Monday after Veteran's Day and I had no appointment, I was able to get my license renewal, with picture, done in less than an hour! I received my license in the mail on THURSDAY! Just 3-4 days after I went in. Personnel were very patient and really showed they put the public's concerns foremost in the respectful manner in which they processed each client. Kudos to the DMV, I especially appreciate the seamless process on renewal of vehicles online-so easy and convenient! read more