Well, it's been about 12 years since I last stepped in to a DMV. I was pleasantly surprised how smooth it all went considering I did not have an appt for my DL renewal, which required I come in for a vision test. Appointments online were nearly 2 months out and my license was due to expire this month. I timed my experience because I wanted to gauge the actual wait time from the line outside to the time it took to take my picture. I'm happy to say it took a total of 1 hr and 20 min and I was out!! Everyone was nice and professional. What helped is texting system, you're given a number and you're able to keep tabs of your place online. So I was able to grab a coffee and wait in my car. It was great!!! read more

everything. this is my second time at this dmv office first time to renew dl this time because i have not received it in mail both times took me almost five hours to get out of here!!!! to begin with. i specifically let the front desk why i was here for and both times the did not notify me i had to fill out an application before i was called up to window to top it all off. employees were a bit rude read more

Avoid coming to this branch. Went in for a written test, their testing area is not in a separate room as I've experienced at other locations. The employees working the testing and photo area create such a hostile atmosphere. I had to take my tests while listening to them yell at several different patrons, including myself when I accidentally prompted an application form instead of the exams. Absolute chaos, I have no idea how they seemingly haven't been reprimanded or how they expect people to conduct their exams appropriately. Most ridiculous and unrealistic parking lot. Also most of the employees are incredibly rude and will not hesitate to yell at you. Experienced first hand and observed it with others. There is literally no reason you as an employee, especially a government services branch, should be yelling at patrons. This particular location seemed to struggle giving clear directions to patrons. Witnessed and experienced very unclear directions throughout my visit, and the staff will demean you for expressing confusion. I hate to break it to them, if you're not providing adequate instructions on what to do next and multiple people are confused, it's your fault. You are in a customer service position, I don't expect anything crazy, but having some decorum should be the baseline. Awful service, go to literally any other DMV. I haven't had any issues like these at other OC DMV's. Very sorry that they're so miserable. They also completely forgot to give me my permit after passing the written tests. Totally unacceptable. read more

This is the worst case scenario when you have to renew or get a real ID without an appointment... Costa Mesa DMV sits in the corner of 19th St & Meyer Pl (right across from McDonalds & Taco Mesa). There are two driveway entrances. There's a driveway located off Meyer Pl and another driveway located off 19th St (right before the tall senior living tower). I came in on Friday before lunch. The parking lot was a mess & for a second I thought to park in the neighborhood, but found a spot circling around. There was a line outside the door for non-appointment seekers aka suckers (myself included). Vivian was holding the fort down checking people in at two separate windows. What a talent. She quickly reviewed my documents and txt me my number in the line. I was No 47 around 11am. It took about an hour to get to No 40. It was a bit discouraging as I had somewhere I needed to be and didn't want to hit horrible Friday, downtown LA traffic. I decided to give up my spot and let Vivian know. She encouraged me to stick around, but I didn't trust the process. Of course, 20 mins after I've given up my spot in line, I get a txt message saying it's time to line up. Doh! Someone I knew with previous DMV experience suggested I come in around 3:30p because it's the in-between the rush. It's a Wed afternoon and of course the parking lot was a challenge, but after circling 5-6 times the dude sitting in idle his car finally threw his gear in reverse. SCORE! Vivian was at the check in counter doing her two-window check in again. She remembered me and jokingly told me, "I told you to stay" haha. Well, I'm here waiting. Decided to get some steps in by walking the perimeter of the property. Not a bad way to kill time efficiently. For those of you who want to sit, there were plenty of seats both inside and on the concrete benches outside. As I was walking about, the security warned me that there were lots of cars passing through the inspection and driver's test, so I should use caution. I appreciated her concern for safety as the sidewalk wasn't continuous around the DMV building. I was No 40 this time which was shorter than Friday. At about an hour in, I received the txt message to begin making my way into the building entrance. I was now No 8. Fantastic! This line is moving much faster than expected. By this time, there was no line for non-appointment suckers around 4:30p. The female security was now inside & was chit chatting with me. Everyone is so nice here! Brittany at Window 15 reviewed my data, checked my eyes & removed my corrective lens from my record since I've now had successful Lasik surgery. She was also very pleasant. She had me pay my fees of $45.95 (Yes! They take ApplePay) and sent me off for my renewal photo. I was sweating a bit by then & joked with Mike the photographer if he does touchup work like Glamour Shots. He snapped the photo and reassured me I didn't have a sweaty forehead. So, my CDL renewal & Real ID process took about an hour. I am pleasantly surprised I'm going home before it was pitch dark. Highly recommended to arrive in the late afternoon/half hour before closing. Pro Tip: At 4:49p, there are MANY parking spots AND you can walk right up to the non-appointment window. Good luck Yelpers! read more

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Waited in line for two and a half hours for them to say I can't do my written exam after 4:30 despite me finally getting to the section at 4:28. Their other photo machine was broken so they were going to make me wait in a line for the other photo machine and tell me to just come back another day after taking a photo. read more

SUPER rude check in Caucasian lady that doesn't want to help me out with anything and raised her voice at me when I tried to ask something I didn't understand. She seems to pick and choose to help out her people from what I saw. Horrible wait time. I guess you don't need people that's why you're rude but at least have some decency read more

Completely painless, very efficient experience while renewing license; with required in person appearance. Plenty of manpower, excellent signage, electronic number system maintains order/efficiency and bright and clean inside. Assuredly, the only challenge is parking so leave time for that! read more

Costa Mesa DMV - Outstanding audio/visual system to fairly and efficiently move people to windows! Grateful! - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This DMV is very busy and wait times here are looonnnng. I came in the middle of the day on a weekday and had to circle the parking lot three times before giving up to circle the nearby street before finally nabbing a spot! I added myself to the no appointment line online around 1PM and started at position 115. I got to the DMV around 3PM, and still had to wait another hour and a half until I was called. There were so many people waiting that even with them being fully staffed (counted over 25 agents), the wait was still super long! My renewal went smoothly once I was called up, and the DMV rep helping me was friendly and acknowledged the long wait, citing the summer season as being more busy with people wanting to renew their passports last minute. Wish they didn't close the Laguna Hills DMV since that one was less crowded and more pleasant, but it is what it is. read more

Never thought I'd be writing a DMV review but here we go. Google mislead me and said they open at 8 am so I arrived at 8:30 and realized they actually open at 9 am. I took one look at the line and already felt dread that I'd have to wait in this 70+ person line 30 minutes before it even opens. They opened a few minutes early and I was already inside with a ticket by 9:05. It's probably one of the bigger DMVS that I've been to. By 9:20 I was done with I needed to finish at the window. The photo line was what took a bit but hey I appreciated that since you can take your time to adjust yourself for a photo that may stay with you 10ish years. read more

This place is a nightmare! I came early morning on a normal Friday morning and I left after waiting 2 hours to see someone. They are grossly understaffed, they have 26 kiosks to help people but 3/4 of them are empty due to staff shortages and budget cuts. Plus, there is no where to sit and some people are standing and waiting outside. Good luck finding a parking space too. read more

Had to go to the DMV to do a license update. The CA DMV website online stated it was a 20 min wait around 1030 AM. You can check in online prior to driving to save some time but make sure you set out enough time to wait in the non appt line to avoid your number being called. I had to update my license and did not complete online prior. After recognizing there was a long wait for the computers, the worker sent some of us to the other side for other computers. Make sure you write down the code at the end to pair your completed application with your ticket #. I expected to get an ID by the end but was misinformed. You take a photo and receive an interim ID used strictly for driving purposes. If you want to get a RealID, you have to bring your birth certificate and two forms of mail (utility, copy of auto insurance) to show your full name, citizenship & most current address. There are some alternative ways to obtain your registration such as DMV kiosks at nearby grocery stores. read more

Costa Mesa DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I took my behind the wheel test today and passed with Vu! I failed the first time at Norco with a rude man who didn't even know his left from rights. I retook my test two weeks later at the Costa Mesa DMV and it was super efficient. Vu was super chill, professional, and did NOT make me feel nervous or like it was a test. I highly recommend going to this DMV if you are going to take your behind the wheel test. read more

I wonder if there is a required "how to be miserable and mean at work" training for DMV employees. We got there 1 hour after opening, and the person checking us in was already in a bad mood, ready to scold us if we weren't prepared. It's a good thing it wasn't towards the end of the day. As we waited, we watched one clerk scolding a customer because he was reading the wrong line during the eye test. She said something like "I said to read line C1, not C5!!!" Then when it was our turn, that same clerk was at our window and I thought "oh no, here we go again". But she liked my wife's find st name and she was very sweet to us so all went smoothly. ??? Unfortunately, DMVs are a necessity and we feel like we have to be patient and calm so we don't get sent to the end of the line. More and more services are available online so we'll make use of that when we can! read more

Costa Mesa DMV - 9am, 1 hour after opening - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Very quick and easy experience at the DMV, had a very pleasant lady help me out. My friend and I were in and out of there in about 40 minutes on a Friday morning. Great experience! read more

I am a busy professional. I was not able to get an appointment within one months time. I dreaded going to the DMV because I work six days a week. I decided to go in after working overnight and was pleased with my experience. I was in and out to renew my drivers license in 30 minutes! The staff was efficient and pleasant. Definitely recommend visiting this DMV thank you so much. read more

I started the day by telling my daughter she was in for one of the worst experiences of her life. Period. The DMV is just that place, the second level of hell. We did not have an appointment, which would make things easier, so we planned on getting their early. And we already set expectations of embracing the SUCK! The parking lot is a great appetizer, a beautiful set up for how terrible the rest of your experience is going to be. And the parking lot did not disappoint, but I was prepared for this, and was not going to let it get to me. Drop your passenger off, have the get in line . . . huge line, and find a spot. POWER TIP OF THE DAY: The entire area surrounding the DMV has NO PARKING on TUESDAY from 9/10AM till forever, and I would suggest you GO on a different day than TUESDAY, as you may need that space, and it makes it so much easier. So back to the parking lot I went, and loose my shit I did. Eventually, you may befall luck and someone leaves, but that is a clustery mess. Now the line. Everyone one is gonna wait, and everyone is gonna be there for a couple of hours, so those few folks who walk around playing confused, or maybe you already have someone inside . . . just get in line, you are not gonna cut. The security person at the door is like a club bouncer, and the club is at capacity, so they let in a few folks for every few folks who leave. And honestly, I was blown away at the efficiency of it all. We were early in the day, so everyone was still poppy, happy, and had pep in their step. Every employee we met was on point, informative, new their job, and was able to coach us thru everything. And then you will wait, and wait, and wait, so I watched other employees . . . I was super impressed at how good everyone was at there job. I do remember the DMV days when everyone HATED their job, and used their ultimate POWER to make your day as shitty as they felt. But that was not what I was witnessing now. I am sure that is a tough gig, meeting folks who maybe not at their best, and loads of stress. I give these folks at Costa Mesa a 5 star rating. I cannot say I am looking forward to going back, but it will not be the worst experience of my life anymore. read more

I'm a very polite person. I cannot understand how someone like Mark is allowed to work with the public. I know that it's stressful to work at the DMV & they don't pay a lot. This guy has specifically been unnecessarily rude to me the last 3 times I've been here!! Idk how I got so unlucky to deal with him 3 times in a row!!! 1st time I had a past due fee for registration & needed to be able to drive the vehicle to get a smog check. Period. I repeated that need to him again & again & he said there was nothing he could do. I stated I'd pay any fee necessary or fill out forms... When I asked to speak with a supervisor he refused & just kept repeating himself. Eventually a supervisor fortunately came by, told him to leave the desk and helped me. The very next visit (weeks later, not sure he remembered me) he was working the front counter and gave me a number slip to wait. After 3 hours I was the very last person in the DMV & my number was never called. When I asked a supervisor what happened they asked me if I had evidence of being given a number. I showed her the slip I was handed & she said it was never entered into their system. What???? Do I need to video myself getting a number at the front desk?? The DMV is a rough place but this level of abuse is excessive!!! read more

Really slow, inefficient, disrespectful and zero customer service. I don't like the DMV but it is a necessary evil.

They made every single thing I had to do easy. Idk who this angel Marta is or maybe Martha but she streamlines the line and makes sure everyone gets to the right place. There's no more confusion or piles of forms and you don't have to figure anything out yourself. 10/10 experience THANK YOU read more

Tips: Book an apt when you are born. (Sarcasm) but really join in line online and avoid the messy crazy mob. When you are #10 start heading over to find parking (there's not enough of it). The security guard tries her best but people are people. Some lady got upset when I walked in with my reservation trying to figure out where I need to be - relying on written guidance because of my hearing loss. Line on Monday had to be about 100 people for walk in and this was at 7:30. The signage sucks. If you join online just go talk to the security guard. Finally - this place is HORRIBLE is you are hard of hearing. Totally not accessible for us. I wish they had better signage or written instructions for car registration (like after you see the desk and need the vin validation). I was so uncomfortable here cause of the crowds. I was even more so cause I can't hear what the DMV people say.so much for an accessible California read more

I visited this DMV location on 4/12/2024 and was absolutely shocked with the way the DMV Security guards treated some of the people there. Many people that come to the DMV are from other states as well as other countries and English isn't their first language. Because of that, they may not understand or comprehend the instructions being yelled at them. I feel everyone deserves dignity and respect. The Security guards working on this date were yelling at clients who didn't understand what they said the first time. And stating "they don't have time for this" and "today's not the day" while dealing with people. That wasn't cool at all. If you don't like your job, please find someone else to do. When I made it inside some of the DMV employees refused to smile and not one said good morning back to me as I greeted them. This was first thing in the morning, so it wasn't like at the end of the day. We are all Brothers and Sisters in this thing called life. As we journey through it we should always respect and help one another at all times. Rant and review complete. read more

I don't do many reviews on here but I decided to take the time do this one because my experience at this DMV was absolutely amazing! Juan G. made everything easy, answered all of our questions and we were in and out in 20 minutes! Juan thank you for everything, next time we go to the dmv we definitely be asking for you! This man deserves a raise!!! read more

If you're going to put posters all over the place about your kiosk, perhaps you should ensure that it functions? Also, there should be three identified lines out front; Appointments, Walk-ins, and Kiosk. People there to use the unattended machine shouldn't be forced to wait in line with the people needing help from an attendant. Update your hours on this yelp page... read more

This dmv was so nice and fast and the people testing for behind the wheel are so nice thx youuuu

I was expecting the worst after coming here for the first time, from all the stories I heard but I was pleasantly surprised not only at how there was no line, and every worker I spoke to was helpful, knowledgeable, and answered all of our questions. We made an appt, and were done and out of there within 20 minutes. I couldn't believe it! We even found a parking spot pretty quickly, you just need to drive around (watch out for the one way arrows!) and keep your eyes open for cars leaving. read more

This place is so unprofessional the security lady that works here is very disrespectful she treats people very bad and is very rude, I saw her yell at a elderly women' and them myself for telling her how wrong she is, also I saw her curse at someone outside as they were trying to enter a few mins before 5pm she slammed the door rudely in these people's faces as they did nothing wrong she yelled at said they are closed and it was not even 5pm yet she was very aggressive and I'm not sure how this person is allowed to work here with such aggressive behavior towards people and specially elderly people I highly advise this person getting a write up or fired because it's unacceptable treating people with such behavior honestly it's wrong in so many levels, this dmv needs to do better by allowing this to happen and allowing this women bully people, do your job and do it with grace not by cursing and bullying people. Disgusted by this read more

Costa Mesa DMV - Proof of her just walking away carelessly after cursing at people - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The same lady that has been working there since the Earth cooled is still there taking horrible pictures. You would think now with all the modern technology they could replace her with a robot. She was not even paying attention and did not wait till I got into place. read more

I'm here to tell you to make an appointment (and if you can't, keep checking periodically until you can). There is a parking lot, an appointment line, and each section has red rugs for you to stand on, so you can use that as your guide. There's a nice electronic sign to tell you which number is being served. They also announce it by speaker. read more

My visit was quick and easy. Everyone I interacted with was very professional. Keep up the good work.

Shelly at window number 21 on 9/30 was the most exceptional, effective, and uplifting DMV worker I've encountered. Very grateful to have met her and gotten my vehicle renewed with her. Martha at the front door was also very kind as well! Thank you Costa Mesa DMV! Genuinely! read more

Went for a drivers license renewal, Eyes tested . The women over here seem to not want to believe that seniors can have good eye sight. The blond lady on 23 tested my eyes asked me if I had contacts.She tested me in another gadget. She had me fill out a form which I took to my doctor. Came back and gave the form to a man, which I asked to be retested. He had my eyes retested and I passed, he gave me the forms that the blonde lady gave me. I also noticed other ladies that didn't have the testing sign not well lit. One lady had no lighting. The people were being tested in the dark. These women want seniors to wear glasses which don't improve you eye sight. read more

my instructor was very kind and prepped me well, I strongly recommend! #thankyouHooman!

Website said there is extra line for disabled people in wheelchair but there wasn't any. Customer service not great.

What a JOKE DMV CA. My vehicle registration is a gouging $468.00 to mail it in. *Then . . . to complete it on line its $77.00 dollars more to complete paperless WTF ?!? Another CA ripoff from Sacramento! Maybe someday the DMV swamp will get cleaned out! What a joke : ( read more

Went in on a Tuesday at 4:20pm and it was the BEST experience I've ever had at any DMV. Employees were helpful and facility was clean and organized. I was in and out under 30 minutes. read more

I don't think I'd ever go to this DMV again, not if I have other choices. I went there today for my son to take his Drivers Written Test, and was given the incorrect information. Without going into lengthy detail I have to say while some workers were kind, others were just down right rude, unkind, and unhelpful. Several gave out the attitude of "Talk to the Hand". The worst was a female security guard. When asking her a questions her reply was "I don't work for the DMV, I'm a security guard" I said to her I was just verifying where Window 1 was since the sign is not clearly posted. Her reply was, "The numbers are all listed, just look for yourself" Wow! One problem was "Window 1" number was covered up. All anyone wanted was clarification where Window 1 line was. read more

Costa Mesa DMV - This is Window 1. When I asked if I can move the sign to below Window 1. All I got was attitude. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

These guys are efficient great communicators . Every single person here was respectful and direct and almost like they thrive on the pandemonium and the rush . Thank you so much for helping me today read more

Costa Mesa DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This place is the worst. It almost like they enjoy rejecting people. You fill out all the documents on line. You show up with your proof that meets the criteria on the website. You wait your turn only to have them reject one of your documents. You have a backup proof in your car but they give you another number. When you get to the window again they now reject the proof that the previous person accepted. You run back home and get yet another document to fulfill this requirement. Even though you were told you will get an expedite number. They give the last number for the walk ins. Spending 4 hours here is beyond ridiculous. read more

I'm back with form signed by Dr. I had to park way down the street since the parking lot has more people pouring in than leaving. The lady at information asks if I have my glasses. I said no I don't need them. She says that's what my Dr. form says. It's not. So she says let the next person deal with it. . Now I'm sitting here in a packed room again waiting for my number even though I have an appointment. After being here 40 minutes, they call me. She asks if I got new RX since I was here. I said I had just gotten one before I came in last time. I think she decided not to argue. She just printed up me temporary and we were done. This place is a joke! If it weren't a government agency, it would be out of business. read more

the DMV hasn't always been my favorite place to visit but today was a breeze. I filled out some forms online and paid my license renewal fee. Made an appointment, came maybe a half hour early, and was out 5 minutes before my scheduled appt. time. Everone polite and professional - nothing to it. read more