The DMV experience has always been described as one of those harrowing experiences with long wait times, unfriendly staff, outdated everything, and just general negativity. Surprisingly, the experience here was pretty positive on a recent visit. I was helping my cousin get set up with his DL for the first time and the staff were friendly in helping get things set up for him and allowing me to help translate. The person helping us (I wish I got her name but she was really sweet and was learning basic Mandarin to help folks who come through) was able to get set up with the RealID in person, even though all of his documents have not physically arrived. There were some hiccups, as would be expected, but nothing that the staff weren't willing to be helpful and patient with us with. The facility itself is clean and seems well maintained. There was plenty of parking and it was easy to get in. I guess when I finally come back to socal permanently, I'll likely end up coming to get my license at this location! read more

First time at this location. Ample parking, friendly staff willing to help. This location is much newer compared to the West Covina location i usually frequent. Would return if i need to get DMV task completed. read more

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

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On Thursday, November 20, 2025, I had a scheduled appointment at 2:30 p.m. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the security officer and directed to the appointment line. The two representatives who assisted me during check-in asked the purpose of my visit--vehicle registration for a used vehicle purchased through a licensed dealer. Both individuals reviewed my paperwork, confirmed everything was in order, and issued me a ticket. My number was A241. Approximately five minutes later, I was called to Window #14. The employee at that station immediately displayed an unprofessional demeanor. As soon as I stepped forward, she asked, "What are you here for?" in an unnecessarily rude and condescending tone. I explained that I was there to register a vehicle purchased from a licensed dealer and handed her my paperwork. Not even one minute into the interaction, she abruptly stated, "We don't do this here. We haven't done this here in years," and before I could ask any questions or request clarification, she dismissed me, gestured for me to leave, and pushed my paperwork back toward me. I am struggling to understand how I was instructed by multiple staff members to check in for this service, only to be told--rudely and without explanation--that it could not be done at this location. If vehicle registration cannot be completed at the Department of Motor Vehicles, then where exactly am I expected to complete this process? Additionally, the employee at Window #14 was wearing a New England Patriots hoodie. My understanding is that most government agencies require professional or business-casual attire, and sports apparel is generally not permitted. Regardless of the exact dress-code policy, her presentation and conduct fell far short of the professionalism expected from a government office. To further understand the situation, I called the official DMV helpline at (800) 777-0133. The associate who assisted me, Tina, as well as her supervisor, were equally confused as to why I was turned away. It is extremely frustrating that despite following the proper procedure, taking time off work, and relying on staff guidance, I was treated rudely, denied service, and provided no information regarding next steps. This is completely unacceptable--especially considering this is the service that my hard-earned tax dollars are funding. I am requesting immediate clarification regarding where and how I am supposed to complete my vehicle registration, as well as a formal review of this incident and the conduct of the employee involved. I not only had to take time off work for this unpleasant and unnecessarily rude experience, but I will now have to take additional time off to attempt to register my vehicle again. It is extremely discouraging that in Los Angeles County--where there are only a handful of DMV locations, all operating exclusively during standard weekday business hours--residents are subjected to repeated inconvenience, mistreatment, and humiliation simply to complete a basic and essential service. read more

I had an appointment for my Drivers License renewal and Real ID application. I was in and out of there in under 40 minutes! I'll take that any day. read more

Came on a Friday morning around 10:30 AM and waited almost 3 hours to be seen for my Real ID renewal. I already done all that I could online (renewal app + online refresher course + paid fee). Highly recommend making an appointment or go in the afternoon since the crowd seemed to die down around 12:30 or 1 PM. Without an appointing, you scan a QR code to self check in and get a number which will be called. Once I my number was called, process was pretty quick. They scanned my finger print and took a new photo. Then they issued me a temp license (paper). I had already paid online. All they need is your current Real ID. read more

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

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If I could give this DMV zero stars, I would. The El Monte DMV is the definition of inefficient and unwelcoming. Even with an appointment, expect long waits, confusion, and staff who clearly don't want to be there. The worst part? The security guard at the entrance. Instead of helping direct people or answering basic questions, he was rude, dismissive, and seemed more interested in talking down to everyone than keeping things organized. Simple questions were met with attitude, like we were inconveniencing him just by existing. The whole place feels chaotic and unnecessarily stressful, which is the last thing people need when dealing with DMV stuff. If you have the option to go to literally any other DMV, do yourself a favor and go there instead. read more

I came here for my RealID appointment. I got there before my appointment time but it was impossible to find parking so I had to park 3 blocks away and rush over. I checked in and all my paperwork seemed to be in place. My number was called and I was told my paperwork was insufficient even though my name and address was in all of them. Its the same paperwork my wife gave when she got hers! So idk what the issue is. I would avoid this location. read more

I honestly can't express how frustrating this experience was. I waited in line for two hours, and when it was finally my turn, the staff member refused to issue my Real ID. She said it was because the letter "S" in my address was not written as the full word "South." But this is exactly how my address appears on official government documents -- even my family's bank statements use the same format, starting with just "S" instead of "South." If this format is accepted everywhere else, why was I treated this way? It felt unfair and like a complete waste of my time. I spent hours at the DMV and left with nothing resolved. I am extremely upset about how this was handled. If I got this situation again, I'm not gonna just leave. I'm gonna find the supervisor and report. Because my family, my friends all the people around me. they were fine, but only me I got treated differently and my time got waste. read more

Made an appointment on line to renew my drivers license. Entire process from check in to taking photo took about 15 minutes. Efficient service & agent was professional. read more

This is probably one of the least efficacious dmvs in the area. My experience was horrible. I've gone to the West Covina dmv for vin verifications before and we just get in line and proceed to do the verification and go inside to do the paperwork and pay. However, at this dmv I waited for an hour and a half for someone to come out to attempt to inspect my vehicle only for the worker to tell me that I have to pay for fees first and then come back for the vin verification, which is pretty backwards logic given that in order to process that paperwork, one needs to have the vin verification PRIOR to starting the process. If you want a streamlined process where workers are friendly, patient and prompt, try the West Covina dmv! I was in and out within two hours, when it took the El Monte one 1.5 to have someone attempt to do the inspection. read more

Avoid this place if you are going to take the driving test. My husband passed the driving test easily in Singapore-which has harder driving tests as compared to the US. Not being biased but he is a good and careful driver. We even practiced the route multiple times before the test date. He got this hispanic woman examiner and failed with 25 minor errors. We were shocked He might get some mistakes but 25 were off the chart. She ticked about everything ( and very messy and confusing to understand what she actually ticked at). He is going to take the test where else because we feel ridiculously unfair, we don't even know what he did wrong to improve on. I don't see any other DMV having this many reviews repeatedly on the examiners of the driving test being unreasonable like this DMV. And nobody does anything about it. read more

This review is for Carmen on Window 9. She's the real MVP, her professionalism and courtesy excelled anything I've experienced at any other DMV. Thank you, Carmen, for guiding me through this process and making it easy. And a shoutout to Luciano for explaining something to a lady multiple times while she kept interrupting him while he kept his cool. read more

I took my driving test on September 29th at 1:40 p.m. with examiner Natalie Toy. During the test, I felt unsafe due to her conduct. She repeatedly berated me while I was driving and gave unclear instructions, which I believe created hazardous conditions and placed my safety at risk. Her behavior throughout the test was unprofessional and distracting, and I felt that it compromised both my performance and my well-being. read more

I got Mr. Luciano as my proctor today and I passed! He was very calm and professional. He gave me clear instructions and allowed me to ask to confirm directions when I was unsure. If you get him, you are in good hands. read more

I wanted to bring something to your attention regarding my recent visit. The two security officers I encountered were very rude to the Chinese and Vietnamese people and used unprofessional language. Their tone and choice of words made me uncomfortable, and I felt that their communication lacked courtesy and respect. I wanted to make you aware of this situation so it can be addressed appropriately. If they don't like what they do they can go work somewhere else ! read more

Sort of get the 2.5 stars. The employees need to be on the same page with each other about what services they currently offer. Lol And the 800 number that was provided to make appointments didn't work too well. How is this DMV 2.5 stars??!! I don't get it. I visited here today on Friday, April/12/24 today to renew my Driver's License with Zero Appointment. I simply followed directions stepping inside, and I was out within the allotted time I set aside for This particular errand. I got out within reasonable time. Be visiting this branch again in the near future for other errands as needed. Staff was Very flexible & beyond friendly. I should have asked for her name. Well. You guys impressed me today. I was dreading this visit, but I was pleasantly surprised at their friendliness, efficiency and more. Terrific job done, DMV of El Monte, CA. You made my whole year so far. Service: 10/10. Value: 10/10 (depending on what you are here for). Parking: 10/10. I got lucky when I arrived mid-morning: there existed a space waiting for me. Be Right Back. read more

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This is probably one of the least efficacious dmvs in the area. My experience was horrible. I've gone to the West Covina dmv for vin verifications before and we just get in line and proceed to do the verification and go inside to do the paperwork and pay. However, at this dmv I waited for an hour and a half for someone to come out to attempt to inspect my vehicle only for the worker to tell me that I have to pay for fees first and then come back for the vin verification, which is pretty backwards logic given that in order to process that paperwork, one needs to have the vin verification PRIOR to starting the process. read more

Worst DMV I have ever stepped foot in. The driving testers are poorly trained and evaluate unrealistically and unfairly. I've never had such a disorganized and unnecessarily elongated process in a DMV. If you want to pass a drivers test, I recommend visiting ANY DMV other than the El Monte DMV. "It was so bad, I want to give you a 0. But that is not possible...so I give you a 1" - Tyra Banks read more

Today is Aug 26, I was assisted at window number 2 but I didn't feel that I received any real assist from the MAN with black hair and round face. He was extremely RUDE, UNPROFESSIONAL, OFFENSIVE, AGGRESSIVE and very DISRESPECTFUL. His behavior was UNACCEPTABLE and it shocked me cuz this is a public service office!!! I truly cannot accept the disrespectful way he spoke to me! read more

I am writing to share my concern about the service I experienced at the DMV August,26,2025. The wait time was extremely long. In addition, some of the employees were not very patient or respectful when speaking with us. Instead of helping to ease the situation, their tone came across as harsh and unhelpful. As customers, we already feel stressed waiting for such a long time, and being treated in that way made the experience worse. read more

There was two security guys one tall one with dreads and he was very nice but the other one made me loose my appointment. I was up for the window 8 and he stop me to tell me I wasn't up when you can clearly see on my phone that it said go to window 8 the time of us discussing he made me loose my turn. I had to wait in line where the disability person line is and there was a nice lady willing to put me back in my spot to not re wait back in line, regardless I had to do all these circles to go to window T wait back in the line and for the new lady to tell me I wasted my time and I could have gone to these stores where I could have redo my DL. And then said "Learn." With a serious face and attitude. You're working customer service if you hate your job so much just don't work there. I stood there in like very angry and I told her well I'm here and I waited and did circles just for you to say that ? The other lady was to connect me instantly and she said I'm just saying learn you want to still go in like here, this is your number and she restarted me to the end and I was so angry I literally stared at her mad and I walked outside to check on my mom and baby. It wasn't right. I didn't miss my appointment and it was not respectful and rude for her to say "learn". I just had a baby so I was a bit emotional when it came to speaking to the manager he was very helpful and instantly put me in line. I literally cried and that's embarrassing to me but I'm very happy the manager helped me he was kind. I don't know his name but he had a goat beard and looked kinda like a professional cholo. Thank you. But ugh that lady made me so upset. read more

My local DMV and I feel it's better than other DMV. Ofc if you can make an appointment definitely come with an appointment. Normally I come in the morning to avoid the crowd but today I came at 3:30 on a Tuesday with an appointment. Still had to wait about 25-30 minutes and the no appointments looks like it'll be a minimum one hour. Parking is packed at this time so be ready to wait and fight for a spot. read more

DMV - Line - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - El Monte, California

To the commenter who questioned why I was there, we had an appointment! And when the government issues an extreme heat warning, other branches of government need to take appropriate measures - put up a tarp for additional shade for example, something the young security guard looked perfectly capable of doing. Think proactively people! read more

I had a terrible experience with Andy (supervisor gave this name, not sure) at the El Monte DMV office. He gives unclear information, is very rude to people asking questions, and treats customers with an attitude. instead of helping, he makes things more difficult and wastes people's time by making them wait unnecessarily. Definitely the worst agent I've dealt with at this location. read more

What's up: I got my driver's license renewal letter in the mail. Since I didn't get my Real-ID yet, I thought this was a good opportunity to do so. I did most of the paperwork online and now I had to go to the DMV in person to have them verify the rest. Parking: They have a private lot with parking all around the building. The north side of the lot was a bit more busy because that's where the cars line up to do their driving test. Environment: Walking in, you'll head towards the right to check in. The line is split up into appointments and non-appointments. After checking in and verifying my info, I was told to take a seat and wait for my number to be called. It was probably 5 mins later and I was called. The person who helped me was busy talking to his coworkers the entire time he processed my paperwork (half the time I didn't know if he was talking to me or the coworker). A digital scan of my thumbprint was taken, a quick vision test was performed, and then I was directed to another staff to get my picture taken. After that, I returned to the original guy where he processed the payment for renewal; paying with credit card has a 2.9% service fee. What was ordered: - Applying for Real-ID and driver's license renewal (most paperwork done online, appointment was made, and an in person verification of documents at the DMV office) Yay/Nay/Meh: Yay. Since this is one of the new locations, the place was actually nice looking. It is well lit and feels a lot more organized than the previous DMVs I have visited. Make an appointment ahead of time and do the necessary paperwork online. The entire visit went by really quick. Bring cash if you don't want to pay the extra service fee for using credit cards. read more

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5th time coming back. Just to do a title change. Everytime i come back. It's another thing I'm missing. Each time I'm here i ask, is there anything else besides that.... nope that's it and you're done. Get it together. All this just to make the place look busy. read more

I was here last week and scanned to check in just for them to tell me you have to wait in line that they don't go by that. Had to come back a week later, which is today. Waited in a long line for them now to switch up and say you need to scan to check in and there's no more lines. Wow. read more

Came here today for an appointment, wow what a shitty place this is, feels like everyone here hates their lives. Everyone's got a fucking attitude here. Service is absolutely horrendous, if you want to pick a fight with people, come here. The security guy here is a bum as well, acting all high and mighty being rude from the get go, dude has a position of power and decides to abuse it. read more

This place is very unprofessional and I am very disappointed in the lady working the driving tests today. She is a horrible person just because she's having a bad day she didn't need to take it out on the drivers and fail them. Very unprofessional I am disgusted and disappointed. read more

Today I went to the DMV to sign up for an ID and to take my written test, I'm 17 and have never been to the DMV before. Today was a disappointing experience. When I needed to ask an important question regarding my ID i raised my hand to signal for help, and an Asian woman with blonde hair told me to just look at the screen and figure it out. But isn't her job to assist people when they need it? She was so rude and had a huge attitude. There was also an older woman with glasses who was very unpleasant. Just overall a very stressful experience for my first time. Do not recommend this DMV. read more

Well ... In spite of the 1st lady helping being nice.... It's a s#it storm of CHAOS how they handle the testing & picture taking? We've been here approximately 2 hours (still waiting) for a written test... There was one guy working claiming he was "all by himself" .... Now I see a lady in the corner/end... A 3rd guy sat by the picture station... It's verified as UNPROFESSIONAL how it's chaos here. Oh wow... So GET THIS... I asked where we were in line ... The lady walks away saying under her breath "maybe she (my mom) should learn how to use a computer? THAT is so disrespectful!? Disrespectful to all the folks taking a test on paper?! (Edited in) Ok... So I spoke to the que manager at DMV... She knows who I was talking about ... I was very polite and explained that this possible line management + dismissive behavior does not reflect well if it continues. The manager was reasonable and very polite and patient but I was fairly brief and respectful of her time with my complaint. read more

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I came on a Wednesday to renew my driver's license. There was already a line at 8:30 am, the time that I arrived but it wasn't bad. I stood in line waiting for about 30 minutes before it opened. Once it opened at 9am, the guard was telling everyone to have their numbers to get inside. I was confused. What number? It turns out that u have to scan the QR code that is displayed outside to self check in. I kept scanning the wrong QR code but I later asked a guy for help. He told me to scan the QR code with the single sign that says SELF CHECK IN. He guided me to follow the simple instructions. Once I got my number thru the self check in, I showed the guard and he let me in. I sat in the waiting area for my number to be called. It took about an hour and a half. The lady at the window was very nice. Since I already did my application online, everything went fast. The last thing I did was take my picture and I was done! When u come to the El Monte DMV, immediately scan the QR code displayed outside to check in bc u need a number to get inside. Once u do that, it will save u the hassle of waiting for a long time. And complete ur application online when renewing your driver's license, that also will save u time. Good luck everyone read more

Seems like you do not want to take a driving test here but if you need to accomplish other errands I would definitely recommend this location over Pasadena. It is larger and more spacious. Staff are not friendly so have low expectations. You can actually get a parking spot on a weekday morning though so that's another positive. I always walk out of the Pasadena DMV thinking I am never coming back. At least with this location, I do not leave thinking that, and that's something. read more

Very rude staff!!!. To the First Lady (glasses/silver hair) If you're UNSURE about something, EDUCATE yourself first instead of immediately saying "no" without explanation. The second lady at window 2 (Asian woman with yellow hair and glasses) was especially DISRESPECTFUL . It doesn't matter if someone is taking a test for the second or third time--there is no excuse for being rude or dismissive. It shouldn't matter to you ! read more

If you hate your job, just quit... some of the people here are not helpful at all!!! If you can go to another DMV, go. My first time here and my last. read more

Under educated staff, do not go if you are trying to do anything motorcycle related. I did my due diligence and made sure to meet the all of the website requirements needed to obtaining my m1 license, yet they turned me down. I argued with the staff and showed them the website's requirements; which I had completed all already, but they still did not want to give me my license. They then argued with my guardian at the time proclaiming that are not good at parenting and do not care about my well being since they were not doing their due diligence about the process of getting the m1 license -- which we both actually did. Immediately went to Pasadena after and got my liscense the same day. Stating I was indeed correct and that the EL MONTE DMV IS ABSOLUTE GARBAGE AND UNEDUCATED. read more

I had to come down to the DMV to get my last name changed and get a REAL ID since I just got married. Of course as normal, I was dreading going and was extremely nervous because of all the negative reviews of the DMV and their employees. I went on a Wednesday, got there around 8:40am when the website said they opened at 9am. Found parking pretty easily and was surprised to see that they were already calling people to help serve them even before 9am. I highly recommend completing the application online before coming in, it makes the process quicker. After you complete the application, there is a confirmation code sent via email, take that code and get in the appointment line. That confirmation code counts as your appointment ticket. Bring the correct documents and BRING CASH as a backup!! My number was about to be called when they announced that their credit card/ATM systems were down, literally almost cried. I had no idea what to do since my number was next so my husband called my mother in law who was close by and she came and brought me cash! They ended up fixing up the machines later on and the technician was working hard to try and fix the problem. The lady in Window 14 that helped me was very kind and did the entire process fast. I would say in total I was there for at least 2 hours, pretty good in my opinion going in without an appointment. read more

I took my driver license test here and I got a critical for waiting for a pedestrian to cross the street (jaywalking). I literally told her why I slowed down but I still failed and had to retake the test. I guess if I accidentally hit the pedestrian I would have passed the test 1st try. read more

Had a fed question about my wife's permit test, old lady came up to my face with an attitude. This is how ya'll treat people yall should be fired. Service is trash. Make sure if you get your permit don't ask questions cuz they be all up in your face. read more

Workers are bilingual , very helpful , clear precise , place wasn't too crowded , women were lovely and helpful , line went quickly and they gave me what I needed to stay on the road read more