Front-desk employees are friendly and helpful but security guard was grumpy and displayed favoritism openly. We went in on Wednesday afternoon, around 25 minutes later we got our number and was ready for the call. The front-desk lady was very professional and helpful. Her instructions have always been clear and there has never been any sign of discrimination. The security guard, however, is one whole different story. Her attitude changes between men and women with favoritism towards men and contempt towards women. As I have observed, she treated most women poorly through directing them to their line with her angry voice, put her hand up to signal stop to certain women to silence them during their conversations with her and, worse, bluntly signed in displease when I interrupted her to ask for direction to the alternative exit while she was having a conversation with this other young man. She never attempted to put her personal feelings aside to do her job in the most helpful and respectable manner. Instead, she just kept the bad attitude that got worse and worse as the day reached closing hours. I do not ask for smiley giggly faces telling me I am about to enter Wonderland, just someone who knows at least some helpful and simple instructions that could effectively guide their customers without creating stressful situations. People have different circumstances, you cannot just assume people coming in and out knowing the place as much as you do and then be mad at anyone who ask you questions. If you cannot direct them to their support, at least be professional and politely admit your ignorance then proceed to let them know they can ask more knowledgeable people within the building. This DMV is one of the better one, just that security guard mentioned above is ruining everything for me personally. I am still thankful for the sweet lady at the front desk, she is one of the reason I keep coming to this DMV and no other place. read more

Twice I've gone here since it's conveniently located near my house. First experience was easy as I got here about 15 mins before 8am and the line/wait wasn't too bad. Second experience I got here right at 8 and ended up waiting for about 20-25 mins before they called my number so it wasn't too bad. I had to renew my license and my guess is that my wait was long depends on what you're at DMV for. Sucks I wasn't able to renew it online. I ended up waiting an additional 15 mins just to take my picture because at the time, there was only 1 person working both the written exam area and the picture area. Line started forming for the pictures. Biggest advice is to come here early so you don't have to wait long. However, besides the main customer service, they could definitely use more help in the picture and test area. read more

Make an appointment and it's less painful. (Still waited about an hour, but better than the people that were in line!)

WORST CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE EVER: I made an appointment at 12:30 to take my permit test. I arrived there at 12:00 in case I forgot something. The employee working the front desk was a woman who had a horrific attitude. She did not greet anyone (she does not have to greet anyone but it's common courtesy to do so). The first time when I arrived I didn't know that the rules changed and that I had to bring two forms of residency so I went home to pick up those items. When I came back, I guess the woman went to lunch but there was a man working at the desk, he told me that I needed my passport and that's it so I drove back once more. Then the last time I came back, the woman was at the desk again and she said that the passport does not count as a form a residency which is false information even though the other employee sitting next to her just said something different. I then asked to speak to the supervisor and she SLAMMED all my papers on the desk, SHOVED them towards me and went to the back to call on the phone. I stayed there a little longer waiting for her supervisor and during this time I noticed how she was treating this other couple standing behind me. They had the same issue, she claims that passport does not count as a type of residency even though they brought their car insurance and their tax return. While this senior woman was asking her a question, she cut her off and waved her away. How is this woman still working there? I get it that you see a lot of impatient people but you have no right to bend the rules however you want. Oh by the way, the supervisor didn't come even after 30 minutes. This lady needs to fix her attitude and how she treats other people. I didn't expect much from DMV services but this is just plain rude. There are barely any parking spots outside so be prepared to park two blocks away. read more

Best experience ever at a DMV! Parking is still a pain. I parked on the street. I was there to renew my driver's license, vision test and to take a new picture. The employees are happy and extremely helpful which is a big difference from the other DMVs I've been to. Recommendation: Make an appointment. They have a separate number system for appoints. I was in and out in 15 minutes. Whoo hoo! read more

Gorgeous open layout, doesn't make you want to kill yourself as much as a regular DMV does. There's suppose to be two lines, but there's only one for some reason. Kind of confusing. Don't know if I should've cut the line since I had an appointment. I think some lady did though. Definitely need to mention that you have one because we didn't and we ended up wait (Sure, it was only about 20 mins but we could've been in and out and like people). But then again, the lady didn't ask us either like she did with other people. It's a DMV, little things are easily forgotten and it would've been nice if the receptionist and asked us if we had an appointment or not, you know? I generally liked the employees though. The lady at the window was sweet and helpful. Other things... um, being that this is a DMV, the building and parking lot are way too small. Thank god this place is still new and hasn't gotten crazy yet. read more

Close to home but wow the "security guard" here needs to get a reality check. She's not aware that she's at work and needs to be professional. Props to the Hispanic guy outside giving the forms however he's pretty cool and very helpful. read more

Make an appointment -- it's the fastest way to getting in and out of here. Way faster than any DMV I've been to. This has got to be the best place to retake your driver license photo. The guy who took my photo was SO pleasant... He was kind enough to show me my photo and I actually liked it. It's a new facility, so they have newer and fancy gear. Best part is, the employees are helpful and nice. I've never been made small talk while I waited for anything at any DMV. Thought I'd never say this, but my last DMV trip was a pleasant surprise. read more

Came here before 1pm to help my sister get her license renewed. As we sat in the waiting area, I had a chance to check out the scene. What I saw did not surprise me, but it was so annoying that some of the female workers were just sitting around chit-chatting instead of working. Yeah, I'm talking about you Windows 13 and 14. I swear, the one lady closest to where we were sitting said "OMG it was soooooo good!" Like lady, you do not need to be talking about food, much less thinking about it! Then after they finished yapping at each other, they sat there staring at their screens for a good 10-15 minutes before I guess it was time for their lunches. I didn't see them for an hour after that. The workers at Windows 2 & 4 mostly took 5 minute breaks in between each customer. I even think the lady at Window 2 nodded off. There was one lady, at Window 12 that was on the ball though. She would literally call the next number in the queue right as her current customer was wrapping up. That is how it's done, you overpaid, lazy, rude state workers!! Wish all DMV employees could be as efficient as her. I wanted to ask her name so that I could include her in this Yelp review, but didn't. Sorry Window 12 Lady! There was also a black gentleman at Window 8 that was working quickly as well. He was just not directly in front of me, so I didn't pay as much attention to him as Window 12 Lady. I wish there was some SUPERVISION in this workplace so that these people would actually get things done. I have no idea where the people that are supposed to be managing these other people are during work hours. Best thing to do to avoid wait time is to come in about 30 minutes before they close because for some reason, they really hustle and start knocking customers out at a very quick pace. They try their hardest to get you out before closing time. I'm sure it's because they want to get their asses out of there. read more

This dmv made me wait from 9 am to 3 pm. Then when I got to a window they told me they couldn't help me out I needed to go back to where I started my paper work. No stars no help read more

I love this DMV. The people that work here are always helpful and very nice! You don't really see that too much at dmvs. Even if I don't have an appointment they are revatively fast. I don't spend more than an hour here ever! read more

We arrived at 8:40 a.m. for a replacement driving license.Waited in the outside line until 10:50 a.m. We were checked in at 10:52 a.m. Once inside the staff was relatively friendly. As of 1:30 p.m. we have not been called to any windows. When I checked with an employee. I was advised that we just have to wait. We are only here for a replacement license. The service is extremely slow. By the time you read this post I will still be waiting to be called. Feel free to send food and water to El Monte DMV. I am going to need it. read more

Super clean and not at all crowded. The staff were very nice and with and appointment, you're in an out in less than 10 minutes. I usually go to Glendale, but I'm willing to make the longer drive to avoid that other DMV that is hell on Earth. Come here instead! read more

Came in on a Thursday I arrived at 5o'clock in the morning and I was number 4. The gates opened at 7:00 a.m, someone starts handing out white slips with the number and they ask you to complete an application online to start your process. Someone else checks if you have all the documents needed. Line starts to move at 8:00. I was out by 8:30. Recommend to inform your self before coming. Most of the staff was nice. Except the door man, he was yelling and talking very rude to everyone using a tone. read more

So today I took my drivers test. I made a 2pm appointment, a month ago so I've been awaiting this day for a while. I arrived at 1:30, then waited until 1:50 for my licensed driver to meet me. Much to my surprise, even though I had an appointment, I had to wait outside in line with every other person who had an appointment, not just the behind the wheel appointments. We stood in the sun until about 2:30 before going inside to wait until 3:30 before I could even pull my car into the line because it was too packed. I finally took my test around 4pm. 2 hours later than my appointment. However, my instructor was very sweet and patient so that was a plus. And the male security guard was nice and funny and let me and my friend inside to the red carpet a little early. Once I passed it didn't take long to get my interim license and be on my way. I spent about 3 hours there, though. I wasn't expecting that at all. read more

To the lady who sat at window 9 at 1:30pm on May 18th 2018: you are a heartless and emotionless b*tch. Instead of being constructive, you decided to treat a 17 year old customer like garbage. With it being his first time and waited 7 hours to get a new ID, you brushed him off after he was told by two employees at the door that all of his paperwork was valid. (Birth certificate, letter with address, vaccination papers, pay stub, he had a whole artillery of official paperwork) If he was told outside that it wasn't valid, he would've made attempts to retrieve the correct paperwork (which he actually had someone bring extra paperwork on top of what he had while he was in line because an employee told him he needed something with his address on it) or come back another day. For you to tell him that the other employee was wrong, then that seems to be a miscommunication between your staff and it is not fair for others to suffer because of it. If you hate your job, that's on you. You don't have to take it out on others. Go get a new job. If you don't then be a decent human being, suck it up and pretend to be a good person. read more

If I can give a zero star, I would. I made the appointment and came in with the text confirmation, but the Asian male was super rude. He asked for my name and appointment time, when he couldn't find in on the roster, he was like "I don't see it" and even though I showed him the text confirmation for the appointment. He said it doesn't matter bc I'm not on the roster. So I ended up on the non appointment line and saw how he treated another Asian person. She came in and her husband made the appointment for her. So he said you can't do that in a rudely manner and screamed "Show me!" at her for her paperwork after he decided that he'll honor the appointment scheduled. The Latino lady that asked me for the paperwork after I waited in line has a much better attitude. I felt mistreated and the unapologetic attitude of his doesn't make it ok. It's a government building and the way they treated all the customers are as if it is their right to look down on people. Never come back to this location again. The management of this building should take a better look of their employees since I noticed I'm not the only one with a 1 start review because of the attendants attitude read more

We know the line At the dmv are bad. But today 4/24/2018 had to be the worst. Been here since 9:30am and right now is 1:45pm. Have not gone into the building yet and have been just waiting outside. I'm a very optimistic and positive person, but this is taking me to the border line. So I counted the bricks that I could see. Ive counted 2,347. About 3 trains passed by. 26 planes took off. I started counting the rocks, but I lost track. read more

if you are taking your behind the wheel test and your instructor is an older Asian lady with the name Natalie Toy, prepare to fail, she needs to get replaced immediately, she is very rude and seems to hate her job and seems to fail everyone, she lives up to the previous bad Yelp reviews about her, good luck if you end up with her read more

Worst DMV! They open at 9am on Wednesday's. I arrived at 7:30 and didn't get inside the building until 10:30. They use to have you fill out applications for license renewals on paper but now you have to do it through a computer inside. There's about 12 computers which are shared between people taking their driving written test and people filling out these applications. It's supposed to only take 5 minutes or less but people are taking like 30 minutes which explains the long wait... once you fill out the application you get a number and then you have to wait another hour to get your number called to the window. The wait is ridiculous. They need a better flow of service. Even if you have an appt expect to be here an hour. read more

Maybe it's because I was expecting a horrible experience, but I felt that I had a pleasant visit. Everybody was super nice and professional, and everything went smoothly. However, I highly recommend getting an appointment, if possible. Although I had an appointment and got there 20 minutes early to fill out the required eForm, it still took about an hour for me to update my driver's license and two vehicle titles. Also, it can be difficult to find parking in DMV's parking lot, but you can park across the street in the residential area with ease. read more

PLEASE READ!!! NEVER go to this dmv. I took my driving test this morning. I've done over twice the amount of hours with an instructor, and prepared everyday for months, but there is no way you will EVER pass with the examiner that is an older asian woman. She yelled at me during the vehicle examination before driving about not putting the pen on her clipboard correctly and SCREAMED at me over and over when starting my engine. I have to press down on the brake and press a button to start the engine in my car (like many others) but she kept screaming at me to stop pressing down on the brake. When the car wouldn't turn on (because it can't without the brake pedal), I pointed out to her that it says "Press down on brake pedal to start engine" on the dash. She finally told me to press it and the car turned on, but she HATED that I corrected her. I can truly say I did EVERYTHING perfectly the entire drive, until I was a block away from the dmv and I could even see it. When the dmv is coming up on the left hand side and there are two lanes, she told me to make a right lane change so I would have to make two left lane changes (one into a center turning lane) right before returning to the dmv. A large RV was coming up on me in the right lane, no other vehicles around, and started to speed up when I turned my right blinker on. In order to have enough time to make that lane change (along with the other two before entering the dmv within a block), I had to slow down about 3 mph to get behind the RV. She SCREAMED at me and told me to never slow down because it makes me a "hazard". If I didn't slow down to make that lane change, the RV would have 100% totaled my car, if not killed us. She wants to fail everyone. When I got back, I was absolutely expecting to pass completely, but she just told me I failed and got out of the car, walking right past my dad who was waiting for me and not saying a word. She was so horrible to me I cried in my car before meeting with my dad. PLEASE never go here, it's the worst. read more

Never have I been to a DMV that was so friendly and quick. Definitely my chosen place to go, from now on. Was in and out in an hour and that's counting the half hour I was in line before it opened. Come early (7-7:30ish) and be done quickly, even without an appointment. read more

This is seriously the worst DMV experience ever! First off, on the site it says they open at 9am on Thursdays, but they actually open at 8am. I got here and was in line by 8:30am thinking I was early, but the line was already around the building. It is not almost 12:30pm and I'm still waiting for them to call my number. There is no sense of urgency and they don't seem to care about your time. I brought all the required documents to apply for a REAL ID, which should be a fairly simple process, but no. They suck. Seriously the stereotype of government workers are so true! They either need to hire more people or be more efficient. read more

If I could give it a zero I would. The female security, Brittany that works here is very rude and acts as if she's superior. She thinks she can talk to the people however she wants. She's very unprofessional and needs to be removed. Other than that the other workers were nice. Not my picture but this is her. read more

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

very busy dmv. needs to be updated on the inside. reps at counters are friendly if your friendly. tough job for sure

No parking, long line, system down, slow workers, waited more than an hour to get in the door, what else is new? DMV sucks!

the most hatefully rude racist people i have ever encountered, then put the fact that its DMV on top of that, was called back via mail for a registration paper work prob. that was caused by them, only to be shamed by them? had me redo forms that were done,then swore that i did not give them paper work when it was sitting right next to them!!!!!!!!, with no "sorry" and when i called them on it i was told to just calm down......my fault? do not go here if you look caucasian, i'm a native American! read more

I arrived before opening at 745 AM. Yes I didn't have an appointment but to been since 6 hours later in unacceptable. The employees were nice but the wait is waaayyyy to long. read more

If i could give it no stars i would! The reception ladies have a horrible attitude, specially this one lady who seems to hate her life and job i didn't get her name but she was sitting at the appointment desk, she needs to do some meditation or some freaking yoga. I will never understand why work at a place you won't be happy?! Makes no sense! May god never let me become like these (specifically her) women *knocks on wood* Get of that high horse and simmmmmerrrrr down lady. read more

How can a place like this operate at this modern age, 1.5 hour line just to get a number, but they love to take your money

Worst experience of my life. First tester was a hispanic lady with sunglasses named Katy, Kathy, or whatever. Failed me for traffic check, despite me looking anyway. She literally stopped, turned to look the same time I looked, and still marked me down for not checking. Said I "rolled through" stop signs, though I would beg to differ as I counted the seconds. Also marked me for "not knowing the right of way" when I yielded to a fast car in the left lane after she told me to turn left. The second tester was the Vietnamese lady. Surprise, I managed to get the two most complained about testers on this Yelp page. She was a nightmare. When she explained the directions, she was speaking in the slowest, most monotone voice. She also yells at you, so beware. She only said "change lanes" without giving a specific direction, and I became confused. Normally, there was only the right lane that I can change into, but because I was approaching the left turn lane as well, I wanted to clarify with her which lane she wanted me to turn into. I asked her, "which lane?" In which she started yelling, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHICH LANE?! THERE'S ONLY TWO LANES; YOU NEED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE ROADS BECAUSE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT." I simply asked for a clarification, because I didn't want to assume and accidentally turn into the left turn lane due to her unclear directions. I also stopped at a stop sign, and she told me to turn right. I signaled and then looked to the left for oncoming traffic, and when I saw that the streets were empty and clear of anyone except for me, I began to turn right. And then she proceeded to yell at me again, screaming "YOU HAVE TO KEEP LOOKING BACK TO CHECK FOR TRAFFIC." Mind you, there was literally Nobody. On. The. Fucking. Streets. And I already checked and made sure of that before I turned; there was no need for me to keep looking back while I made the turn. When she told me to reverse, I turned and watched the back while taking occasional glances at my side mirror to ensure that I didn't stray too far from the curb. At the end of the test, she told me I didn't look at the back at all when I reversed. Overall, my experience was absolutely terrible and I dread going back there. I would give this place 0 stars if I could. If you want to get an anxiety/panic attack, testing here is the place for you. :) read more

I accompanied my wife to the DMV today as she was renewing her driver's license. I found the employees to be friendly and efficient and the overall experience not so bad. DMV has a bad reputation for waiting for hours but we were only there about an hour and a half although my wife did have an appointment which helped. I took off one star for one reason. When you take the test you are supposed to do it by yourself and are not supposed to use your cell phone for obvious reasons. Yet my wife saw two couples doing the test together and one of the couples had a cell phone out at the same time they were doing the test. Nobody was monitoring the area. If this is common practice I now know why we have so many awful drivers in our area who don't seem to even know what a stop sign is. read more

Alright only reason why I am giving 5 stars is because I was in for proof of insurance and an employee saw me at the back of the line and guess what?? she saw I was a AAA member and told me to go to the el monte AAA in the dealership and I can do my dmv their. Well I drive right over and guess what was in and out within 10 mins for my DMV I would have easily been in that line for 4+hours If anyone else sees this and you are a AAA member check to see if they can do your dmv read more

Both male Caucasian security guards who work at the El Monte location are beyond rude to most visitors. Especially to those who are non-English speakers and minorities. By raising their tone and speaking in a condescending way is absolutely unacceptable in any given day to anyone. During my waiting time at this location, I've witnessed countless of unacceptable actions toward minority individuals: such as not letting a pregnant woman rest against the side of the building. The list goes on. This location needs serious revamping on both customer service and they need to learn how to be decent human beings. read more

The worst DMV I have ever been too. The reception ladies are horrible and extremely disrespectful. They all looked like they hated their jobs and had no patience whatsoever. I came there in a good mood and left really pissed off. I waited 1 hour in line to take my written knowledge test and I ended up not being able to take it. The lady kept interrupting me and she didn't acknowledge anything I had to say. Worst DMV ever and the people here need to learn manners. read more

Pathetic examiner worked at here to fail all the people on the road test especially the big women who looks like a man. She didn't speak and randomly mark 20 mistakes at the end and wrote I made a critical mistake because at the end I didn't look over the right shoulder while turning left into DMV. Maybe she hasn't passed her driving test yet. read more

Slow service .Website stated 4 minutes for non appointments at 10:10 am. When we arrived at 10:30am wait time on website now stated 30 minutes for non appointments.... it took 4 hours, we are finally leaving at 2:30pm. When I approached the window the lady assisting me was unpleasant almost annoyed, short on every answer. Waiting times are not accurate, unhappy staff read more

Rude, slow, arrogant. Spend the whole day there because their system sucks. Also, people outside smoking while there is a sign that states smoking "25 feet away" so much smoke, people like chimneys. At DMV they work as slow as sloths,and are so damn rude to customers! read more

I took my behind the wheel test and passed. However, I was on the inspection side for the driving test and there was this rude Asian lady who is one of the examiners, but luckily I wasn't assigned to her. I was assigned to a young black male, he is very kind and genuine. I don't remember his name. If you are reading this Yelp review, thank you!! read more