I took my behind the wheel test at the Arleta DMV, my examiner was Fernando. He was so chill, and he was very nice. He made me feel less nervous because of how calm he was. He passed me with only 3 mistakes! I would definitely go to this DMV instead of pasadena. Also Arleta dmv workers at the counter are so nice and calm too. I think one of the counter ladies name was sarah, she was so helpful! I would recommend booking an appointment here. read more

One of the best DMVs I've been to. As long as you have an appointment you can be in and out of there in less than 30 minutes. I had a renewal, real ID, photo and vision test with an appt I was in and out of there fully completed with everything in 20 minutes. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I drive a bit further out to come to this DMV because I've always had a pleasant experience. Can't speak about no appointments. I would assume those take longer. If you can plan ahead and make an appt read more

I had my behind-the-wheel test today at this DMV and passed! I took my test with Alex. He was very kind. I was very nervous at first but I felt much more relieved after seeing how calm/understanding he was. read more

My experience on 05/02/24 at Arleta DMV: I the worst "customer service" experience at the "Start here" window with a woman named Chris (she refused to share her last name). I visited the DMV having made an online application in advance to save time, as I am post-surgery and still experiencing pain from my wounds. Chris at the "start here" window, was busy with other customers. I waited for 10 minutes, but she continued talking to them. Meanwhile, 15 people from the non-appointment line got their tickets while I waited. Basically if I had been standing in the non appointment line I would have already gotten my ticket. I pointed out to Chris that we had been waiting an unacceptably long time in what was supposed to be an express line and that there is a line behind me of people waiting. In response, Chris began yelling at me in front of everyone in line. I went back to waiting, and Chris yelled at me again, even though I was just standing in line. I waited some more while Chris chatted presumably with acquaintances. After all that instead of apologizing for her unprofessional "customer service", Chris shouted something from her desk that I couldn't make out, forcing me to come closer. Apparently, this angered Chris even more, and she told me to wait at the line. Ultimately, I realized I was just wasting my time. Since I was still unwell, I left, wishing Chris a good day. I wasted my time, did not achieve what I came for, and had my day ruined by an employee. I do not recommend visiting this DMV location while employees like Chris are allowed to interact with customers. She needs either training or a position away from the front desk so her unprofessionalism does not affect others. read more

Don't waste your time here! Especially not for the behind the wheel test, they will turn you away DESPITE having an appointment and all required documents! They are hopelessly overbooked and they keep their lunch time sacred... read more

Compared to the other recent reviews, I had a pleasant time, it took an about 30 minutes (I had an appointment). The lady at the front desk, Eileen, was very helpful and calm, it made the whole process getting a ticket stress free (she wasn't commanding or rude). There was a security guard that directed you to different lines if you had an appointment or you were walking in. When my ticket was called, the woman at the window explained everything I needed to do in a simple and straightforward fashion. And finally the guy taking the ID photos was nice. We had a quick little chat about the high school I went to while he looked over my paperwork. Overall, that was my easiest DMV visit ever. read more

the no appt Walk-in waiting timeframe for a Wednesday afternoon was about two hours to my renew my DL.

That "Mexican lady" from the window 27 was rude with me because of my "bad" English and nationality. She asks me am I an Armenian, and when I answered yes, she said "Ugh" Horrible and disgusting woman. Horrible Customer Service. Also wanted to say thank you for the lady from the window 11. She was really kind and lovely, also the man who takes photo, he was also friendly and kind. Just make sure that the employees can normally speak with their customers and solve their problems. read more

Most of the examiners there should not be allowed to examine new drivers. They're not the best drivers and yet they get to be the ones to decide whether to pass/fail??? They allow dangerous drivers to pass while the safe ones fail. Shame on you all!!! read more

I had lost my wallet and needed to get a replacement driver's license. I figured it would be a good time to get a Real ID. Making the online appointment was easy. When I got there it was pretty straight forward. Everyone was very nice and helpful. The young lady that assisted me and get things processed provided great service! read more

California, Arleta DMV, window 9. On the 09.18.2023 around 12pm I had an appointment with employee Teresa, she answered my every question with "I don't know", "I can't help". 40 minutes of agony lasted. The next day in the 09.19.2023 around 4pm I came to another window and another employee helped me in 2 minutes! At this time, the employee Teresa came up, interrupted us and said bad things about me and that she spent 40 minutes on me yesterday. I was offended by this, it's very insulting. Teresa is extremely unprofessional employee who is rude to customers and approaches other employees to say that I am stupid. Please take action and give me feedback , eleedneva@yahoo.com Ekaterina L read more

I took my behind-the-wheel test here, and it went very well! The examiner I had was nice and chill, and she only spoke to give me instructions. It made the test less daunting. The test was about 15 mins, but it went by fast. The route I went on was mostly residential streets. I ended up passing. Would recommend taking it here! read more

I would have honestly given a 0 to 1 star because of the lady that worked today at window #15. I give 5 stars due to my services improving after the woman employee on window #20 managed to assist me. She then transferred me to window #28 for the drivers license replacement. In addition the woman security at the entrance of the DMV was also super helpful because she was kind enough to reassure me that getting the Confirmation number to get a number for being assigned to a window would work online. I did manage to create an account on the DMV portal. I did create a confirmation number. That was the only way to get number (G-248)- and my number was sent to window #15. My complaint to lady at Window #15: First off where is my confirmation number and the number that had (G-248)? I hope you didn't throw it in the trash. I'm glad I took a screenshot of my confirmation number. Because the other women almost assumed I cut in front of people without a confirmation number. How else will I be assigned a window number? Of course I have a confirmation number. That's how I got the G number!!. So my problem began with lady at window 15 in how she kept flashing my personal card in front of the window. She kept holding my card in her hand and tapping on my expiration. I honestly have no reason to feel embarrassed or humiliated for anything. This employee is also a state employee; therefore as a state employee- she is required to keep things confidential and close at hand. There are honestly a lot of different ways she could have expressed herself more thoroughly or concise. She violated my personal boundaries by making it seem that "I have a problem." When she is not explaining herself. She just kept saying she was going to charge me $45. I never gave consent to said charge. I was confused to her behavior and uncalled for comments and flashing of my card at the window. I felt like her behavior was unprofessional and it felt best to be transferred to someone else because I'm not there for problems. Lady you are getting paid to help. You shouldn't take advantage of your role and be so rude. People are required to get licenses. If I wanted to break rules- I wouldn't be at the DMV. I have a clean driving record and I'm honestly going through hard outccomes in my life. It is questionable how you don't respect people's feelings. Also why did you have to smile at me after I finished speaking with lady at window #20. That conversation didn't have to happen with that lady. You could've just helped me and explain. Please don't condescend others when you don't know their life story, obstacles they've overcome, and things they're currently enduring in this present tense. I hope you do realize that we're all human and we have a need to be treated as such. We come to the DMV as people because we honestly don't have a choice. I was G248- my window was initially window #15. I was transfer to window #20; and then I went to Window #28. My receipt for a duplicate ID has my phone number for some reason. I don't know why it was asked but it's probably for security reasons. I just hope that next time that the experience is more better. Thanks dear women from windows #20 & #28. read more

Great job all around at this DMV. After having a bad experience at the Van Nuys DMV, from a rude employee there at the information window, I just left and took care of business at the Arleta DMV. I will never go back to the Van Nuys DMV, because of the way they treated me. I will always go to the Arleta DMV instead. Even the security was very helpful as well as the rest of the employees I had contact with. read more

Make an appointment and fill out the documents online before you go to the DMV so it can be a easy process. I came here for my driver license renewal and it basically took me like 25ish minutes to finish everything. Most of the wait time was at the appointment line because some people didn't have the proper documents so they needed to be helped. I had to wait like another 5 minutes for the printer to warm up to print my temporary driver license. I went to Window 30 to do my fingerprints and confirm all the filled out documents then went to Windows 5 to take the picture. Everyone I interacted with was friendly and I wore my mask inside the facility. read more

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I went in today with my daughter to get her dmv permit and after my daughter finished her test(she passed) she was trying to take a picture that she passed when the lady started yelling at her to not use her phone, and my daughter apologized and put away her phone. She told the lady that she had finished her test and the lady began to keep yelling at her and saying how youth don't know how to listen and that she's going to suspend my daughters license for a year for no reason what so ever. All because my daughter was trying to take a picture that she passed. And everyone else that was around her was using there phone also but my daughter was the only one targeted. Do not go to this dmv worst customer service. read more

I helped my senior father get in line on his phone when he got to the dmv he had forgotten how to check his place on the phone he called me and asked the person that directs the line of she can help him and she said no he had to figure it out then there is no point of her asking people what they need and just make them line up please be kind to seniors as this technology is new to them too. read more

Friendly staff. Went to renew registration in person because had to show proof of smoke check. Very efficient and polite employees. Security guard was a young woman who was strict but very friendly. Overall, a very good experience at the DMV read more

DMV - Arleta - Ticket stub to get my car tags renewed - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Pacoima, California

I had an appointment to change my name for real ID and the girl at the front desk (who was clearly miserable) wouldn't let me go since I didn't have my marriage license. I intentionally got my SS card changed so I'd be prepared for this. Regardless she said that it didn't matter even though on the site it states if you have the SS with the new name it works. I had ALL the other necessary paperwork but she didn't care. While I understand the DMV is notorious for this, her attitude was awful for no reason. Just prepare yourself for poor treatment right when you walk in because there's a reason this place in particular has such a poor reputation. read more

As a disabled person theyre very accommodating and nice compared to to the other DMV went

Do NOT GO TO THIS PLACE! My mom went to go to take her behind the wheel test at 11 am and the instructor was VERY RUDE to her! When my mom was asked to make a left turn , she did but the instructor had another accelerator at her side so she pressed on it so very hard because the instructor said there was another car coming even though he had a red light and my mom had a green light! She then started yelling at my mom because of that reason. she was NOT a good instructor and should take more lessons on how to be a better instructor! My mom ended up not passing because of that STUPID reason! My mom has been taking lessons and is an amazing driver. I really wish I knew this instructors name because I want to tell others if you ever have that same instructor to just not even take the test! All I know is her first initial is M and her last name initial is W read more

DMV - Arleta - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Pacoima, California

Got my drivers license yesterday! Thanks to Fernando, my instructor during my driving test. His instructions were clear. After the test, he explained to me my mistakes very well and calmly. read more

I just got the behind the wheel test and my instructor Jeff was really kind and helpful. There was a long line but it was ok, I just had to wait for 40 minutes to take the exam. Take the exams and this DMV, NEVER go to DMV Van Nuys. read more

WORST DMV EVER! Staff and supervisors were very rude and they DO NOT know how to do their jobs! DO NOT go to this DMV!!

This review is specifically for Martha M. since she is an outstanding employee and went above and beyond to help me process my REAL ID application. Context: I'd been to the DMV on a prior occasion to get my DL renewed but for some reason the employees at 2 separate counters told me that there is a mix-up with my name (which they attributed to the Social Security Administration). I've even spoken to multiple departments within the DMV and no one was capable of sorting out the issue. The bottom line is that Martha M. demonstrated a willingness and ability to help customers even if the task required her to do something beyond her ordinary duties. Her extraordinary performance completely washes all the prior negative experiences I've had with the DMV. read more

I've been to this branch three times, twice before the pandemic and once during. Pre-pandemic I got there early, before 8 AM and without an appointment was in and out very quickly. The staff was helpful and pleasant. Not like your stereotypical bureaucratic drones from TV land. Yesterday I went in after 8 AM to renew my license and the line was so long, I was actually standing on the sidewalk outside the parking lot. The long line was somewhat misleading due to COVID-19 distance guidelines and moved relatively quickly. The atmosphere at the DMV kind of feels like organized chaos but upon checking in, your cell phone number is requested and you are then sent text message alerts to notify you when it's your turn to approach a window. You're also sent a link to a website where you're able to track your number in real time. It also indicates which window to go to and who will be assisting you. This was extremely helpful and actually quite impressive. I was assisted by Jessica M. She was professional and very pleasant. From arrival to departure, my visit was just a hair over 2 hours and despite a very brief encounter with one salty worker, I was very satisfied with my visit to the DMV. read more

DMV - Arleta - Tracking my place in line - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Pacoima, California

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Oh my God, three letters that can mess up your morning - DMV , but it's no laughing matter, this people are horrible. It's like they are deliberately working slow, disrespecting you in their own little twisted way, like hey you are on my turf now - suffer. Am I exaggerating? Oh I wish Although, I have to be fair and mention, that there are some employees who do actually work hard and being really helpful and fast, and I think all DMVs function at all because of those employees, not the typical "government employee" reputation earners, who look at your face and put "next window" sign in front of you Well, I took an appointment and going to go back and see if that will make a difference at all, will keep you guys posted read more

Look at waiting at least 1-3 hours. Ever since they closed the location in Pacoima it's nightmare here. It's hot and they only have one bathroom for males and 1 for females. Not sure if that's sanitary with all the people waiting. Parking lot is full. Have a movie and/or book and a lot of patience read more

So full and busy. Long line that goes out the door and around the building. But if you have an appointment, you can skip the line! Personnel nice and helpful! The lady at the counter took the time to ask me questions to determine what I needed and explained various options and actions that I can take to save money and/or time. read more

I was pleasantly surprised at my visit here. I came to renew my driver's license and I was in and out in a total of 30 mins! I had made an appointment just a few days prior. There was plenty of parking in the lot. I was quickly directed inside to fill out an application, waited about 10 minutes, took a vision test and a picture and I was good to go! They said the license will be mailed to me in a couple weeks. read more

It's the DMV, so there's not going to be anything good to say anyhow, but I just want to register the complaint: My son took his driving test there, and failed. Fine, it happens. But telling a new driver that "some of the stop signs on your driving test route will be blocked by trees" doesn't strike me as a level playing field. The kids are already trying their best, let's hide some of the stop signs? Can't they take another route or at least have the city do some pruning? I actually went to the spot after the test with my son, and indeed there was a completely blocked stop sign. "I told you some would be hidden" was the response. And it was Arleta, so of course the STOP and line markers on the street were long gone. Gov at it's best... read more

Worst dmv I have ever been,the employees are very rude besides a black lady,she was very helpful,even security guard was always telling someone to do something,it felt as in prison,employees have no idea what they are talking about,they were very lazy to open my paperwork to see what's in there,i would not recommend this dmv,I waste my time here and got nervous,there's a lot dmv I could go but i don't know why I came here read more

DMV - Arleta - Worst dmv ever - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Pacoima, California

The 7th circle of hell is a DMV. This DMV was the most tolerable one I have ever experienced. The staff where knowledgeable, friendly enough & with my appointment I was in and out in 40 minutes. Shout out to the security lady for helping me get to the right line, she was very polite. If you can, fill out your applications online beforehand as well. Good luck guys. read more

Best DMW in California. The lady at the window was very nice and helped us. I pass my driver exam . My Inspector Jeff was professional and explained everything to me before the exam. I passed my driving test. I was very nervous but he was very calm and didn't pressure me. Thank you so much for your hard work read more

Friendly staff and no lines if come at day time! Expectation time was only for 7-10 minutes for driver test. read more

DMV - Arleta - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Pacoima, California

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No clean too much trash in a computer no good service making a long time. Worker is crazy.

Worst DMV BY FAR. I was 1 min late to my call window which I waited for 1 hour! She made me go back to get a new ticket. I mean come onnnm has some sympathy for the people waiting in line. I just left to another DMV location. The people working at this location are emotionless robots the lady next to the window felt like she needed to take it upon her self to get involved to tell me to get another ticket. Like I wasn't even talking to you. read more

Worst DMV in the United States Of America. I just went to get an ID for my wife and they told me they cant do it because vise is expired, but her visa is not expired. Most racist DMV. I recomend no one would ever go there. read more

Went here with my son for his driving test and while I was waiting for him to finish his paperwork, an employee named Miguel told me to sit down. I explained to him I was waiting for my son, he said it didn't matter, there was "no roaming" allowed. I wasn't roaming , I was just standing and not moving. This just confirmed that the DMV is the most inept, incompetent overly bureaucratic department in the state. The only reason they didn't get one star was my sons driving examiner was really nice. read more

It's 1st time in my life that I had great experience with DMV!!! FERNANDO is a G. He helped me to solve everything and also he helped my husband and my mom who don't speak English. He took care of everything so nicely. Super nice person and knows his job! Thanks Fernando for helping us and giving the best customer service ! read more