My review based on personal experiences and observation through my process. I came today to renew my DL, without appointment. I noticed their numbering system was not operating ' which is understandable'. But they dedicated 4-6 employees to help customers. From outside line, distributing forms, answering questions and guiding each person through the process. Yes, they were calling people by names, because as I mentioned they had some system issues. But on top of that, everything was going smooth. I was watching how each employee was trying to make sure every one gets answers for their questions. Kindly and professionally. With long lines and large number of customers, my process took 1,5 hours. Remember, it was without appointment. Three days ago I had a total different experience With Poway location 'with appointment'. I would like to say thank you for your dedication and professionalism. This shows great management and training. I wish I could mention names but what I saw was a total perfectionist from the entire team. And now I can see, our tax money used correctly in this location. Update: I applied for Real-ID on 04/23/18 Received it in mail on 04/28/18 Took less than a week! read more

Yeah, so no complaints about this DMV branch! I know that's a shocker as practically everyone would have a complaint about the DMV, but not this time! I scheduled an appt online awhile back to get a CA ID and when I arrived, there was a line out the door. However, when I got to the front of the line, I was quickly seen and was in and out in 15 minutes. Also, bus runs close to this location as well so it's convenient if you don't have a vehicle yet! read more

This used to be a good location, with quick service. Not anymore. Last time I was here the wait was insane. Got here today 20 minutes until closing to pay a simple fee. They wouldn't let me in. Closed early saying enough people were inside. That's messed up, especially when I took a bus to get there. read more

This DMV is terrible they mark you for petty shit if your braking to hard these driving instructors act like they never made a mistake before on the road. I find the DMV in California to be a huge waste of time. read more

It's really hard to give a DMV 5 stars on principle - but I had a pretty good experience here. I made an appt a few days in advance but I was just a little confused when I got there - do I go to the "start here" line or the "driver's license" line? I asked the security guard at the door and he was barely helpful. The woman running the info desk was pretty amazing, dealing with so many people with a smile. As soon as she gave me a ticket, I went to sit down and within a minute my number was called. The rep I dealt with was friendly and helpful, more so than I expected. read more

The last time I was here, I was getting my driver's license. I haven't been in this area in a long time, but I needed to make a change to my vehicle registration and so I went to this location. A lot has changed in the years since I have been here. It is clean, it is friendly, it keeps you cool from the heat. Thank you to the woman who worked at the DMV who helped me when my turn finally did come. You smiled and took excellent care of me. I did wait for two hours, but I also didn't make an appointment and did it on a whim. read more

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

Wanted to get my Real ID. I registered online, answered all of the questions, uploaded the necessary documents, and setup an appointment. It took less than 10 minutes in person when I arrived for the appointment. Everyone was very friendly and efficient. Great, fast and easy! read more

Made an appointment arrived before my time slot. Was helped immediately and was out of there quick and satisfied! Theresa was a lot of help to me and very nice! Highly recommend!! She works at window 14!! read more

You need to spend whole day here to get your driver license,.. I came here at 8 am and now it 11:23 And still waiting for my turn, you have to be patient It's making me nervous read more

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

Ok, to start off. I wasn't happy to have to go inside to renew my registration but I didn't have a choice. Went in, got my ticket, slight wait, about 15mins, not bad. I get to the counter and I'm met with this condescending, rude woman who gives me attitude for how I'm paying and complaining that it's going to take longer and it's extra steps, blah blah. I explain it's the only way I can pay, mind you it's only 2 cards she has to run. Somehow she complicates this simple task, still giving me attitude,had to run cards multiple times because she wasn't listening to me. I say nothing and she tosses my new papers at me slightly and says, "here". Not even an empty "have a good day" I'm not expecting to be treated like a goddess but jeez lady, if you hate your job or people, find another field to work in or suck it up, especially if the customer isn't even being rude,because I definitely wasn't, I'm too anxious to go around being rude for no reason. Anyways the reason for the 4 stars and not 1 is because short wait time and also because right after I left I filled out a survey for the service, which I honestly never do unless I get really good or really bad service. Not only did they email me back straight away,they called me and asked what happened so they could correct it. I was honestly shocked at the prompt response, literally an hour after it happened. The manager apologized and said she would handle it and I believe she will, because of this I give this place props for that. Don't plan to come back anytime soon but glad to see the positive changes they are implementing. read more

Make an appointment, I got in and out in less than 20 minutes- and I had 2 things to take care of. The only confusing thing is finding the 'start here' line. The people don't seem too friendly, but I agree with B.E.'s review below. Be nice to them and they will be nice to you. Just smile, not enough people do that in life. Trust me, it always comes back. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/foa/clear.do?goTo=officeVisit&localeName=en read more

Nobody likes the DMV, but my experience here was surprisingly pleasant. I will say that the lines are crazy long if you go during the day. But I went with a chair & a book at 6am and waited outside until they opened at 8am, and I was done & gone before 8:30am! They do a quick check-in at a covered table outside, and then my number was being called AS I walked in the door. The woman who helped me (her name was April) was very friendly - she was personable and kind, and she chatted easily with me as she was processing my paperwork. Then I got my picture taken after just a short wait, and was on my way! They have large open areas & chairs spread out for COVID-19, so it all felt very safe. Will come back to this location anytime I need DMV services, as my experience was quite nice. read more

Driving instructor was agitated during pre inspection and was very hostile and annoyed throughout the driving test. She proceeded to grab my wheel while during the reversing in a straight line portion of the test and made me very uncomfortable so I asked her to stop the test. Management at the dmv took her side and stated that I already failed before that portion because my instructor had to tell me what to do. I was very confused and didn't get the issue resolved. read more

The worse DMV to be at. They have 21 Windows and 6 is open to service over 100 people waiting. read more

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

I have a wonderful experience every time I come to this DMV. Came at 8:50am and saw a huge line. I left and came back at 11:28 am. I was 4th in line outdoors. It is now 12:26 pm and I am completely done renewing my real ID, even took a new photo. In and out in less than one hour. This is the third excellent experience I have had at this DMV. Customer service was excellent as well. read more

This is the third transaction in the last 18 months that I had to return 3 or more times because of mid filed or list paperwork by dmv The lines are getting longer because people have to make may trips Ridiculous read more

Compared to my last visit YEARS ago, it was very organized! Love how you can make an appt on line! Easy peasey. Drivers license renewal service person, James, was hysterical, personable and friendly. Doesn't hurt he was cute too..wink, wink. He made me laugh a few times. Made my day and helped me get in a better mood to take my picture. Last time, I took my picture. Was awful. Told to take off my tinted, prescription glasses. No make-up, and they didn't tell me when they were going to be taking it so I had a scowl on my face. I looked like a FELON, all I needed was the numbers! This time, Lenore took my picture, and was open to seeing my last one. Yep, she laughed too. She made sure I had a good pic, even did a do over from the 1st shot. Amazing!!! Thank you!! Also, to my surprise I was able to submit form and get a temp disability placard on this same trip,as I was going to need it in a couple weeks. After dealing with health insurance people for my mom and myself these last couple months, it was such a pleasure to have everything work out, on one trip, and be valued, respected and have a little joy. Pleasant surprise!!!! read more

Your new system of numbering is a torture nightmare.. there's no hope no light at the end of a tunnel that your number is coming up.. it's just blind number calling.. also calling the same number five times over and over and over and over is ridiculous..: having the line to get in not even move.. you're still customer service people. The fact that you guys treat us rude, and like you don't give a crap sucks. I'd take your job I'd love your job and I do it with a smile one my face every day. You guys have it made.. okay new side note the guy at 10 with the long hair was beyond friendly and made it feel better he's a gold star there for sure .: read more

I was absolutely dreading having to go to DMV today to apply for my Real ID but it was a piece of cake with smiling, pleasant service representatives and I was in and out successfully in under 30 minutes!!!! I had made an appointment which was quickly honored and from there everything went smoothly. I had carefully prepared to have all the proper documents in hand so no problems ensued. And a special shout-out to the 3 main representatives I encountered: Merissa at the appt check-in and both Kiyah and Lewis at the actual document window. Beyond thrilled! read more

Ordered personalized plates 12 weeks ago! According to the web site, 12 weeks is the max. Amount of time to wait. So I make an appiontment, the person who checks you in says plates now take six months! As if it is common knowledge for every one. I ask her to check and she says sure, here is your number - get in line. C037, Currently at C026, OK sounds like it may be 30 min. To check the status of my plates. Well I have been here 30 min. We get alot of G #s and some H's but have only seen 4 c's making the current number C30 at this rate I have one more hour. So what did the appiontment do for me!!!!! The stories around me are worse, but if you make an appiontment it equals a two hour window. Much differant then the rest of society that works with customer service. And time specific appiontments. I am sure the wait is for nothing, the spirit here has nothing to do with helping people. I think the workers hate thier job and probally never got asked if they like people before they where hired. Now I have a screaming child behind me - I must go outside. read more

Big thanks to Angela who took care of me at window 15. She was friendly and sweet and took care of my paperwork efficiently. Make sure you make an appointment and if you don't then expect to wait 2-4 hours to get processed. Again its not the staffs' fault you strolled in last minute to do your business so don't complain. Parking is limited so park on the street nearby and its no problem. read more

Had a very great experience there! I made an appointment which I highly recommend that you do. It was really smooth and didn't have to wait long in the waiting area before my number was called. I ended up having Teresa helping me and Samantha, who I believe was being trained. They were very helpful and very very nice/pleasant! Overall, not bad at all! Thank you Teresa and Samantha! read more

I came here for a vehicle verification last week, and I have never had such a pleasant experience at a DMV. The lady at the front desk directed me where to go, I pulled my car around to the side and a DMV rep was outside in moments. My verification form was completed, she smiled and handed me the form I needed, and I was on my way in minutes. FINALLY a quick and efficient process at the DMV! I wish the actual reregistration process was this simple... read more

Ok so the dmv generally is a difficult experience but I've had my best service at this location (stay away from hillcrest- too chaotic). I had a really messed up registration due to some issue when I originally bought my car used. The worker at the desk I had was very patient with my problem even though it was a confusing situation that involved a lot of contacting other departments. He was assisted by a manager(?), I think his name was Pete, and they both went above and beyond what I expected to help me sort through this mess I've been dealing with for over a year now. He was juggling other tasks and customers at the same time but I could tell he genuinely was trying to help which is hard to find, and he didn't forget about me. I want to send my appreciation to the whole staff at this dmv because they do actually want to get you in and out as fast as possible, but our gov doesn't seem to set them up for success so it's up to the workers to weed through issues to help people get on with their lives. Not an easy job. I went during covid too and as I waited I saw workers frequently cleaning their areas for safety. If you don't have an appointment they will take down your phone number and text you when you should come back, so you can just wait in your car or run a quick errand- love that they do this now. Overall I think I can say we all hate going to the dmv but this probably the best one you can go to in San Diego. Tip: don't go on Friday because that's when people get paid and it's more crowded. Go as early as possible if you don't have an appointment. read more

RUDE AF. The lady shoveling people in through the front this morning is a horrible, rude woman. She doesn't let you finish a sentence, which is only your answer to her asking you what you need about 5 times in 2 seconds... If I tell you I need your direction, don't bark at me that I should know where I'm going! Not everyone here is here for just an ID or drivers' test. Tall lady with the black bun and white/green shirt really needs to learn how to speak to people. Or how to be quiet and let them answer her. 8am is way too early to be barked at when you come in smiling. Security next to her was super nice though! read more

I want to start off by saying that I went into this DMV expecting to be treated like crap because I've never had a good experience at a DMV. I am pleasantly surprised at the awesome customer service that I received! I wish I had the names of everyone who made my experience great. So here is my suggestions: (1)Make An appointment **** (2)Leave your attitude at home. You're dealing with the red-tape queen - the government. Everyone is in this together, including the workers. (3) Do as much paperwork at home and bring in the printout. read more

If I could give 0 stars I would. Judging by the other reviews regarding driving tests, there's one instructor in particular that has a bad attitude, and sadly I wasn't warned about her before my test. Her name is Claudia, and before the test even began she was condescending and somehow I became more anxious than I already was. Long story short, I didn't pass and she had to intervene because I didn't yield at the intersection when turning right, and didn't look over my shoulder while going into the right lane. Before we even started I had been waiting for over an hour, and understandably so because it's the DMV, but still annoying. During the pre-checklist I was asked to demonstrate my headlights, and in a panic I simply said "I'm not sure." Claudia then told me "I'm not here to teach you how to drive". Then she got in the car and told me to pull forward, and told me my break light was on from pressing my emergency brake for the pre check. BTW, I'm not sure if they're supposed to tell you to release the break after they ask you to demonstrate it, but she did not and didn't notice until she got in the car and told me to start driving. She told me to stop the car and I released the brake. Then we proceeded to the test. Everything was ok until I had to get into the right lane and yield at the intersection. I didn't come to a complete stop, and someone was turning into the lane I needed to go into, and that was my fault. She grabbed the wheel, told me to stop and jerked it as I braked and almost hit the curb because she turned the wheel so aggressively, and when I was barely past the yield line. She proceeded to say "Did you even look for the car? Did you see it at all?" I was already anxious and visibly upset. Overall, I am at fault for my deductions for the test, but I'm hoping for a better instructor next time because I cried after she left. A horrible experience, zero customer service from Claudia and the unnecessary comments and zero patience makes me rethink if I even want to retake the test. If you're going for your driving test here, be ready to preform well under pressure and with bad attitudes of instructors, specifically Claudia. I'm hoping she finds happiness and peace in her life so she doesn't spread anymore negativity. read more

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ... to bypass the waiting lobby of hell. Oh those dreadful visits to the DMV - highly recommend getting an appointment for your car needs. 1.5 weeks prior, I scheduled my appointment online and I chose to come to El Cajon because the SD and Chula Vista DMVs seem like a hotmess. Okay, all DMVs are a hotmess but I figured this one would be the lesser of the evils. After 1.5 hrs at the DMV with appointment and proper paperwork... I was done! FYI, try to fill out the correct paperwork prior to coming to your appointment, it will probably save you 30 minutes. *** Change of Vehicle Title and Registering Car For many years I've had military power of attorney provide paperwork and I can keep my car as is but it was time for a change. The owner of the car was transferred to my name as a gift and registering the car from out-of-state to in-state. 1) At 1:45pm, lined up in the Appointments-Line for my 1:50pm appointment. 2) Was quickly seen and given paperwork to fill out on the side. Once done, line up on the BLUE carpet infront of the non-appoints line (this area indicates first priority over appointment line and non-appointment line) 3) Was seen again by the same lady and given a number to sit with the rest of the people in the waiting lobby of hell. 4) Since I was an appointment my number took priority over everyone else and within 5 minutes my A053 was called to Window 4. 5) Window 4 overlooked my paperwork and gave me the correct paperwork to fill out. I think her name was Carry/Carrie... she was efficient and knew exactly what to do and got everything moving quickly. Kudos to her, give her a raise. After we went over paperwork and signing a bunch of paperwork and paying $154 for my registration I was instructed to drive my car to the Inspection area outside. Once done, come back inside and come straight back to Window 4. 6) Inspection area took awhile. There was one line for inspection and another line for those taking their driving test. AND very little people handling this area for the amount of traffic coming through. I'd say about 10-15 minutes I was finally seen; only 3 minutes to go over inspection. 7) Took inspection paperwork back to Window 4 (had to wait about 10 minutes until another customer was done). Carrie quickly handled my stuff in a matter of a few minutes and sent me to Window 7. 8) Window 7 was a short line, waited just a few minutes to be seen. They took my paperwork and handed me my new plates. It wasn't that bad and I wonder why I didn't do this 13.5 years ago. Until next review... read more

If you want to belittled and talked down to, than this is the place to go!! I was so pissed when I came out of this DMV I was almost in tears. I don't care that the lines were long, I am a very patient person. I didn't care that people around me were loud and some kind of ripe smelling, I had my phone/Netflix and my ear phones on. What I didn't like was the rude employees that worked there, one lady was screaming at this old man at the tag machine. Belittling him in FRONT OF THE WHOLE LINE AND BUILDING. Apparently the old man was not understanding the machine and that you have to scan the barcode into the machine. The employee yelled at him "I TOLD YOU TO SCAN THE BARECOD THIS WAY" yanks the paper out if his hand and shows him, than continues to yell at him "NOT THIS WAY, OR THIS WAY, OR THIS WAY" When I got up to the counter, window 18 with my number B208. The employee asked me for the other paper work, the paperwork that the first lady (the one that gave me the number) didnt tell me that i had to have. I told her it was in my car, she said "you waited 45 mins and you didn't go get the paperwork, she than throws (not making this up) THROWS THE PAPER I GAVE HER BACK AT ME!! And tells me to go get the rest if the paper. I go get the rest of the paperwork. Than we finish the process and the whole time she will ask me a question and than talk over me when I try to answer her. After the whole process was done than she was nice to me, but what was done is done. There is probably more that happened but I was seeing red when I walked out of that place!! read more

I'm literally in shock that I'm giving the DMV 4 stars. Backstory: I had my wallet stolen, so I've been dealing with replacement of all my CC's, etc. I applied for a replacement Drivers License online and searched for an appointment at multiple locations (Poway, San Marcos, Clairemont, etc.) and I had no success. So, I decided to risk it and drive down to El Cajon early on a Thursday morning, arriving at 730a. The line of folks, all without appointment, was already about 50 deep. But, the El Cajon branch had 2 employees outside triaging folks, so once they opened at 8a, it would be more efficient. Sure enough, as soon as the doors opened, we were all whisked inside and directed to appropriate lines. Since I had completed all my paperwork online and received a confirmation number (VERY IMPORTANT), I was given a number and waited. I only had to wait 10min before I was called up. I was back in my car with my temp license, driving home at 830a. Painless... Again - Complete anything you can online and bring your confirmation number - Bring all the necessary ID forms for REAL ID, including some extras read more

I know the DMV always gets a bad rap. This one was quite busy. Tons of people in the place and what seemed like a long line. It was a pleasant surprise that the two ladies that were greeting everyone on the afternoon of January 21stm 2020 were both very nice. I'm guessing both were Latina, in their late 20's or early 30's. I didn't catch their names. But it was refreshing to see how friendly they were even though it was insanely busy. The one that helped me told me that it would probably be an hour wait, then a few minutes later, she told someone else about an hour and a half. I liked that she was up front about it. She said everything with a smile. That certainly helps when having to be at the DMV. Ha ha! Anyway, I set my 30 minute timer just because I'm THAT big of a geek. By the time my timer went off at the 30 minute mark, I was almost totally done with what I needed to do. Amazing! I was probably in there for maybe 35-40 minutes tops! Not bad for being told it would take an hour! The lady in window 6 was nice and so was the lady in window 1. The only reason why I had to dock one star was because even though it was quick, there WAS a ton of people there and it IS the DMV. Ha ha! Otherwise, it was a breeze! read more

DMV - Welcoming ladies at the entrance of the DMV. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - El Cajon, California

They're cool and not too bad about asking what I need to get done. I don't have any complaints at this point but I hate the long ass line and baking In the hot sun... read more

I was informed before my driving test there was one examiner that you do not want to get, I got her. I noticed during the test she was not looking when I was doing my traffic checks, but assumed she noticed anyways. Apparently she did not. I failed by ONE point because I apparently missed four traffic checks, which were the things I exaggerated most, but apparently she decided I just didn't do them. Other than this, waited 3 hours to do the test in the first place with an appointment, and could only get appointments for 2 months off. read more

Sad reality of government waste and complexity. I just spent 2 hrs 40 minutes getting a replacement drivers license. The employees are very cordial and friendly, but the delivery of product totally sucks. Management should be fired for having 9 out of 21 windows closed during peak hours, for not accomodating citizens' needs. My son just had his license issued in Salt Lake City Utah and it took less than 10 minutes. I can get my credit card replaced in 2 minutes online, why does it take this long to simply duplicate an electronic document already in their possession? read more

I went on a Monday evening about a month ago without an appointment. Granted, I was only there to pick up my personalized plates, but I was done and heading home within 30 minutes. Everyone I spoke with was very nice and their system of sorting people seemed to be very efficient. Great job! read more

Probably the best DMV experience I've had! I made an appointment online, yet still fully expected to spend the whole day there! I was in and out in under 40 minutes! Great system in place! read more

Make an appointment and stand in line anyways. The sign says that the wait for non-appointments is over 3 hours, I wonder what the wait is for appointments? read more

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

This dmv is a joke *insert face palm emoji here*. The employees are not at all helpful and don't mind wasting your time. The security guards directed me into the wrong line THREE times. If possible, go to any other dmv, I think this is one of the worst ones in California. read more

We just received the best service ever at the DMV. April was friendly, respectful and super- efficient.

God awful place. mind numbing vortex. It does not make sense why I have to wait over two hours to get a drivers license replaced. It makes no sense at all. Never come here! When you are here you feel like the building is alive, and as the doors open you feel the hot awful breath of the beast. It swallows you whole with no remorse, your soul quickly starts becoming weak and you can't do anything about it. You are the beasts' plaything and it has total control of your fate at this point. No use in running, you cant run or hide, if you struggle you will be devoured faster, no use in crying either, your tears will eventually drown you. This place is in nature evil and it must be stopped. Our souls are doomed read more