After receiving my license renewal, I dreaded having to go to the DMV, but to my surprise, my experience was pretty flawless and not stressful at all. One strong suggestion is to make an appointment if you can to avoid the long lines or long waits; it really does help. On my appointment day, I arrived early but found out I really didn't have to. About 15 minutes prior to my appointment, I received a text to alert the office that I was on the DMV grounds. I was then prompted to sit inside and wait for my number to be called. The whole process from after my appointment time to getting to a window was about 10-15 minutes. The associate who helped me, Angel, was amazing and made the experience that much better. Unfortunately, I forgot my second ID, so I had to go home and bring it back to verify my identity for the Real ID. Tip: You will need two forms of identification plus two forms of proof of residence. Angel placed a Post-It on my paperwork to allow me to bypass the line once I returned to continue the process. The whole process took about 30 minutes, minus me leaving and returned to complete my business. The service was quick, had a clean waiting area, and plenty of parking even though it was busy. For future business, I will not be so worried because they definitely figured out how to alleviate the stress and waiting, which is definitely a plus. read more

Nobody likes going to the DMV, so let's be honest about that. Overall, I had a good experience at the Fullerton DMV, and I actually like their QR code system for checking in. It keeps the line moving, and once I got my number, I waited about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. It sounds long, but the numbers were moving surprisingly fast. The biggest issue is the waiting area outside. There are only a couple of benches, so most people end up standing or even sitting on the ground. It creates a lot of confusion because people arriving don't realize they need to scan the QR code first. They end up forming random lines that don't actually exist, especially near the entrance. I do want to give a shoutout to the gentleman outside with the rolling computer. He was incredibly friendly, patient, and helpful. He kept trying to direct people away from the front doors and answer everyone's questions, but every few minutes a new group would arrive and gather at the entrance again. One suggestion: add more outdoor seating. There's a large landscaped area out front that could easily fit several park benches, which would make the wait much more comfortable. I usually handle everything online, so I haven't stepped inside a DMV in 15 to 20 years. I only had to come in because of a registration glitch with my tags. I was surprised by how much has changed. There are a lot more service windows than I remember, and I imagine removing most of the indoor seating helped make room for them. Overall, the staff was helpful, the process was organized once you understood it, and the line moved efficiently. A little more seating and clearer guidance for first-time visitors would easily make this a five-star experience. And happy to say because of the online glitch, my late fee was waived. read more

I visited the office because my disabled parking placard was delayed. The staff member working at window 14 was very kind and helped me quickly. I also felt that the overall service is much faster than before. Thank you to all the staff for your hard work. read more

Good experience here. Most staff are friendly (except skinny Asian dude with sunglasses at driving test - saw him yell at a kid to get out of his walking path way). There's some wait for the driving test but nothing over an hour. Staff seems to be trying their best to stay efficient. Plenty of parking. As for the driving test, study YouTube clips. My tips would be to learn what to do on blinking yellow turn arrows (there are lots of them in Fullerton), and don't drive below speed limit (colleague drove 14mph in residential and got automatic fail). read more

Out of all the DMV's nearby me, this location has been my favorite. The staff is usually pretty friendly and helpful, which can be hard to find in a state building. I definitely recommend making an appointment, as with any DMV office the lines can get pretty lengthy. I presented on a Friday around 10:30ish, and the line for non appointments surprisingly didn't lap around the building for a change. This is a rarer situation in my experience, and I wouldn't bank on those odds being a typical occurrence. read more

I am extremely angry and frustrated about what happened at the Fullerton DMV today. This was clearly a problem with your system and the way the waiting numbers were being handled. It was NOT the customer's mistake. We arrived early, waited in line, and followed the instructions given to us. Because the computer system was not working, employees were manually giving out waiting numbers. When the online system became available, we scanned the QR code and received our waiting number. After waiting approximately 40 minutes, our number was called. However, another customer had the exact same waiting number. We showed our number on our phone, but instead of resolving the situation, we were sent to the Information window. Then we were told that we had to get a new number and start the entire process over again. At the beginning, there were only 17 people ahead of us. After being forced to start over because of a DMV system/administrative problem, we were suddenly number 89. This is completely unreasonable. Why should the customer have to start over when the problem was clearly caused by the DMV's system and procedures? We did nothing wrong. We followed your instructions and waited patiently. In a situation like this, the DMV should take responsibility and help the customer immediately, even if that means handling the situation at another window or finding another way to process the customer. Telling us to start from the beginning is not an acceptable solution. I am not even asking for an apology. What I expect is for the DMV to properly handle situations like this and take responsibility for problems caused by its own system. Please review what happened at the Fullerton DMV today and seriously reconsider how these situations are handled. Customers should not have to lose hours and start over because of a problem that was not their fault. Please fix this process so that other customers do not have to experience the same unnecessary frustration and wasted time. read more

DMV - Train your employees. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

I have always and I really mean always have gotten the worse service at this location but not today. We were in and out within 10 mins...we got done what we needed to do buuuuuuuuuuut we still have to go back tomorrow for another service so we will wait and see. An update will be coming up. read more

Hers the thing... don't have online applications if you can't complete anything... don't ask for two points of identification if you all of a sudden want a third, don't tell me I can't make an appointment with you so I don't have to go through that laundry of a line. It should not be this difficult to handle these things... I have to go to two DMV's because your other one was not a public one ? But it's listed as a DMV... I submitted paperwork and documents online and got the confirmation... it would only send me a confirmation if the documents were submitted... So for those who come in bring 5 forms of address verification... bring as many forms of identification... I know the people here have to deal with this all day everyday if it really mattered then you would do something about how you system works. If your system does not work then you need to have printable hard copies of everything so we can bring it all in and not have to deal with this. I did it online because it helps you with data entree... but if your system can't work then you need printable paperwork to make sure all this is taken care of I don't care if you have to do data entree. Document upload software is standard it's not difficult. I tried to save yall time but you have no problem taking up ours ... read more

Came in on a Tuesday by appointment. Everything went smoothly and the clerk was very kind and understanding

There's lots of parking, so that's good. Never ending lines of people and the staff members are not so friendly, to put it nicely. Not very organized. Yea, the DMV. Does anyone have positive experiences here? read more

Always a better option vs. the Westminster location! :P Brought my niece here so she could take her written exam. Had to bounce around and the process took ~3 hours, but it was -still- better than Westminster. The site is clean and has better AC than Westminster as well. Come here, avoid Westminster. :P read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

It's not bad it use to be very busy but for coming on late time the worker is very helpful on my question the only thing is that they did not have the tv's on for your number to make sure when you are next read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

Unfortunately had to visit this location early in the morning. While waiting in line, a staff member set up a megaphone inside a plastic bucket playing a very loud DMV recording. When asked if the volume could be lowered or moved further away, she refused. The noise level was excessive and felt damaging for those standing nearby. The actual service inside was fine, but the experience outside was awful. read more

I showed up on a Wednesday morning since they open an hour later (9a) without an appointment. The line was a bit long even though I arrived about 15-20 minutes before they actually opened. My purpose for the visit was to get a Real I.D. They started sorting people out about 5-10 minutes before they actually opened which was pretty cool. The DMV gets a bad rap but this one was a pleasant surprise. By the time it was the actual opening time, I was already in the tent right outside the doors. Yes, they started helping people a few minutes before 9a. I got in, showed my documents that I had previously uploaded on their website and was directed to another window. I paid the fee, went to the picture line which was empty, and got my receipt. Overall, it was a great experience for a place that is notorious for being a bad time. I didn't take a picture of the inside because why would you?! read more

Seriously impressed with the "new" DMV process. Even though there was still somewhat of a wait after checking in, everything was handled very politely, professionally and efficiently. Unfortunately, I had to visit the office instead of handling my business online, but it was still handled better than anything I've ever gone through. read more

I made an appointment and I got out of there in 23 minutes. The three people I encountered, the check-in guy, the lady who did the renewal and the guy who did the photo, were all friendly and the whole process was quick and efficient. No one likes visiting the DMV, but I wanted to make sure I acknowledge that this was as good as it could get. read more

Very well organized- friendliness DMV I've ever been to- they were very helpful- Unlike other DMV. I didn't have an appointment but needed to renew my license- arrived at 8:20 am I was done by 9:00am - it wasn't busy at all. read more

Today I went there to fix something on my drivers license. Long story short... THANK YOU to the employee that helped me!!! I wasn't able to get her name BUT she was stationed in window 17. This lady deserves all the love and happiness in the world. read more

The female employee at the very front window right when you enter is extremely rude unnecessarily, to the point of micro-aggression. I felt like she's taking out her personal anger or rage on me and I was a good "punching" bag for her. I never want to see her again. Also, the rest of the employees are extremely and unnecessarily unfriendly and rude to all the customers. That is not an acceptable way to treat any customer. They act as if they have the "upper hand" and "king" rather than actually serving customers. Employees literally ORDER people around instead of having basic customer service of ASKING and making requests with "PLEASE _____". Even kindergarteners have basic manners but employees here don't even have basic bare minimum manners. Not only that, we can't even enter and are barred from entering unless it's 10 min before appointment time or you scan QR code to get your ticket number but still not allowed to enter. The announcement made regarding this by an employee was so aggressive and rude too. It's like ordering around or bossing around customers. Like what? Don't take your anger out on customers. Don't be aggressive and hostile with customers. Leave personal feelings at home. I know that many employees in many workplace hate customers and genuinely don't give a care for customers, but be professional. At least be neutral and have some human decency. Don't be unnecessary rude or aggressive. This is not the time and place or people to take out any negative personal feelings on. This is the worst DMV around here. That's not okay. You guys are civil SERVANTS. Civil servants SERVE the public, not the other way around. Read it again and let that sink in. read more

If you have any control of where to get DMV services, I would not go to this DMV office. So disorganized and somehow they have managed to find the least friendliest people on the planet to provide customer support or assistance. Please be aware it means little to nothing to them. Good luck. read more

The DMV will always be the DMV. They will always have the attitude of people who are sick of other people, sick of their job, sick of the bureaucracy that' goes with working there. That being said, went in on a rainy, Thursday morning and was pleased to see a small line coming out of the building. They have a system in place and have a security officer directing you to a line. (Many lines to stand in, if you are not sure ask someone for help) They definitely will not give you the benefit of the doubt, nor will they let anything slide. Which is very strange because they issue all these licenses to horrible drivers and allow other shady things to happen. Have your paperwork ready, they will not bend. It's just sad there are so many hoops to jump through when the obvious is right there in front of them on the screen and/or already on record yet they will not go ahead and process things along. Parking is confusing, watch the lanes you go in. Other drivers are not paying attention. In the 25 minutes I was there, 2 accidents almost happened In the parking lot. This is not the place for doing stunts. Good luck! read more

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they tell you to scan a QR code to "save your place" in line yet you're not allowed in after a certain time which is only disclosed . the website or text never explain you have to wait inside the building. they locked us out as well as a group of many other people who went to get paper work or also followed the QR code. no one explained the policy. they went straight to saying they were going to call the cops within a minute of entering the DMV after someone told us to enter through that door. they quickly escalate a situation instead of just explaining why we weren't able to get helped as well as fixing their poor miniature sign outside saying "wait inside." the text i've received are absolutely ridiculous after how the staff treated us. why have a "hold your place in line" policy if you still have to wait in line inside? bad service and bad attitude. i work customer service so it's not hard to fake a smile. read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

This is horrible I waited in line to pay for registration fees and last minute they said their system is down and cannot take card only cash. How does this happen here? And they knew and didn't have the fucking courtesy to tell people until their number gets called up. Unacceptable and a really bad headache. They didn't even give grace to allow ppl to get cash and come back. Just horrible read more

Nothing made a driving appointment for 10am got here an hour early and still waiting in the car for driving test 3.5 hours later. Still no service looking at 5 hours AFTER appointment time to finish. I disabled and diabetic. No accommodations for either.Its not only rude it's a health hazard. read more

Made an appointment three months in advance for 7 am and we were helped right away. We need a specific service but appointments are highly recommended. Helped my disabled mother and the appointment time was an hour there. read more

DMV - Got there early, got out early . Yeah us!!! - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

The Fullerton DMV runs relatively smoothly if you plan ahead. I highly recommend scheduling an appointment--it keeps the whole process much more efficient and minimizes time wasted. If you can't secure one last minute, don't worry. Bring a side activity like homework, reading, or work you can do offline. A portable battery for your phone or tablet. The lines move faster than expected, and if you're prepared, you'll find yourself at the counter in no time. The staff are generally professional and helpful, and the facilities are clean. With a little organization and patience, your visit can be both productive and hassle‑free. read more

DMV - 1 hour not bad. 1pm Monday, bring work time will fly! - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

Best dmv!!!! Took my driving test with instructor Maurice #607 BEST instructor he was very nice and explained everything and was super calm he made sure to point out wrongs in an appropriate manner. The dmv itself gets busy so if you have an apt arrive a little early to be safe, it's very organized and the workers are very nice. read more

Well where can I begin first the waiting time is ridiculous and not to mention customer worst But one thing that got my attention was the security guard on the entrance threatening people so rude especially older people and telling them that they need to learn English and that it wasn't his problem if he didn't know how to do it Worse read more

I visited the DMV on 2/13/26. During my visit, I interacted with a supervisor who was dismissive and spoke to me in a rude tone. Her name is PAM. When I asked questions about my paperwork, I felt like I was being talked down to instead of helped. I understand that DMV employees deal with many customers daily, but I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect. The interaction made me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. I hope this feedback helps improve customer service so others do not have a similar experience. read more

Easy and efficient way to get what you need done. 3 steps that will get you in n out like a double double... 1. Fill out the application forms online ahead of time. (Upload all documents required for your visit). Then check your email for your confirmation number. 2. The day that you decide to go, visit the website on your phone and select the "Get in line now" tab under Appointments. You will get a ticket number and a place in line (ex. You're the 100th person in line). Finish running whatever errands you have before showing up or sit in your car with the AC on in the parking lot. Check your phone periodically until you are the 10th person in line. 3. Walk up to the entrance and grab a seat inside. In a few minutes the telecom will call your number and which window to go to. I was in and out of the building in less than 1 hour. Just remember, most likely everyone around you hates going to the DMV. Get your stuff done, and enjoy the rest of your day. read more

All the workers here are extremely rude! I mean that is what this dmv is known for. Every single window person is rude! Even the behind the wheel instructors! If you don't like your job then leave ! Don't make others miserable with your sad life. People who go is obviously because they need help and guidance! You are working at a workplace where people will be asking you questions for guidance and advice WHY BE RUDE ABOUT IT! I wish we can do 0 stars ! read more

My niece took her behind the wheel test here. The female proctor barely looked up from her phone. She instructed her to make a right turn but it already yellow and she docked her for "slowing" down. On another right turn, which was green, she slammed on the brake (we rented a vehicle from a driving school) and told her she was going too fast, which she wasn't. So, if you're there and she happens to be your proctor, good luck! It now makes sense why people were talking to my niece's instructor before she took her test. He said they were warning them about her and was complaining about her. read more

No customer service or ability to accommodate. They don't tell you what exactly you need and they fly through the numbers and if you are a second late they do not accommodate. Seems like no one wants to work here. read more

They are alittle quick, but the technicians are moving too fast so they don't really help you. Sucks that I had the experience today that I had a technician who I could barley hear to start off with after waiting 3 hours she tells me to call a number they can't help me at the dmv directly thank God I called the number right when I stepped out because she informed me over the phone that they inside the DMV are the ones who have to call that number and also help me out. She said good thing it is 20 mins till 5pm go inside and speak to a manager and stayed on the phone with me. The manager was nicer than the tech for sure and helped me sort away my issue! Thank goodness I didn't have to go back inside another 3-4 hours of my day.. this could have been handled correctly in my opinion. Window 7 thanks but no thanks the manager was a good woman and I appreciate her it's hard going into the DMV as it is and I'm aware that they probably are stressed but it's their job to help us out so I would appreciate alittle more than what I was getting. ALSO forgot to mention she would walk away and not tell me why .. which left me in confusion I work 8-12 hours in the medical field I understand being stressed but be respectful and mindful read more

Managers are not well informed or not knowledgeable. Process and document requirements need to be clear and understood by all employees, specially escalation managers. Wait is also very long, and just to tell you that it cannot be done because of some procedure that they cannot specifically point out to and just to tell you its online. I went online and the requirement they ate asking for does not specifically states what the managers are asking for. I am filing a complaint with the California State transportation Agency. And to think these employees are useless and being paid by taxpayers money is unbelievable. read more

Just wanted to share great customer service from Vanessa, one of the managers at the Fullerton DMV. After several Costa Mesa DMV "driver's test) appointment mistakes (theirs, not mine) .... with one of their managers there even making another "driver's test appointment for the following week at the Fullerton DMV, once there for the appointed time, the CM DMV had make it for the wrong test (should have been for an actual "driver's test", not license) ... so Vanessa (not sure of spelling) at the Fullerton DMV was still able to allow for a driver's test in spite of the error made by the CM DMV manager. Thank you for the great service! read more

"Varissa" is very rude. Responded to us with sarcasm and attitude, then proceeded to send us away and make us wait again with another number after waiting an hour and a half. read more

Even with an appointment expect to wait. My Monday appointment for an in person renewal was at 2pm. Arrived at 1:40om waited in the "Appointment" line 30 minutes. Waited inside yet again for another 20 minutes for my number to be called. Waited one last time for my photo roughly 10 minutes. There are two cameras at this location but they only use one. Ridiculous to have 1 hour wait time for those of us with appointments. read more

DMV - 8.20.2024 Payments accepted at this DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

Surprisingly pleasant encounter! Arrived at 7:30 am on Monday morning and the line was already out the building. At 7:40, 2 employees stationed outside the front door began to screen people. The line started moving pretty fast and I got through the screening area at 8 am where a unique number was assigned. Once in the office waiting area, my number was called in 15 minutes. My transaction was completed in a total of 30 minutes. Stress free experience! read more

DMV - Line at 7:30 am on a Monday. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Fullerton, California

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Pro tip: make a freakin appointment. I had a 9am appointment to renew my license/convert to the Real ID. Their system was so efficient I walked out the door at 9:04am. It could not have been easier. The staff were all friendly and fast. This was a great experience all around. read more