They answered absolutely nothing for me. I bought my registration tags online December 14th 2023, and until this day, July 30th 2024, I still have not received them in the mail! I called DMV and actually talked to a real person in March asking wth are my tags. She simply said we are backed up by 6 weeks since covid hit! Give me a break! How much longer are businesses, especially federal and State going to use covid as an excuse of incompetent. I still want my tags $415.00 later, and 7 months later. I give DMV an F- read more

I give the ElCajon DMV a zero rating. I just left there and have never met more rude, hostile and unfriendly employees in my life. We made an appointment online and even had a confirmation number or code, but were promptly told they didn't see us in their system so we would have to reschedule. I had taken the afternoon off work without pay for this appointment only to be told I needed to reschedule for September. This is utter bull shit. The state of California certainly needs to take a look at the quality of people they hire for these positions. I wouldn't give 1 star, but had too!!!! read more

Behind the wheel test. Firstly, my tester was Claudia, and everything was fine. I am leaving this review to try and settle any nerves people have before the test, particularly after reading some of the more worrying negative reviews. My test was at 10:40 and was on time. The employees inside the DMV were lovely. I am not from the US and originally learned to drive on the left hand side in a manual car. I have not taken any driving lessons here in the US and managed to receive no demerits on my exam. These are just a few things I made note of while driving in the area/during the test itself. I am sure if you have taken lessons, most of this has already been covered by your instructor. 1. Drive around the area a few times before your exam. My route was not any of the routes people have previously mentioned on sites/DMV app, so do not rely on "learning" a route. I drove around El Cajon for the two days prior to my test. 2. Take your time. If you need to take extra time switching lanes, do. Safety comes first. When waiting to change lane or stopped at an intersection for an extended period, I always did an extra shoulder check just to be sure (so up to 3 shoulder checks) and this was not an issue. In both protected and unprotected left turn lanes I also shoulder checked over left shoulder just before turning. 3. I signaled at the start and end of the test. I dunno if this makes a difference. Your car is stopped and they do the pre-test checks under the canopy section. After this you start the driving portion. Immediately there is a slight sweeping left turn in the car park. I signaled left, checked all mirrors and blind spot (as there is the possibility of cars entering from your right as they finish the test) and then proceeded. 4 out of the 5 cars in front of me did not do this, only one other car did. Might not be relevant at all so maybe ask your instructor. At the end of the test I signaled before turning into my carparking space. 4. Not lane changing. I had a left hand turn from N. Mollison onto Greenfield Drive and remained in the left lane after making the turn. I did not switch to the right lane/slow traffic lane as the right lane ends after approx. 100yards. I was unsure about this before the test but again, it wasn't an issue. Good luck! read more

I went in on a Wednesday at 8am, at the end of the month to get a CA Real id....with No appointment.... I was out of there within 20 minutes,...Tops. I was very happy. A Huge, and Definite, Improvement. I did already fill out the form online and had all the needed paperwork so....? Not sure if I just got lucky, but it was a huge, + noticable, difference from the last visit awhile ago. Even the employees were nicer. Much better visit than in the past. Great work El Cajon DMV, and Thank You. Keep it up. read more

We were fortunate to come early enough while it was cool and the employees were so helpful and really tried to help people despite the lines and changes. They were polite when people were frustrated and explained things carefully and I watched more than once how they helped people arrive at the best solution to their problems. I know this time is challenging for everyone but I was impressed at El Cajon DMV outside employees and inside as well. We had to come three times in the last two weeks due to two different issues and one time with the wrong paperwork- all three times they were great. One nice guy at the south door was so diplomatic with really cranky people. I was impressed. Come early when it's cool if you can. I can't imagine doing it in the heat. Bring an umbrella if you can't . read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - El Cajon, California

Rudest driving instructor ever. This lady Cynthia has the rudest personality that I've ever encountered sorry that you hate your job so much maybe choose a different profession... had an attitude from the very start for no reason. read more

This is where I go to get to the registration machine for my car, the first time I used it the machine charged my card twice for the registration. That was a hassle. The next year I used the machine it worked fine. Recently I have gone for a couple of different reasons and both times I got this guy in the outside line with Major Attitude that before I could finish my request he answers me with an abrupt answer, basically saying we can't help you with a dismissive GO AWAY attitude?? What happened to customer service and why does this guy have a job and act this way when there are a lot of Nice, Helpful, Polite people that are out of work that would like to Help People not dismiss them rudely???? read more

Errands are not my favorite, and errands to the DMV get a bad rap no matter how good the DMV really is. I have to say, this one doesn't deserve the bad reputation of DMV's. How could they have done better? I can't come up with a thing so I'm giving them the full five stars. Following instructions to renew my drivers license, I made an appointment and filled out my forms online. This DMV was efficient! I walked in and the security woman had things moving very well. I was called by Nancy and between walking in and walking out I was only there 15 minutes. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE! I felt that I wasn't rushed, but was supported and she was even kind to me when taking a new picture. I know she went above and beyond to help me, and I so appreciate it. I'll make this my main DMV moving forward. read more

First things first...MAKE AN APPOINTMENT! It will save you time and peace of mind. I had to get my license updated and made my appointment online along w/ filling out any necessary paperwork online. The day of my appointment (9:10 am) I got there at 8:50 and the line was already wrapped around the building (for no appointments). I told the lady at the door I had an appointment she told me where to stand and exactly at 9 am I was let in. The staff was very helpful and got me in an out in exactly 10 minutes. The facility is big and clean and the staff I dealt with all very helpful and welcoming. Best DMV experience ever! read more

Worst DMV in San Diego County, the workers are the worst of the worst specially the chubby lady when you take the driving test. She has no manners & think she can yell at full grown adults like if we were preschoolers. The lot her chubby lady from the information booths when you walk in the one giving out the number tickets has the most unprofessional attitude, even with seniors that can hardly walk!! Shame on every employee in this DMV office read more

Yesterday I was in to register my car the service was horrible the 2 lady's that I had game me information were just rude. Not really wanting to help was attended by windows 22 and 18 the last lady told me that I couldn't pay with card the they only accepted cash when that's not true. Go somewhere else if you can is just not worth it to be treated that way this people are is not okay. read more

I arrive over half an hour before opening. As I drive in I see many people have already been checked in and processed. There are three stations outside: one for health screening and the second to make sure you have all your documents and the third to make sure you complete the needed documents. Having already completed my documents online I was sent in right away with my number slip, waited about 10 minutes and was called up. Signed a couple papers, took my photo and was out within 30 mins from when I got in line outside. DMV did well. *If you want a fast and efficient process, arrive early, have all your paperwork and have a positive mindset. read more

I used the kiosk which I highly recommend!! Or make an appointment ahead of time, wait lines are outside in the heat and line is super long. Practicing social distancing and checking temperatures before entering the building, mask is required to wear. Inside is clean lookin and chairs are placed far apart, each window has a barrier between employees and guests. read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - El Cajon, California

What they won't tell you anywhere else - only when you get here, will they tell you (RUDELY) - that NO SERVICE is available after 3pm. Eventho they close at 5. I arrived at 3:45 and was told I could use a kiosk for renewing tags - and to even ASK A QUESTION about an expiring license, I had to come back the following morning at 6:30 am and wait. WTF. They turned away about 20 people waiting in line already over an hour before their closing time. I asked, "can I have a piece of paper that says I'm still waiting on my renewed license to arrive in the mail?!" It's been over 8 weeks. I was told "no just tell any cops that you're still waiting on your card. They just know." Whaaaaaat?! read more

During the time of COVID-19 this place has fell apart. Ofcourse the dmv is never a happy visit. But today the workers weren't on the same page. They all told me different things and made me wait in the wrong line for 20-30 min when I just needed to use the self service kiosk for my tags. Really unprofessional read more

Great customer service, very friendly. For all the paper work I did today it wasn't bad at all. read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - El Cajon, California

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OK been so far a far better experience then other locations I've had to visit. Had bad times here in the past but looks like times have changed. Got my ticket in 35min or so which is over an hour faster then my last visit to a DMV. 30 people ahead of me or so... huh the struggle is real. Well at least explored the area and had a decent lunch at Greek Chicken. Small Office so be prepared to stand or wait outside. People have been sitting in the rocks out front, hey if you need to sit down what else can you do? Sitting in your car in this heat is no choice at all. Parking lot is just as small so again expect to park on street or hope you get lucky. I was fortunate found one in under a min or so. Security guard is crowd controlling and keeping the line moving steadily with the DMV personal moving quickly too. Maybe won't be here as long as my last visit to Otay. +3.5 hrs... El Cajon, pretty quick. read more

DMV - Not as bad as other DMV's - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - El Cajon, California

Honestly, every time I've been here, I've never really had a terrible experience. I think you honestly have to come here with the right mindset and patience. The dmv always takes a while, but everyone here works so quickly, it's really amazing! Sometimes the lines are longer than you would hope, but really, that's not going to change. If you don't have an appointment, I recommend going there in the morning. Or right after noon. This one is actually not as bad as the others. I've only spent at most 2 hours each time I come without an appointment. I really recommend this dmv. Just remember to be kind and patient the whole time. You'll be more of a delight to help this way! Bring headphones or a book to read. Watch tv/YouTube on your phone if you have to. It will make your time at the dmv feel like waiting at the airport. read more

It's funny to see these reviews about the DMV. People aren't happy with standing in line? How dare they make me wait? My experience was good. Well as good as it gets. I don't enjoy standing in line, so I tried starting my application online and uploaded all my documents prior to heading to the DMV. Proof of residence, proof of ID and passport etc. When I arrived, I turned in my pre-printed slip, received a number and sat down. There was 18 people in front of me, so I put on some headphones and watched a YouTube video. Within 25 min, my number was called and Theresa helped me with my application. Took my photo and was helped by Wendy. Both DMV reps were super helpful, respectful, friendly and patient. I was out of there within 40 min. Super easy and my experience wasn't bad. Probably due to my perspective. I set my intentions before hand, made it easy for my self and boom....done. I wouldn't say I'd recommend coming here for fun but my experience was professional and non problematic to say the least. read more

I had to register a car I'd never registered before and the online website gave me an appointment for about 9 weeks out, about two weeks later than the registration was due. I ended up just coming here early in the morning and I was in and out in less than an hour without an appointment, not too bad really. This is pretty old location and while I was here fairly early, when I left people were circling the lot for parking spots, so be conscious of the lack of parking here and arrive early if you have an appointment. I received pretty decent service for a DMV, my transaction was pretty speedy and took about two minutes. It's not like you have a choice about doing business with the DMV, sometimes you just have to get it over with until the next time.. read more

I would give 0 stars if I could. The driving instructor named "Moe" was the most rude and impatient with my wife. She had to ask him to repeat where to turn because he spoke softly and he started to raise his voice loud with frustration putting pressure and stress. I can only imagine how he talks to his own wife behind closed doors. If you're given "Moe" as your instructor I highly recommend to request someone else, or else you'll deal with the same unprofessionalism. read more

I came in on Saturday for a license renewal with no appointment, I stood in line a half hour early and finished in 45 minutes. The experience was easy and efficient. Great job DMV El Cajon ! read more

Wow! We have been here three times in the last two years for various services. Everyone has been friendly and knowledgeable. Our wait times have been under 15 minutes.. This is the only location for us! To the staff at El Cajon DMV- keep up the great work! read more

I cant say anything good about this place the wait times are hours just to get up there to find put you have to take another number and go im amother line The service is 1 star the service is very poor they give you wrong imformation to get rid of you and you have to end up.coming back because of being mis informed. read more

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Great experience! We got there at 7:45am, 25 minutes earlier then our appointment and been able to check in. We were out at 9:00 am. The appointment was for two teenagers DL applications and written tests. read more

Compared to the DMV at Hilcrest, this place is heaven! First, no line out the door. Second, the room is big, well-lit, has lots of clear signs and lots of space and chairs for sitting. In particular, the signage was very clear which line was for those with appointments (like myself() and those w/o. An employee was even at the front of line was helping people in both lines by answering questions, directing them to the right place, giving them forms to complete, etc. And she did it with a smile. This was all done before I reached the clerk who was the one who checked off my appointment. A large screen shows the number being served at the various kiosks. The line went very quickly for a Mon at 2pm. My wait was 20 minutes at most. The employee (Steve was his first name) was nice and fast. I did not want to drive all the way out to El Cajon but I'm glad I did. read more

It is insane that you pay for vanity plates, but they do not come for 6-9 months. But yet we are expected to pay our registration and the full amount for something that we don't have for the first year. We need to look to our elected officials for a solution. Even paying half of what we owe should be comparable. But having to pay For something we don't have for a year and to add insult to injury on top of your 6-9 month wait the DMV is telling you it could take an additional three months for you to receive them after already waiting almost a year. Someone needs to look at this.... As much as we are paying as taxpayers in California for gas, rent, taxes, this state needs to do better. read more

Worst dmv ever don't waste ur time and come here. I was doing my behind the wheel drive test and I also got a person that everyone told me if I got her that was it. I made ONE mistake and we drove for about 2 minutes and she made me go back to the dmv when she never finished the test. Employees will do anything just to not do their job. Worst employees ever. read more

Most disorganized incompetent nightmare of a place. People waiting in wrong lines because the entire place is so poorly laid out, and employees are just about impossible to find. 3 hours just to try to pay a registration. Absolutely the worst! Avoid this DMV if at all possible. read more

I took my daughter for her behind the wheel test today and I can't say enough nice things about John. She was so nervous and he was so nice and patient and did everything to make her feel comfortable. Everyone who takes these young teens on their driving test should be just like him. He was amazing! read more

So I thought I would be at the dmv for hours. I usually go to the dmv on national st. It is always very busy there. But I was pleasantly surprised how clean, organized and fast they were. Got my new tags, and handicap placard in less than 30 minutes. I recommend you try the dmv in El Cajon. read more

i took my behind the wheel test today and was extremely nervous but John was easily the best instructor i could have gotten. he was nice, talked while driving, and really helpful with the directions. i hope everyone gets him if you take your test here!! read more

I woke up late at 8:20am this morning, and thinking there's going to be a long line at this DMV today. My 1st time to go to this branch after the pandemic. I don't have an appt, and I thought, I was going to wait. When I got there at 8:30am, I thought it was still close, because, there's no line outside the building. I went in, and there's just a few people waiting. They signed me up, and it only took me 15mins to do my business. Wow! That's so quick! And the lady who helped me in window #18 was so nice! Thank you very much! You're so awesome! read more

Probably the best DMV experience I have ever had. Lines were super efficient and everyone was really friendly. Came to get 2 REAL ID's and my daughter's permit. We were able to upload all of the necessary documents to be pre-screened, so we knew we had everything we needed when we went. There's nothing worse than waiting forever to be told you brought the wrong stuff. Anyways, good on you DMV. Way to streamline this sometimes frustrating process. read more

Being an Elite Yelper, I take my one star and five star reviews seriously. I don't rant or rave on sheer emotion, and don't take my extreme reviews lightly. My most recent experience with the DMV was one of the worst ever. My daughter has been chomping at the bit to get her permit and completed the on-line driver's training class in quick fashion. She did her part, so it was time for me to do mine. I did not have a copy of her birth certificate at the ready, but she does have her passport card. We obtained it a few summers ago before traveling into Canada and had to use a certified copy of her birth certificate to get it. Wanting to make absolutely certain that we would be able to use the passport card as proof of birth, I called the only number the DMV is willing to give out to their customers (800.777.0133). I asked if the passport card would be accepted, just as a passport is. I was put on hold for about five minutes. The lady I spoke with finally came back on the line and said that the passport card would be sufficient. Great! With no appointments available for nearly two weeks, off to the DMV field office in El Cajon we go. The line was literally out the door, but we were undetered and committed to the cause. After waiting in the line with a cast of characters only found in the "Cajon Zone", we finally arrived at the front counter. You know, the one where you get your number to wait in line after you've already waited in line? The woman working the desk, who identified herself as "Susan, Manager #1", said that the passport card was unacceptable. She said there is a list of acceptable documentation that they have to go by and that "passport card" was not listed. I explained that I called the 800 number previously to get confirmation, and she again stated that she could not accept it has proof of birth. I reminded her that it's the same process to get a passport card as it is to get a passport. She didn't seem to care and increasingly became a bigger b*%ch! Why is it that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing? On the "list" of acceptable documentation is a "refuge card", but a US Passport Card is not? This passport card will work for entry into Canada, but will not work for my daughter to get a learner's permit?? Utterly ridiculous! What a huge waste of our time. read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - El Cajon, California

Inefficient, ignorant, unhealthy and rude. Once I arrived, I waited in the inevitable long line that stretched out the door, but that wasn't the problem. The man in front asked why I'm here, I said registration, he says OK you need to come to this line, I was like ok thanks. After waiting for an extra 30 minutes in the line, I was told I need to go to another line for registration, horrible guidance. I waited in the next line for a long time until I approached an old lady. She asked me questions and I answered, she was extremely rude and mocked me. She was ironically not articulated, maybe it wasn't ironic. She seems she didn't know what to say or how to answer so she sent me off to fill an application, (something I should of done before getting in line in the first place). It was ineffeciency after ineffeciency, and after an hour I finally get my number! To begin the next long wait of a lifetime. When is DMV going to fix this system and hire competent people? God help us and these people. read more

I have to say that making an appointment makes all the difference! I made an appointment for 8:45am and arrived at around 8:20am. I found parking instantly and was very happy to see that the appointment line was short. I was in and out in 20 minutes! I had to get my name changed and address changed because I just got married so I didn't really have any questions or need to take a test. The staff was really nice and efficient! I definitely had a pleasant experience at the El Cajon DMV! Now, I hope my new driver's license picture turns out okay... TIP: Highly recommend you make an appointment! read more

Better MAKE AN APPOINTMENT SON! I had to renew my drivers license and take a new glamor shot. I had an appointment at 9:20. I left at 9:33. Awesome! While I was waiting for my picture to be taken I overheard TONS of people bitching and complaining that their number hadn't been called yet. As long as you have a phone and fingers to type stuff into the keypad....MAKE AN APPOINTMENT SON! It will save you time and frustration and will also limit your time mingling with El Cajons finest pieces of work. After I was done I walked out to my car. This bitch next to me shimmied up damn near 3 inches from my drivers side door. I had to do my best plastic man impersonation to get in my car. San Diego is full of horrible drivers/parkers. Other than that little snafu, my experience was top notch and it was by far the easiest DMV experience I have ever gone through. Just remember........MAKE AN APPOINTMENT SON! read more

My Son-In-Law and I went to DMV, El Cajon to get his Drivers License. The wait was OK, and initial customer service by a gentleman and a woman, directing us to the boot was OK. We were instructed to get a typed up statement that he stays with me, and sign it. We followed the instructions and came back. The customer support person that greeted us this time was very rude man. He did not finish "one" sentence, explaining what we were told and how we followed the instructions. They ended up not accepting the statement, which they told us to print and sign, but that was OK. The customer support which was a young man was very very bad. As if he is a god, which makes it very uncomfortable when you have a guard watching. He was so rude that he refused to shake my hand as we departed. I asked him point blank that you don't want to shake my hand, and forced him to shake hands. That is why citizens become frustrated with government services. read more

Walked in at 10am and walked out at 1:14. Over 3 hours to get a Real ID. Waited in 4 different lines. If this is how "MEDICARE FOR ALL" will function - No Thanks!!!!! read more