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    DMV - Sacramento

    3.0 (388 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

    DMV - Sacramento Departments of Motor Vehicles Photos

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    Maryna S.

    Very disappointed. Nothing has improved in 3 years. Every time we visit the DMV in Sacramento, it's the same story: huge lines, 2-3 hours of waiting, even if you check in online ahead of time. People are just sitting, waiting, wasting time. Some are outside, some are inside, walking in and out -- it feels like your whole day is gone. The system is supposed to be digital, but it doesn't help much -- the line moves slowly, the staff is overwhelmed, and customers end up spending hours just to complete one simple service. We already had the title and smog check ready, and it still took half the day. It's frustrating that nothing has changed after all these years. In a world of modern technology, we expect streamlined service -- not outdated bureaucracy. DMV really needs to modernize the process: live updates, a proper digital queue, better scheduling. People aren't furniture -- we shouldn't have to spend hours just to register a car.

    Marvin R.

    DMV Conflicting Statements I did not receive mail to renew my drivers license so I went to DMV on- line who told me to visit DMV in person so I did. At DMV for over three (3) hours they told me to pay renewal fee, retake picture, and take two (2) written tests. Exhausted I took two test books home and studied. A day later I returned, after two (2) hours they said I now needed a drivers test, and scheduled it for me at 8:40 am today. After 9:00 am this morning DMV opened, I passed the drive test with flying colors. Then they told me I didn't have to take written tests after all, I'll receive my drivers, and motorcycle license in the mail!

    Ted at window 8 was very professional and informative. Ted also exuded great patience and pride in his job to reassure me my issue with my DL ID name error was correct. He worked with me the entire way through. And even printed out my vehicle payment info, drivers history and stayed past his scheduled lunch time to ensure he personally took care of resolving any issues and concerns I had. I'm so grateful Ted was whom assisted me. He takes pride in his work and it shows. Thank you again he lessened the stress of this experience at DMV. Keep being the humble hard working professional you are Ted. Thank you to the manager Yeselya as well she was very patient and helpful making the calls she needed to assist!

    Lily D.

    Well its DMV. A place you never want to visit. They highly encourage you do everything online but both my husband and I had to get a new picture taken, eye test, and thumb prints so I was forced to come. I knew better enough to make an appointment online. This location is old, dated, and little ghetto. I usually go to the one Roseville because it is fast, clean and spacious but this was closer to things I needed to get done. The inside is very small for the many windows they have. Only enough seating for about 20 ppl so the security guard makes you wait in the vestibule before you can get inside who is quick to yell at you for crossing the line but does nothing to move it along when the counter is empty. You really need to pay attention to the numbers because they do not go in order but I always received text updates although a few minutes delayed. I get to my window with no customer service. The guy taking pictures was in the middle of eating his sunflower seeds or nuts or something. He spoke no words except for pointing and grunting. Hubs clearly had a different experience and said his guy was friendly and told him that we would receive our replacements within 10 days. Mine said nothing. Oh and then there was a shouting between some girl and the DMV employee who kindly told her that she cannot loiter by the windows. She goes off on her saying expletives like bitch you cannot tell me where i can and can't stand. Pointless security guards. I was in and out within 30 mins of my appointment. Better than expected until I walk out and see a man just laying on the ground on his back in front of the door muttering to himself. Apparently that is acceptable because no one said a word to him. Yeah, I will try not to be back to this one.

    It's a siverado

    All staff is helping and good talking. I love this DMV my friend and me always pass here a written test paper

    STOPPED WORKING AFTER IT TOOK MY PAYMENT!!!!!!!!!!  No receipt! No confirmation!!! Hell nah!!!!!

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    2 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    5 months ago

    Finally went in to get my Real ID. Door to door in 22 minutes! BEST EXPERIENCE EVER. Quick, efficient and super friendly staff. 10/10!!!

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    11 months ago

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    3 months ago

    They took an hour to open the door when they open at 7am. The employees took there sweet time

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    8 months ago

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    10 months ago

    If I could give a zero I would. Terrible service. Numbers are called only in Gs if you are a B good luck. 5 hours later....

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    Page 1 of 10

    DMV - Sacramento Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - DMV - Sacramento

    Does this dmv location or any Sacramento area location offer a drop box for registration? This summer during covid19, I mailed separately two regs. One processed immediately. The other, check cashed a month later, sticker delayed.

    How are the lines on Saturday mornings?

    I'm completely sure but I ALWAYS go early in the morning no matter what day it is. Thats my advice to you!

    Can I pay for my car registration at Sacramento Office with both credit card and cash?

    Yes.

    How do you make an appointment?

    Call or go online

    Best time of day or day of week to go?

    I feel like the best time to go is 30 minutes before they close because that's when they start wanting to get off of work so they're actually productive. Lol

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - DMV - Sacramento

    Went there on a Friday, Did not have an appointment, (real ID) was in and out in 45ish minutes.

    Mentioned in 37 reviews

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    Department Of Motor Vehicles

    Department Of Motor Vehicles

    1.6(43 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    Waited 18 months to receive personalized license plates. Even though we spoke with DMV employees…read moremultiple times during the wait, the problem just festered. First mistake: DMV mailed the plates to a non-existent address. Second mistake: 6 months later DMV admitted the plates were returned. 3rd mistake: 6 months later employee said she had the plates and would mail them that day. 4th mistake: Never mailed. Finally talked with a manager who said he would investigate. He admitted that there is a chronic problem of lost license plates due to clerical errors. Two weeks later: The plates arrive. The package was postmarked 3 days previously. So the plates sat in some twilight zone box on some one's desk for 17 months. I'm a pro public service endorser, and was a CA state employee for 17 years. But this agency needs an entire overhaul. Replacement of upper management and all poorly performing employees is warranted. The given the exorbitant DMV fees and our high CA taxes we deserve better service.

    Car was stolen in Tijuana DMV didn't have a solution for a year. I want to replace my old review…read morebecause it was a bit of a rage rant. This is shameful what you put me and my family through. Great now I got to renew my drivers license and call you guys again because it didn't come in the mail. And probably won't but I'll give it 2 months. I notice that your phone line has anger calming music everyone yell at them!

    Photos
    Department Of Motor Vehicles
    Department Of Motor Vehicles
    Department Of Motor Vehicles

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    DMV

    DMV

    2.3(13 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    The DMV historically and iconically is known for its rude and surly employees. This particular…read morelocation does its fair share to keep that spirit alive. I had an appointment. I arrived 4 minutes before my appointment. It was an 8:10 am appointment and the dmv just opened at 8am. Window 13 clerk just says "ID Code". My "Drivers license number or my appt code?" Exasperated he says "no, your last name and the time for your appt." Weird, I wouldn't think of this as a code. I provide the info. He asks " did you fill out the information online?" I said I did but I'd done it 3 years ago and again 2 months ago when I set my appointment, he just heavy sighs and says "go take the test. It's at the wood door." I look behind him from where I was and I can see 5 wood doors. I asked which one? He raises his voice and says "THE WOOD DOOR." I can see that this dude will be as useful as a butthole on my elbow, so I just decide to walk around and fine it. I complete the form in about 6 minutes and I see my 4 digit code next to window 14. I go to window 14 and see they are helping a person. So I stand in the appt line again and window 13 sees me and does this exaggerated eye blink and says "you again?" I gesture to window 14 and say the board says I'm supposed to go to window 14 but someone is there. Then the clerk at 14 says "I'll get to you in a minute." with an edge in his voice. Jfc, this place just opened and all of the employees seem so salty and surly. So I wait behind the woman being helped at 14. I proceed to hear Window 13 be a total dickhead to the next 3 people. He even said to one person "it's my job to direct people and I'm good at my job." In my estimation, this was an inaccurate statement. I will say, that while my window 14 person started off surly, he was quite nice by the end of our transaction, but here's the thing: Most of us don't work at the dmv and most of us are not going to the dmv more often than once a decade. We the general public don't have an intimate knowledge of the building layout or the systems in place. Maybe if these DMV folks showed a little bit more grace and understanding, they would get less flack, less flack would mean less stress, less stress would mean less dmv workers that hate their job and show it at the beginning of the shift. Customers service is hard and some customers a just total buttholes, but you can't treat every customer as an automatic butthole.

    Efficiency? What efficiency?…read more I booked an appointment online and showed up on time. My number wasn't called until 50 minutes after my scheduled time. An appointment that should have taken 15 minutes tops, took well over an hour! The person who helped me was very friendly and did his best to speed through the paperwork, but the wait time is just ridiculous. Making an appointment ahead of time is no different that just showing up without one. Even showing up 10 minutes early, I was just given a number that was behind 14 other people. I know these 14 other people "showed up" before me, but I feel like people who make their appointments ahead of time should be given a different group number or be put into a different queue to be seen faster...otherwise what is the point? I know DMV employees are just trying to do their jobs, but with the way they run the place, it's not really surprising why so many people get mad or irritated with them. They really need to figured out a better system!

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    DMV

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    DMV- Sacramento South - Interior

    DMV- Sacramento South

    2.7(260 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    I arrived without an appointment. Stood in line, was helped and given a number. Meanwhile I updated…read moremy info at the kiosks by window 1. Once completed I just had to wait my turn. I was helped, renewed my license, paid then was referred to another line to obtain an updated photo. Easy to do, hour and a half weight from start to finish, friendly courteous customer service representatives. Adequate waiting area with ample seats, clear audio / video next in line status and updates. Great experience. Only complaint, it was freezing in the building. Again great experience and customer service.

    Do you love waiting? The DMV is perfect for that! This office of 'Draining My Vitality' (DMV for…read moreshort) is great for that. If you make an appointment, try to do it for the early morning. If you have an appointment in the afternoon you still end up waiting over an hour. I initially went in without an appointment and had to wait over 3 hours to be helped. I was getting my license renewed/getting a real id. A month passed and I was wondering where my new license is. I called their office (was put on hold for an hour, sigh... more waiting) and they said test pending. The lady on the phone told me to go back to the DMV office to get it overridden. This time I did the 'wait in line' option online so I didn't have to wait at their office for hours. I waited at home for 1 and a half hours and drove in before my number was to be called. When they helped me they said my renewal didn't even start processing yet. They cut waiting times by a lot, I remember a decade ago I wasted about 6 hours at the DMV to get my license renewed, but this is unacceptable. I go in to wait 3 hours to get a my renewal, wait another month only to find out they never started processing my renewal. At least I got a temporary license because mine expires soon!

    Photos
    DMV- Sacramento South - Exterior

    Exterior

    DMV- Sacramento South
    DMV- Sacramento South

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    DMV - Sacramento - departmentsofmotorvehicles - Updated May 2026

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