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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The lady who work at without appointment line was not very helpful with my experience yesterday .Time was around 10am to 12.She told us come back after 2 weeks because you made a mistake. so i went to ask someone else then they helped me at the spot same day.I found out that just a simple step to fix it. They are supposed to help us not punishing us. They assume we supposed to know everything. I was helping people who doesn't even know how to scan. Please be kind. read more

Mi hijo acaba de ir al dmv a tramitar su ID y fue rechazado su comprobante de domicilio ,la persona q lo atendió le contesto bien déspota q el comprobante no era válido porque no calificaba para medical mucho menos para obtener su ID siendo q eso no le importa si califica ono ella solo nesecitaba comprobante de domicilio se le nego tramitar su ID sabiendo q mi hijo esta en su derecho por ser ciudadano americano eso se llama discriminación read more

07/24/2019 Every DMV locations is closed for training until 1pm. Recently the news says training for the upcoming rush for the "real California IDs". I thought I remember last month the news report says the training was going to be focused on better customer service because of the numerous complaints. Great save Governor, great save!! Make sure you make an appointment, the wait is much better than walking up. Just a pro tip in case a few of you actually read my reviews. Thanks. read more

Get agents with Customer Service & people skills experience . Horrible attitude 24/7. So close to home but everytime I go they deny everything for any reason! Even if you have what you need they find a reason to send you back in line or reschedule. Just because ethey dont want to accept th papers because the agent can do that. read more

I went to take my driving exam there today. I got an older Asian lady. The instructor told me to change lanes (the street was a 35 mph). There was enough space so I changed lanes. Once I was in the lane the light turned yellow and the car right in front braked immediately, so I had to as well. When I braked the lady SMACKS my arm and screams "Do not switch lanes if there isn't any space! So I told her, "There was enough space but the light turned yellow and the car in front braked hard." She then says," you need good space." Maybe I should have waited for more space but it was wrong for her to hit me The rest of the exam I just felt uncomfortable and I wanted her to get off the car. I was relieved when the exam was over. Worst experience ever with her. I attached a photo of her office ID number and her name. She wrote it sloppy so I don't know her name. read more

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

My interaction with Carmen at window 3: The interaction lasted about 2 minutes and we don't even know each other. My tone is mellow because I'm in pain tryna get a disability placard. She took her frustrations out on me from the beginning. Not cool. Snappy with attitude and couldn't keep up with 2 questions. It was obvious that she was flustered because she was complaining about someone else meanwhile. That kind of work ethic needs to be better handled. She requires some kind of professional attention... But the people at the check-in are great at least read more

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

All I have to say is Fuck this place! El Monte DMV sucks big time. My son had an appointment at 3:10pm to do his written test and they had him go from line to line each waiting about 30+ minutes so I got in line to save his spot and this rude ass old lady who works there kicked me out of the line saying no saving spots. There is no one to around to just ask a question their is no organization they need to run a better program what's the point of having a fkn appointment to wait 2 hours yes we got out at 5:00. Some BS! Not to mention the parking there is absolutely none. I had to park across the street a few blocks down. People are so miserable at their jobs and the poor customer service shows it so unfriendly and rude ! read more

I took my behind the wheel test today and I passed. My examiner was very chill and he gave such clear instructions of where to turn and what not. But I don't like how he marked me off points for traffic checks even though I was always checking the traffic during intersections and during lane use. Overall it didn't take that long! read more

The worst DMV ever. I've been waiting for 5 hours at the dmv just for license renewal. And told my friend over text that i was at the dmv for 5 hours. I was just texting. But a worker there by the name of Carmen cussed at me saying to me dont f take my picture. I told her i am not taking a picture of her. Im 40. I don't have the day and time to do this. HER NAME IS Carmen read more

Bad examiner and bad customer service. Very mean and everybody hates their job. Garbage experience and there is literally zero park DO NOT GO TO THIS DMV. read more

I can't give any star...:. I know, it's suck to go to DMV if you need to... I took my son 16 yrs to get written test.... Back and forth..., So the point here is a long line outside of the building.... During super hot days 100 degree ..... wondering NO SHADE at all.... We could stand by anymore...,, so we left.... And look at security guys.... He is so happy to stay behind a doors with cool AC... That is why I need to post something. read more

Covid Review I actually didn't hate my recent visit to the usually dreaded DMV. I had to renew my driver's license and upgrade it to a Real ID card. I made sure to review everything online ahead of time to make processing as smooth as can be. I was in and out in about 45 minutes without an appointment. That was soo awesome! REAL ID PREPARATION Make sure you create a new account via ID.me on the DMV Website. You will provide all your information to the site. There will be authentication with emails and texting. Complete the Real ID application, listing the documents you will bring to establish your identity & residency. *Note: you may upload your docs but it's not required.* Once complete, it will give you a confirmation number and you show that at check in at the DMV Office. OFFICE VISIT Covid compliant with face masks/shields, social distancing and dividers. There is a queue to check in once you get to the Office. It is located outside the front door of the DMV. When you check in, they ask what services you require, verify your documents, check temperature & give you a number. Then direct you to another queue to admit you inside the building. Once there is a seat available for you, the security guard will direct you to your social distanced chair and wait for your number to be called. I counted 15 chairs. My interaction with the clerk was really pleasant and quick. They have tablets at the window where you verify your info (saves so much paper instead of them printing everything out for you). Next, I had to take a new picture. This was where things made a turn for the worst. The lady was a bit grumpy. She was very curt. Single word sentences. Then I'm standing in front of the camera for what seems like 30 seconds and then a flash goes off. She didn't even count me down. My rating may go up or down depending on how my pic turns out! Lol Then I had one more area to go through and then I was outta there! This is a newer DMV & I've had good experiences previously so I didn't mind coming. Plenty of parking is available. There is a website where you can check the wait times for Appointments and Non-Appointment status. It also shows the times for other nearby locations and trends (per hour or day). For most of my DMV transactions, I usually go to AAA as the lines are much shorter! Recommended. read more

DMV - Seating Queue is social distanced. 15 chairs available. The rest of the queue is outside. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - El Monte, California

Instructor Natalie Toy is the most rude person I have ever delt with at a DMV. Started off my driving test by incorrectly correcting me for my cars emergency brake stating that it was on the floor of the car when the car had a button instead of the usual floor brake, she then continued to give me attitude every second following when I had explained that she was actually wrong. She felt the need to give me a strike for not wording how to press the button the way she wanted. Then while passing a dumpster slightly in the right lane at the speed limit posted and not getting close enough to hit it at all, she grabs my wheel and starts screaming "WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU COULD HAVE HIT IT " even thought I was not even close enough at all I have driven past the dumpster the same way 6 times and have never had a issue before. The entire ride back to the DMV was filled with screaming and scolding negative comments and last minute directions. She ended the test by further talking negatively while I cried. I was completely uncomfortable the entire time I was in the car with her, she made me doubt myself and made me feel extremely unsafe. She has tons of bad reviews on here she needs to be fired, she makes this DMV look bad. read more

This is the best DMV I've been to. It's clean, lots of chairs, very well organized, PA system works & is clear. Parking is decent, it could always be bigger, but it's adequate. The true brilliance here is the staff! The agents are smart, pleasant and excellent at customer service. I felt welcome and respected. My appointment took 1 hour from start to finish. DMV agents have a hard job interacting with so many people, and at this location they do their job very well. read more

I should have listened to my friends when they told me to avoid this place. I arrived around 20 minutes earlier for my 10 AM Behind the Wheel Test, so when I showed the nice African-American gentleman, he told me to wait about 5-10 before walking in. About 7 minutes goes by and I once again to the entrance with my mom, this time, a big Hispanic guy wearing the tackiest Gucci shades rolls up and stops my mom. We show him the appointment time and he instantly pushes my mom back and says that we have to wait another 15 minutes. Mind you, we were showing this at 9:48 AM!!! When we told him the other person told us to come back around this time, he said that we must have not understood English and that he must have meant 15 minutes and not 9:50, even though I know damn well this tub of lard did NOT clock in nor was he there when we were asking. Once I rolled up to the lane to take the drivers test, I waited around 1.5 hours for someone to proctor me, and oh boy... I got the worst proctor ever. Today must have been such a bad day for me because I got the Asian lady who everyone here has written poor reviews about. She instantly kicked my mom out of the vehicle, not even giving her the chance to give me the keys, which were in her pocket. Once I couldn't start the engine because she shooed my mom away, which should NOT have happened because I am a minor and it is illegal for me to drive unaccompanied, she looked frustrated and barked at my mom for not giving me the keys. I did the basics, such as turning the blinkers on, off, etc, but could not understand a word she said. She told me to park, and so I shifted the car into park, then she said "No, no I say emergency!" so I press the emergency lights, she then gets impatient at me and drags my arm towards the emergency brake, which I did not understand that was what she was telling me to press. Once she sat in the car, she started complaining about how I was rolling down the rear windows too much to her liking and right there I knew I was failing. On the road it was worse... she forced me to turn wide into oncoming traffic then started nitpicking because I did exactly that. I could not see out the right side since she moved her seat all the way up and was blocking my right mirror as well, forcing me to make blind turns onto oncoming traffic, dinging me for an unsafe turn. When I told her that I could not see since she was moved all the way up, she just sighed and ignored me. Once I turned right and reached a stop sign, she muttered some comment in Vietnamese or Taishanese about why I was taking so long to look left and right. Boom. Fail right there. I give up trying to argue with her and just followed the rest of her instructions. At the FINAL TURN, she tells me to turn left into the DMV, which if you don't know, is ILLEGAL since there is a NO LEFT TURN SIGN smack-dab in the median. I ask her if this is the right left turn and she said frustratingly, yes as if she was trying to hurriedly exit my car. I didn't even have a chance to park before she started writing everything I did wrong, not even explaining what, and then scribbling her name, ripping the grading paper, threw my documents at me, and just slammed the door and left. Seriously, these types of instructors are the ones that reinforce the stereotype that Asians can't drive. EDIT: NATALIE TOY IS THE NAME OF THE INSTRUCTOR, IF YOU SEARCH FOR HER NAME ON GOOGLE IT IS JUST FLOODED WITH NEGATIVE REVIEWS FOR A REASON read more

I should have read the reviews before having my teenage son take his driver's test at this location. Avoid the evaluator Natalie Toy at all costs. First, she walked up to us, scowled and barked "you wait over there" to me. Angry and rude. Then she gave poor instructions to my son throughout the exam, and failed him after nitpicking his driving to death. We had to wait two weeks, then he took the test again in Glendale and easily passed. After his experience, he talked to three more people who got Natalie Toy as their evaluator and she failed all of them too! Be warned. She chipped away at my son's confidence. But he now has his license and is literally happy to put her in his rear view mirror. read more

Not a great space for DMV there was barely any parking, I had to park on the street across the way. They also butchered my photo the lighting was terrible! I even asked if it was ok and she hesistated when she looked said yup it's fine and let it process. Sad because I looked completely different, I went to Pasadena's DMV to retake my photo because I was so unhappy. Wouldn't recommend off those two factors. Go to Pasadena if you can. read more

My son recently had the unfortunate experience of taking his driving test at the EL Monte DMV . His time with Cathy (Dodger wearing visor) was nothing short of frustrating and concerning due to her lack of basic safety knowledge and unfair practices. Cathy should definitely read the CA driver's handbook a few times over before she administers another test. DMV should evaluate her record vs her peers. I do not recommend this location. read more

This DMV specifically has the kindest employees, I normally dread going to the other locations but I came here for my behind the wheel driver's test and spoke with Carmen, who was the BEST! She was incredibly helpful, kind, and knowledgeable! My tester Kathy gave me really good feedback after my exam! She also was very professional during the exam and was very clear with her instructions so I got to focus on the road and driving and that's all I wanted! But I cannot forget Randolph, extremely respectful, helpful, and made navigating the DMV very easy for me! Every employee was super supportive and it made for a great experience when I was nervous going in initially (as most of us as when taking our DL exam!) read more

COVID procedures: 1. Those with appointments, handicapped, or getting Real ID (without appointment) with your documents already uploaded on the website with confirmation page printed line up at the tent on the left side of the entrance. There's 3 lines on the left tent so look for the sign to determine which line you go. Real ID applicants (those who registered their info online already) line up at the stop sign Express line. 2. Those without appointments wait at the back of the long line at the tent to the right of the entrance. 3. Bring your own pen and hand sanitizer, otherwise use their pen that they don't disinfect after each person uses it. 4. Wear a mask and stay 6 feet away from others. Look for the yellow tape on the ground so your know where the line is. There's a security guard that's monitoring those lines. 5. Don't bring your kids or extra people and wear a mask. The DMV staff is busy but I respect them for being calm and doing the best they can. Honestly they seem to work faster than usual, as it's more obvious they're multitasking. The guy working outside today to check people in tried to have fun with people and was joking around, which is unusual considering it's the DMV but he lightened the mood for us. They scan you for your temperature before you enter and will ask you questions about covid symptoms and if you're traveled out of the country recently. All I can say is... good luck because it's still the DMV and you're going to be there for at least an hour and even longer if you don't have an appointment. read more

DMV - Express line; not sure who else it's for but a confirmation page directs you to this line if you submitted application for Real ID online. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - El Monte, California

I had an appointment on a Thursday at 10:40. It was so fast, that as soon as my appointment code was entered, my number was called. Literally instantly. Like most, I avoid the dmv. This location is the farthest of the three closest to my house, but I always use it. Great customer service from security to check in to window staff and photos. It's simply a well run branch. read more

Went to this DMV office- met Emily on Window 14 - she's very kind and nice and accommodating.

Applied for a new Real ID. Stand outside a line by the door If you have an appointment, go to red umbrella outside. An employee will give you a paper detailing what you plan to do. Wait until you enter the building. IF YOU REGISTER ONLINE, YOU SKIP A STEP. ONCE YOU ENTER THE BUILDING, GO TO "START HERE ONE LINE PLEASE". If you don't register online, go to the left where it says "Driver License Application". You'll enter information on a screen that'll give you a code. Then you go to "start here please" You'll get a letter and number. Sit and wait for number to be called. read more

DMV - NO CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED! - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - El Monte, California

An Asian woman, middle aged, at window 10, with dyed blonde, medium-length hair and an extremely condescending attitude. Unprofessionalism and lack of basic courtesy, like a total moron. She clearly doesn't respect the people she's supposed to assist and deserves a formal complaint. SB read more

Came here on a Thursday around 12pm. Not sure when it was built, but looks pretty new to me. Parking is not as big as other DMV's I've been to, but I didn't have any issues finding parking. I made an appointment so the wait to check in and called to a window didn't take long. I think I was probably in there about 20 minutes for the whole process. The chairs and floors are clean. I noticed the walk-ins line was probably about 15 people deep, but it seemed to move fairly quickly. I would recommend you making an appointment just to be on the safe side. read more

Had two make 2 trips here, one was for real ID and another was for transfer of out of license plates to california which required a smog check and inspection. 2 express lines: Real ID online applicants and handicap left side of entrance. Main line: All other inquiries. It's pretty efficient. You line up, a staff member is constantly going through the line asking you what you're there for and checking your documents. When you get to the front, they'lll give you a paper with the number on it, they register your phone number, tell you to wait in the car, and they'll text you when you are almost next in line. Some people opted to wait in their cars and others opted to wait on the benches or stand on the grass, so that part made it look a bit confusing or disorganized. On my second trip, I arrived around 9:30am and was out in about 2.5 hours with the line up process, waiting for my number to be called, and then driving to the other side to have car inspected, then waiting in line again to turn in the approved inspection and instant receipt of CA plates. Not bad for a system with no appointment nowadays. Make sure to have all your paperwork, get there in the AM, and be prepared for some tough staff members. Just a heads up, some are friendly, some seem cold, and some were plain rude. Just make sure you have all your paperwork and that you listen out for your number~~ Good luck, they have a decent system going on here with this COVID transition! read more

This is a joke of a DMV. I'm not sure how this location is still going. I wouldn't go to this DMV again. It's very unorganized and wait times are ridiculous. read more

Took my driving test with instructor NATALIE TOY, she verbally harassed me during the whole test, she was very rude and disrespectful since the start.... Also she Wasn't clear with her instructions and failed me because of that. I felt unsafe with this instructor since all she did was yell and argue. She could've caused an accident. I feel very disappointed since I practiced a lot for this test and it isn't fair that I failed just because she doesn't know how to do her job correctly and be professional. If y'all come here for a driving test make sure you don't allow her into your car! read more

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