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

Every day they charge their policy, yesterday my family can walk in and do real id, today I go they say no walk in. No appointment taking and No walk in, how ppl can do Real ID? They say ppl have to go 5:30 to 7:30 in the morning waiting in line and 8:00 they will tell further instructions, No guarantee you can do Real ID the same day. Terrible service. read more

Just awful. I've gone to this DMV office at least 3 times now and have decided I'm never coming back to this location. Staff has always been extremely rude and condescending. They also seem to not know what they're doing and need to ask their manager for permission for everything. I've had to return twice now because their office messed up my paperwork. First, because their employee created a new file for me when I got a new driver's license, so they had to figure out why I had 2 files...basically trying to accuse me of identity theft, when really their employee was too lazy to find my old file and just made me a new one. Next, when I tried registering a car I purchased from a private seller, they told me they needed a letter from another state's DMV regarding its title history, then saying it wasn't needed and issued my registration, then mailing me a letter saying they changed their mind and need that letter and that my registration was now incomplete. It's a complete mess. Go to the Pasadena office where people are nicer and more competent. read more

The worst DMV I ever went,I could give 0 star..specially to the security guy that always yelling people

WORST PLACE EVER! I would NEVER recommend this location to anyone. There is no structure when people are in line because when the doors opened people just walked right in. The people who work there are even WORSE! They are uncaring, unfriendly, and not helpful at all. read more

Small DMV but pretty quick service compared to the one in Pasadena. I guess some of the employees new n work fast. But I noticed that a couple employees busy with their cellphone n actually we have to wait for her to finish texting in order to get answer. Esp. The lady behind the camera, I basically got ignored every time I asked question until she finish doing something with her phone. I'm wondering if her supervisor know about this..ehmm for god's sake don't do that in front of publics that need the service. You can put down or wait until nobody waiting in line. Watch for the lady security, she's pretty strict. I can't even bring water bottle that has fruits or seeds in it becoz it's dangerous. read more

This DMV doesn't deserve any stars. The lady at the "INFO" umbrella was ZERO HELP to me and others. While I waited patiently to ask one small question, she was being reprimanded by someone inside by basically not doing her job. Let alone, when she stopped talking, turned and snapped at me for absolutely nothing and said I needed to get in the long line wrapped around the building if I wanted my question answered. Makes absolutely no sense! For all county/city employees... If you don't like you're job, working for the public is not the place for you! This lady showed zero customer service and should really look for another job that doesn't involve helping people because she sucks at what she does!!! read more

The staff there, particularly the fist person you talk to inside, needs to be sacked immediately. She is rude and basically making things worse for everyone in that department. If you're handing out something to her (inches within reach) expect the command "you have to place it on my hand." That's probably the only exercise she gets and is still too lazy to do it. My daughter needs an ID and now my wife needs to supply bank statements, marriage certificate, income tax, transcripts from my daughter's school, her birth certificate, bills etc. Just for a lousy ID that she won't even use for more than 2 years. Worst service ever. read more

It's fast they just need to put something to give us shade outside. It's very fast. I took my drivers test here and I hated it the Asian lady was dumb AF she made me turn literally when I was already on the cross walk last second. read more

I had lost my drivers license so I was dreading the DMV but I took some advice I read online. Got there at 10:30 am waiting in a small line for a form, got my number, and was helped and out of there by 10:53 am. Literally remembered the exact time because I was amazed how fast it was. The people aren't too friendly but who cares when it takes 23 minutes walking in. read more

I've never had a good experience at a DMV so for those of you who are looking for a few tips about the driving test let me save you some time. Just some background information: I have a Canadian driver's license but I thought it was about time to get a California one before my Canadian one expired; I already had 4 years of driving experience. The day before my driving test I called the DMV phone number and asked if I was allowed to drive myself to the test because I had a foreign license. The guy on the phone said that it was find and totally legal. The day of the test, I arrived 30 minutes early and brought along a friend. He had a valid DL from another state. The lady at the appointment counter, 14, said that I could not take my test because I didn't come with a licensed California driver. I tried to explain to her that I had called earlier and the guy who answered my call said that it was ok. She then called her manager over to talk to me about it, the manager was also clueless and not helpful at all. She finally said that I could take my test and wanted to see my paperwork. Now, unconventionally, I had rented my car from Zipcar, and they had given me letter stating that I was insured to drive their car and provided me with all the insurance information. However, they stupidly didn't write down the correct VIN number on the insurance document. I was forced to reschedule. I assign the blame for this failure to Zipcar but the DMV made my like 500 times harder because they wouldn't talk to the Zipcar people on the phone (which I had already gotten through on the phone to) to clear up the confusion. The second time I came back with a driving instructor. I took the road test with a hispanic lady, the one with the sunglasses. Just a warning, she's pretty strict and I would contest about 50% of the claims she made especially about not checking my blind spot before changing lanes because I obviously turned my head so she could see clearly that I was checking my blind spot. She marked me off for a dangerous maneuver which failed me automatically (blind spot checking again) which was very annoying because I would have otherwise passed. The third time I came back my examiner was a shorter, hispanic lady with short hair. She did not mark me off for any of the blind spot checks because I obviously did them. Got a few points off for silly things like stopping too close to the car in front of me at the traffic light. Nonetheless passed easily. My advice if you're taking the driving test is to drive around the area beforehand to get familiar with it. Do not book it for a rush hour time. If you get hispanic lady with sunglasses and bun be sure to exaggerate all of your movements. The lady checking everyone is racist and will treat anyone who doesn't speak perfect English like a second class citizen so just be prepared. But hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. read more

I could have gave this location zero star. After I swiped my debit card, the staff told me I've been charged with wrong price. She said she cannot give me the refund right away. I have to fill out the refund request form and pay a stamp out of my own pocket to mail it. It's unbelievable! It's not my fault, but it's the only method if I want to get my money back. DMV should have other ways to give the refund. It's totally waste of time and money. read more

This line at the dmv is crazy..I understand the waiting, what I don't understand is, we can even ask a staff a question if we not in line and inside with a number. What if that answer is the answer to weather if not I need to stand in line and wait 4 hours in the sun. That is another part, again I get the wait but why are they making people wait outside in the sun. DMV staffs are slow. I think if they are short staff to hire more people or fire the staff they are just dam slow n lazy!!!!! read more

Best DMV I have ever been to, I drove from Atwater Village to be in and out in 30 minutes without an appointment. Everyone is nice, no attitude, new building. Good job El Monte DMV and there I was thinking there is no such thing as a quick DMV visit. read more

Just do not know why all staff here are so rude? They chat with each other happily but so rude for people they face to. Don't understand! I guess everyone comes here they all understand staffs are busy , but they don't get pay for helping us? read more

Even though its nice and brand spanking new...... its still the dmv. Lol. I camehoping it wasn't to well known and avoid a crowd, and alas I was wrong. Not to motion the parking lot is wayyyyyy to small for this place. read more

Ugh ugh ugh, where to start? I got a letter saying I had to renew my license in person, I tried 6 diff dmvs in the area and ALL of them only had appts AFTER my license expired. With a heavy heart I dragged myself to this DMV without an appt. I waited 4 hours, yup 4, until I was finally called. That's the shitty part, otherwise the lady who helped me was nice, fast, and efficient. I waited a bit more (tho at this point it felt like an eternity) to take my pic (turned out nice despite the 4 hour wait and oh did I mention I had had NO COFFEE??) and then I was on my way. DMVs suck, what're u gonna do? C'est la vie. read more

The DMV itself is clean. I came here for a driving test and heard good things about it; unfortunately, Cathy? Katy? was my tester. SHE IS THE WORST. Not only was she rude, right off the bat I could tell she didn't like me very much. The whole experience was traumatic, and I hope next time I won't have to deal with her. The way she scores is quite unreasonable. I heard the men are nicer here than the females. read more

I waited an hour even though I've been waiting since 6:30 outside there where only like 5 people on front of me. When I finally got my number I was number 8, then to find out they skipped my number without telling me I had to get and ask why and when I asked why they had no reason they just skipped my number. This is by far the worst DMV I have ever been too. read more

Worse dmv ever!! Waiting outside for over 2 hrs and still wouldn't let anybody in the building. Don't understand why they wouldn't let us wait inside the building. read more

This is a suck place！The women stand there with the uniform has bad attitude！！She work here， I think she should love this job.But she seems like someone owe her money！I don't understand，I asked her questions and she know nothing！Hey！You work here and you know nothing？The same problem for the last time！She makes me feel bad for the whole day！The DMV and the goverment let this kind of people work here，they should take responsibility for it！ read more

I've been to the Dmv many times.. by far the longest wait outside (2 1/2 hrs) to get inside to get a #. You would think the check in outside would speed things up but it does not, so much wasted time, the workers are so slow, they take they're time to even call the next number up. Management needs help to get a better workflow and efficiency. read more

I expected to completely dread my experience here, but it really wasn't all that bad. Walked in on a whim after leaving the Pasadena DMV because I couldn't find parking over there. (Incidentally, the last time I was at the Pasadena location 2-years ago, I had an equally positive experience). To be quite honest, the patrons at the DMV are more exasperating then the employees. I get why the workers are highly annoyed 90% of the time. A lot of people either don't know how to follow directions and/or just don't have a lot of common sense. Anyway, here's how my time at the DMV went down to obtain a replacement driver's license (WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT): 2:42pm -- Got in initial line (that starts outside) to get an application form to fill out. Seems inefficient but it must be more efficient for the DMV if people can't figure which forms to fill out and which parts to complete, etc. 2:48pm -- Security lady at the door let me in to queue in a secondary line to obtain the appropriate application form to fill out. 3:10pm -- Got into 3rd line after filling out application to obtain a number to be called. I also had all appropriate paperwork to prove who I was, thus saving everyone's time and not making myself look like a moron. 3:12pm -- Received ticket #. Sat down and waited to be called. Panic sets in because the battery on my iPhone is at 25% and the thought of not having internet access while sitting here is maddening. (Major first world problem, I know). 3:53pm -- They call my number G163 and I'm ecstatic! Processed some paperwork and paid the $27 fee. 3:58pm -- Went to another window to take my picture and I'm out the door! 16% battery remains. Phew, I made it! 1 hour 16 minutes total and I got 2 smiles from 2 separate employees while there. Thumbs up DMV El Monte! read more

This location looks fairly new. It is clean and they run a great system. A lot of staff goes outside and starts organizing people in line according to their respective issues, this is even before they open at 8am. A security guard stands outside and controls the people going inside. Staff inside are friendly and since they have a system, which works really well, lines are filtered and goes by pretty fast. Plenty of parking outside. read more

Well, it's a DMV so if I'm reviewing the joint it stood out for some reason. Usually a very good thing, or very bad thing. But since it is a government agency of sorts, you guessed it....it's both! So this review will be "weighted" like this: Service: 1 Star Facility and accommodations: 5 Stars (for a DMV) Overall: 3 Stars But lord almighty some of these folks working here are stupid, rude, lack communication skills....and in the case of the guy who took my DL photo, was asking for a punch in the face. And I am a nice guy! First, the good. Helpful security guard outside showed me to the motorcycle parking and gave me a nice "hello." It's a big, wide open space, this DMV on the inside, and the "windows" are set up horseshoe style with a large sitting area in the middle where you wait to be called. Counter space is limited for filling out forms, so bring a notebook or something another to write on. They could use more seating outside, and along the back walls, but I digress. It's suitable enough, and a pleasant enough space for a DMV. Although busy it never felt crowded. I also appreciated being able to take my tests on a touch screen panel where if i answered wrong it told me immediately, and gives the correct answer. So you know you got one wrong, and can shore it up for the next question. No waiting for your score at the end of the test, just a "you passed," and thats it. Easy peasy. All DMV's should implement this system, although still given the choice for a "paper" test. So there are your "5 DMV Stars." Now for the bad, oh so very, very bad, "1 Star" service. So I have my forms and am called to Window One. I am renewing my Class C and a commercial Class B permit. Both expired at the same time and I was not available at the time to renew, so am a bit late. No problem as my record is clean and all is well. When I get to the Window a woman who speaks broken english and is rude as hell begins to tell me I cannot renew both at the same time unless I accept a 60 Day temporary license on both and pass my Class B "behind the wheel" within those 60 Days. She says if I want to renew the Class B "permit" for another year I will have to do it separately, on a different day, and pay twice. She is wrong, I know she is wrong. Because she is obviously silly and I am not. This makes no sense to me and boggles the mind. I stand at Window One for five minutes trying to explain how wrong she is, and she keeps insisting like she is a school teacher and I am a child. Literally. And being very disrespectful as if I am the difficult one, and she is not. Finally I agree to the "60 Day Temporary" thing as she says it's "the only way to not pay twice and do both today." I figure I will work this crap out later. So I go get my pic taken. The rude guy behind the camera takes my pic and tells me to "go stand by white sign over there and wait to take test." Their are THREE white signs. I go stand near 'em all. Just standing there in general, milling about a little near the testing area. He waits on a couple more people, and they join me. Then he comes over to me in a huff and says "you not stand here! you stand by white sign you not allowed here!" I say "i am by the white sign(s)?" He says "no you come over here!" And now the crap is almost gonna hit the fan because the little dude....PUTS HIS HANDS ON ME! Literally comes into my space, lays his hands on my side / back area, and starts to nudge me! No freakin' way! I am a nice guy, courteous and respectful in all ways. But no one, and I mean no one on this earth outside my family, friends, and intimate relations...much less a DMV worker...had better enter my space and lay hands on me. I will give you a warning, or two. After which you better watch the hell out because I will take you down without hesitation. So he get's his warning, and it is stern. I raise my arms and say 'Don't touch me.' He keeps his hands on me as I move away. I say again 'Take your hands off of me. Do not touch me!' But he does not and continues to nudge and says "I told you to stand there." Last warning because I've never been to jail in all my years. I look straight at him and say 'Fine. But you better take your hands off me right NOW." And so he does and I continue my wait by the "white sign." So I take my tests and pass both with flying colors. Turning to get my print outs a nice young woman has taken over and saves this place from getting a 1 Star smackdown. The kicker? Remember the whole "Class C, Class B" confusion I wrote about up top? Well the computer which issues the licenses automatically gave me the Class C and B permit EXACTLY as I had asked for them. No 60 day temp, no "you pay twice," no hassles whatsoever. I tell the nice young woman about the confusion at Window One and she just smiles and under her breath says "oh, don't worry. they don't know what they're doing over there half the time." No kidding. And hey, don't touch me! read more

I had an appointment and yet I took 2 hours trying to take my written test. I was better doing a walk in then making an appointment smh I wasted my time read more

Their customer service is poor. The most poorly we have received. This person was helping other people, which is a good thing, but when we asked something, they would just ignore us or go to someone else. One of the employee was very disrespectful and the behavior we received from this person is despicable. Hope they change their attitude!! read more

Had a rather bad experience here at the DMV. Mind you I'm from Washington where there are lines also but the organization of this place is just horrible. You have to wait for the security guard to wave you in as you stand in a long line outside of the building. People here are nasty as well if any of them ever worked in retail they wouldn't last a day with customer service skills non existent. The guy at window 9 was just rude to my grandpa as I took him here to renew his license had no matters what so ever. The bathroom was dirty also like no one checks on it. Overall the place was really crowded, I feel sorry for you if you live here in California and have to put up with this place. The only reason why it got 2 stars is because there are some good looking ladies that work there but that's it, I can go to golds gym and look at good looking ladies yo. This place is not Kevin approved. read more

Overall, this DMV location doesn't seem so bad. If it's a hot summer day and there is a long walk-in line, DMV employees will try to make the line move faster by handing out paperwork for people to fill out beforehand. Out of the many times that I have been here, most of the employees seem nice and patient. If you are unlucky, you might get a sour apple and end up having an unpleasant time. The employees at the written test area are nice-- unlike those in Pasadena. However, if you're planning on taking a behind the wheel test, I would suggest going elsewhere. From personal experience, Pomona DMV has extremely nice behind the wheel proctors! As far as appointments go, I would make an appointment at least a month in advance to ensure that you get the time you want! Otherwise, you would have to wait a while for walk-in. *Also, if you want to schedule an appointment for another visit in the near future, you can also schedule an appointment while you are there. Usually, you will have a better chance at getting a reasonable date and time if you have one of the employees at the DMV schedule an appointment for you face to face!! read more

Clean facilities, professional employees, fast and accurate. For the bad rep the DMV gets, this location is like opposite land.

The staff in this place is very rude. They think they own that DMV. They forget they work for the community.

Bad service. I booked an appointment 2 months ago. Yesterday dmv text me to remind me I have an appointment today. I came today but the office is closed without any notice read more

If I could give negative stars I would. The dmv was empty, there was no one at the testing area, the receptionist lady let me know rudely there were "NO openings". I let her know i wasn't aware of the new rules in place for first time driving tests. I asked politely again and she promptly without checking let me know there were none, all she could do was give me an appointment card, the next available appt was for January 4, 2015!!! It's Oct 16....save your time and go to Rancho Cucamonga. read more

This DMV is amazing! Scheduled an appointment for 1140 and I was out the door by 1155! All the other dmvs nearby, specifically Pasadena, take forever even if you have an appointment. Yeah the staff could lighten up a bit, all you get are grunts and pointing from them, but hey they don't have the most exciting job so it's understandable. Overall this place gets you in and out as quickly as possible. Definitely recommend for anyone who who doesn't want to waste a whole day at the DMV. read more

A personnel by the name of Carmen at the reception desk was extremely emely rude with no customer service skill or the right attitude for the job. The fact that she works behind the counter as a full time staff does not give her the authority to treat tax payers(her employers) with disrespect. We have been coming to this location for all DMV related business but would not recommend anybody to experience this type of humiliation from a noticeably retarded staff. She may be a perfect candidate as a prison guard but definitely not as a customer service ce agent at the DMV or any other public service or retail outlets. read more

New building, nicer staffs. Not too long wait. Helpful employees. Can't ask for more!

This is the most efficient, and friendliest DMV I've ever been to. I came here without an appointment to renew my drivers license. I arrived before they opened, and there was a long line already... But I was able to get out of there within half an hour !!! read more