Patrick is the man! This is the DMV you want to go to! I was so used to subpar customer service at the DMV that I thought today was going to be a horrific experience. NOT SO! Patrick was staged near the front door and was rapidly helping people, myself included, with getting what they needed done! Seems like the old DMV horror stories might be becoming obsolete! This place seemed to have their stuff together and value their customers! Thanks Patrick and Co.! read more

I have to say DMV in Hillcrest is great! It's organized and lines move pretty fast The people working are friendly and helpful read more

Solid DMV for a realID license renewal. The first line I got in was about 20 min with no appointment. Then I was directed to then fill out an application that was a 3-5min process. Next step was to take a new picture. One person was ahead of me. Nice staff, let me redo my signature and picture. Picture taking line and process was about 5 minutes. Went to another window for a temp license with no line. Again, staff was nice and efficient. Pretty quick considering the stereotype of the dmv. Very easy. All in all on a Thursday morning took under an hour. Super surprised and it was easily my least painful DMV visit. Would recommend, great spot. Oh and decent sized parking lot, if you want to drive. Pro Tip/Note: be sure to go online to check what docs you need to bring printed out. I saw a couple people get burned by this, but that's just CA process not any knock on the DMV. Again, great DMV experience and effective process. I highly recommend for a license renewal. read more

Hate this DMV, always an issue here. Had an appointment walked in early only to be told that the system was down. I was told I could go to another DMV. It was 3:00 pm read more

After being closed for weeks due to Corona Crisus, the DMV reopened today...and I just happened to have an appointment at 2:00pm today! (I booked this back in February). 1:30pm...I arrived 30 minutes early just in case and go in the Appointment line. Looked bad at first, but then a whole bunch of people left because they didn't have an Appointment...suckers! 2:04pm...I was given a number and got inside. 2:07pm...my number was called, yay! Friendly DMV rep(wearing an Avengers T-Shirt btw) said I had all the right paperwork for the Real ID upgrade, but the idiot I am forget to fill out the online DMV application. DMV guy says not to worry and sends me to the computer area to fill out the online application, and to come back to him once I'm done. 2:12pm...friendly DMV computer guard assign me a computer. 2:19pm...I complete the Real ID application 2:25pm...the original DMV completes my paperwork, I pay the $30 fee for the Read ID upgrade, and I'm on my way to the camera guy. 2:30pm...I get my new headshot photo taken by the DMV camera guy, and I'm done! Had I not effed up myself this entire appointment would've been less than 10 minutes. Don't forget to complete the online application for your Real ID! read more

This DMV is disgusting! It is dirty and smells terrible. Pink tile in the bathroom and a step pedal to flush. The worker was extremely gruff to my nervous teen taking his permit test for the first time. He didn't explain the actions well. He had my teen take the eye test from the side where it was difficult to see. After directiing my child to the correct window, I was looking for the restroom and was yelled at by an employee to go sit in the lobby. read more

I had a great experience here . My daughter got her license at another DMV her license wasn't coming in at all kept going back and they would process it twice and the third time we went to this location since my daughter is attending college in San Diego . We were lucky to get Claudia she listened to our story and apologized and she promised we were not going to leave until she can find the problem and she found it and fixed it finally my daughter received her license and it was all thanks to Claudia read more

They are great at not service, I came last week and the kept some documents and now I have to go spend time trying to retrieve said document. read more

Make an appointment online!! After doing so, I had a fabulous experience getting my real ID. Plenty of parking in the parking lot. Once I walked in, since I had an appointment, I was directed to the front of the line where I received my number. Once receiving my number I waited about 5-10 minutes for my number to be called. I walked up to the designated desk, and was helped. The person helping me was friendly enough, asked for all the materials that I was told to bring. Efficiently worked through it all, maybe another 5-10 minutes later was told to go to another desk, where I took my picture. Then one more desk (I think the last desk was only because I needed a change in my status because I got Lasik so no longer require glasses). Another couple of minutes and I was out of there. All very efficient and easy. If you don't make an appointment that line was very long, and I can't imagine how long they would have had to wait for!! read more

This place is a Covid hotbox. Jammed to capacity. No ventilation. Very few people wearing masks and everyone coughing. I filled out the application for a new license and took the class and test online to avoid dying of Covid in the back corner test taking area of the DMV. Unfortunately the online information doesn't reflect in the DMV office's system for up to 5 days so there was no record of anything I did online. So my choices were to either stay in the Covid hotbox for longer and die or come back another day. read more

I decided to get a jump on converting my driver license to Real ID ahead of the October 1, 2020 deadline. After gathering the documents I needed to apply for my new license (passport, Social Security card and vehicle registration, but you can use others), I jumped online to see which DMV had the shortest non-appointment wait. The one closest to me in El Cajon showed 40 minutes, so I headed out, but in the 20 minutes it took to get there, the wait had grown to an hour and a half. Using my phone, I saw that the wait was considerably shorter at the Normal Street office (between Hillcrest and University Heights, where the Hillcrest Farmers Market happens each week), so I pointed my car in that direction and made it there just after noon. The damage? I spent two minutes signing in and 12 minutes waiting to be called, and then just 11 minutes to process my paperwork and take my photo (twice... I blinked...). ********** One oddity, common to DMV's around the world: After working hard to verify my identity and place of residence in order to improve the security of the nation's travel system, the State will mail my new license to me in 2-3 weeks. Think about that. They're going to put my hyper-secure REAL ID driver license in a bin somewhere, and then, after it passes through several processing centers, they'll ask Phil, my mailman, to walk down the street with it and put it in my mailbox, which I may or may not check on the day my license arrives. Homeland Security refers to REAL ID as, "... a vital component of our national security framework...," yet the application process' last mile was designed by Rube Goldberg. For this reason, among others, I do not fear my government, and neither should you. ********** Some postscripts: - Don't be one of those people that waits until next year to apply for REAL ID. The lines will be hours long and you'll walk away hating the DMV for something that's really not their fault. - If you haven't done so, please register to vote while you're at DMV, and don't forget to sign up to donate your organs. - What Is REAL ID?: https://realid.dmv.ca.gov/what-is-real-id-faq/ - REAL ID Document Checklist: https://realid.dmv.ca.gov/real-id-document-checklist/ read more

If I could give a zero I would. They are rude and even if you call the 1 800 number to check you are doing everything right, when you get to the office they always want something else. I have dealt with this office multiple times and have never had a pleasant experience. read more

I needed to renew my license and I wanted a real ID so I had to go to the DMV. I did some searching and people were saying this location is one of the quicker locations so I decided this is where I would come. I went online a head of time and saw that I can make an appointment, so I did. I also saw I could fill out the application and upload your documents so I got that all done too. It took me literally less than 10 minutes to get that completed. Once I got to the DMV I was happy to see they have a huge parking lot so parking was easy (always exciting in San Diego). I went to the front of the building and I was immediately confused. There are multiple lines in multiple directions and I wasn't sure where I was supposed to go. Finally someone took pity on me and explained which line I should be in.. which was no line because there was only 1 other person there who made an appointment. I was able to show the person at the door my docs that I previously uploaded and she sent me right in to start my wait.... Which was literally only 2 minutes. I got right up to the counter signed, paid, had my picture taken, and waited for my paper temporary license. I literally was in and out in 10 minutes. I took the entire day off of work so it was great because I had the rest of my day free. Everyone was kind and I had a great experience. Highly suggest you make an appointment and do everything you can online ahead of time though. I can for sure say I would not be giving such a great review if I had to wait but since I didn't, I was very happy. read more

Sorry for the spelling, but Ms. Teela was the most pleasant person I have ever encountered here in over a decade. She was fast, knowledgeable, and overall loving. Thank you for all your help read more

This place is chaotic and run by Disney villains (with a few nice folks sprinkled in). I'm only writing this review to entertain folks who want to read ridiculous DMV stories. I know that most DMVs are hellscapes and these reviews do nothing to improve their service. I arrived at 8:30am to get a certified driving record (kiosk in SD wasn't working and they don't allow appointments for this request). I was given service number H001. I waited FOUR hours thinking that this was just the reality of visiting a DMV in a bigger city. I decided to approach an employee who was issuing the tickets and she told me they don't even issue H's anymore. She was kind enough to direct me to line up at a different area and said they'd help me with my driving record. Now, the woman who eventually calls me up is being incredibly ignorant and rude to the older person in front of me. I guess he didn't hear her at first and he asks her if she's talking to him, to which she says "who the hell else would I be talking to? Hurry up". I'm bracing myself at this point so I'm very attentive and ready to be called up when he finishes. I get called up and while I'm telling her why I'm there (to get my driving record), she shoves my paperwork back into my chest and tells me I'm at the wrong station. I tell her her colleague sent me to her and at this point, her colleague is thankfully right behind her talking to someone else. She tells me she doesn't care, I'm in the wrong spot and to keep waiting. I tell her that I've been waiting for four hours and that I was sent to her because I was issued the wrong number. She tells me she doesn't care and to speak to her myself. I tell her I can't since she's behind the plexiglass and literally behind her as we speak. She rolls her eyes, turns to her, and smacks her arm to get her attention. Thankfully the woman who helped me backed me up and repeated what I had just said. In the end, someone else helped me and the best part was that it took FIVE MINUTES to complete. I can laugh at it now, but it was so frustrating at the time. I wonder how that woman feels when she leaves work at night. I sincerely hope she finds peace. read more

This is going to be very weird because who has a good experience at ANY DMV? NOBODY!!! But strangely, I had a pleasant experience at this specific SD DMV. Background story: I lost my freaking driver's license and I was staying out of state at the time. When I tried replacing it online, it said that I had to go to a California DMV in person. ARGH - what a pain. So I bought a flight ticket to SD so that I can go to the DMV, and visit my cousin at the same time. I took an Uber to this DMV straight from the airport, and THERE I WAS WITH MY SUITCASE... TIP #1: If you ever need to make an appointment with the DMV, make it at least 2 months in advance. And when you do, you are given a confirmation number. WRITE DOWN THIS CONFIRMATION NUMBER. The DMV website will NOT send you an email!!!! Luckily for me, I took a screenshot with my phone. The gentleman at the front of the line probably thought I was a beggar. I had no make up, my hair was everywhere and I came in with a suitcase. He asked me to stand in line. I got here at 9:20 AM and there was a line out the door already, darn it. I take my place in line, wait for about 30 - 40 mins, get to the front, and the guy asks for my confirmation number. He then gives me a ticket # G66. I step inside and look up at the screen, they were at ticket # G13 - F**K MY LIFE. I expected myself to be there for 6 hours. But surprise!!! They went through those tickets super fast and I was at Desk #21 within 2 hours of getting to the DMV. The lady at Desk #21 was super friendly. She helped me not only replace my driver's license, she also helped me upgrade it to a REAL ID Compliant Driver's License. The whole process took less than 15 minutes and she told me to head over to the camera section to get my photo taken (argh... I had no make up on). TIP #2: Always look your best when you go to the DMV. You never know when you will get your photos taken. TIP #3: It's best to apply for REAL ID Compliant Driver's License online at the DMV website. Write down the confirmation number. Also, when you come in, you have to pay $24 in cash or debit card (they do NOT accept credit card). Overall, I count this as a very pleasant experience at a DMV: - In and out within 3 hours - ample parking - friendly service - no yelling involved read more

DMV - Line going outside - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

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What started out as a surprisingly swift and pleasant experience this morning at the DMV ended the minute I was called to window 17. I believe her name is Lisa as it was written on her calendar. Older white lady, glasses and a little too much sun. Voice a bit hoarse, pretty sure she's racist and just down right miserable. It was like she was oozing misery. A quick search for Lisa on the reviews here and every experience is spot on from what I experienced today. She slammed papers, threw my documents at me. The POS even hissed at me. What is her problem? And to think this was at 8 in the morning, I can't imagine how rude she must be at the end of the day. She asked why I came to the DMV and told her I read online that I needed to go in person to apply for a real ID. Her response? "No one is making you travel in 2020, you don't need one" What in the actual heck?! Proceeds to throw more documents at me, slam her hands down, rolls her eyes. Seriously, I've never met a person this miserable. I'm not looking for DMV employees to be a ball of sunshine, but a decent human would be nice. Lisa, you are a terrible person to be around. I feel sorry for your co-workers, your family, I hesitate to say friends because I doubt you have any... and all the people who have to deal with you. Talk about being the Cersei of the DMV and that's being KIND. read more

DMV - Taken from other's on Yelp, this is the most MISERABLE person I've ever met in my life. An absolutely disrespectful, rude monster. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

*FIRE LISA*I'm pretty sure you have to be an absolute c*nt to work at a DMV. Sorry for all the nice workers but the bad ones outweigh the good. The lady took my debit card, charged me, then told me how much it was. She then said that's with all the late fees. I'm military and was out to sea so I needed to get them waved and she did not care and said "do it online". I'm not a CA resident so I can't do anything online and she didn't care. I hope she gets serious carpal tunnel. I'd rather eat glass then have to go home to this women at night. Now I know why they don't wear name tags..they don't want you to know who they are!! read more

As I had difficulty booking an appointment at my local DMV within a month of my license expiring, I was offered to go to this one in San Diego. Was there on time. There was a short line to speak to the lady at the door. She prompted us to go and enter our information in the computer. Then we came back and were given a number and asked to wait. My number was called before I had a chance to sit. The gentleman who took care of my updates, renewal and Real ID in one, was super quick, helpful, kind and very professional. Then I stood in a very short line to take a photo. As there were only 2 people ahead of me, I got to take my photo as soon as I got a lip gloss on. I was in and out in 30 minutes. This has never happened to me at any other DMV. Could have been a super slow day or I was just lucky. But this was the most pleasant experience at any DMV. read more

The only reason they are getting 1 star is because I didn't have the option for 0. Every DMV, especially California DMV, seems like they go out of their way to make every single process be unbearable. I had SO much fun going through the 50 million steps it is taking me to get a replacement title for the vehicle that I own outright. Being active duty military, I am not allowed to make an online account on their website which is also really nice of them. All of this to sell my vehicle in a different state that I was transferred to. "Don't all DMV's share the same information system, being a government entity and all?"...Great question! No. Of course they don't. It's a government entity, so they really put the effort forward to do everything as backwards and inefficiently as possible. At the end of the day, I'd rather drag my testicles through a mile of broken glass than deal with the California DMV again. read more

I'm 80 and needed to renew my drivers license. Took the on- test option and passed. Went too the DMV office on Normal St. ( Got my first driving license there in 1960) Arrived at 7:10 am without an appointment and waited in line until 7:50 when they opened. Was helped very quickly. Everything is on line. All of the workers were very kind, patient and helpful. Took my picture, thumb print and received my temporary drivers license in a little over an hour. Not bad. read more

Just as a reviewer mentioned: Going to the DMV is just awful. Before I even entered there was a woman outside that was SO rude. She's actually the reason I even made a yelp account because I'm I dumbfounded as to why she's in customer service. As a first timer, she was no help at all and was extremely short with her answers. There are some things I didn't know when I first got in because there is no sense of order what's so ever and when you ask an employee a questions they give such attitude. Hopefully these tips will be helpful to you. When you first arrive if there are employees at the entrance. I was there to exchange my Virgin Islands license for a CA one and had to show her a a Physical- copy of my residency and my passport. Once she approves, she'll hand you a sheet of paper and will tell you go to the left. Walk in and get in the line the leads to the computer are. Once you fill out the sheet of paper with your info and do the application on the computer it will give you an electronic code at the end of it. Write the code on the box on your paper then hand it back to the woman who will then assign you a number. When your number is called you'll have to show your documents, pay $35 for the test, go take your picture then get back in the line to take your test on the computers. The that's it- it tells you if you've passed at the very end that you're lose as will be mails to you. The reason I gave it three stars was due to the efficiency of the whole process- took me about 35 min from start to finish, woohoo! honestly though there is no excuse as to why the place is SO freaking disorganized and that the main employees ( assuming the ones that have been there the longest) have such horrible attitudes. read more

DMV - Worst Attitude!She should be in a position where she doesn't have to interact with people because it's obvious she hates it. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

I had gone previously to the Clairmont DMV to take my motorcycle written test, and was told I would have to come back as it was past time. I was told to go to the front, ask to take my rest, show my receipt and I'd be helped. I go to the Normal Heights location, and I'm greeted twice with "go to the back of the line" pointing to the non-appointment line. I explained what I was told. No empathy. No explanation of different DMVs doing different things (which I got when I drove to a different site). No. "I'm telling you to go to the back of the line". It could've been easily said "different sites run it differently. You'd have to go back to the original site". I get that the DMV is a beast. It just feels like this could've been handled better. read more

Customer service rep was very rude speaking to me like a robot. Instead of telling me what documents are needed, she kept saying "we don't accept these". Which was contrary to what was listed in the DMV instructions for my specific service. read more

This DMV is ran by some of the worst human beings on planet earth. The manager today 5/5/23 and this absolute pile of detritus seen pictured are simply bad people. It's too bad we have no other choices when it comes to state entities like this, and they know it. That's why they get away with no accountability. I took a car I bought in for a routine VIN inspection taking time off etc ....and I got the DMV guy from HELL. See pic and hope you don't get stuck dealing with him. The guy interrogated me and implied he was being that way because I could have stolen the car lol....even though I had title, bill of sale, showed my license etc. He's just loves being a jerk. He smirked the whole time....Then he took my title and left me hanging outside forever. I finally went in and the manager was super mean as well. I just asked for my title and left. Then their security goon took a pic of my car as I left. This DMV is a JOKE. Ran by horrible humans. I've done VIN inspections countless times and never in my life have I encountered such mean terrible people. Treated like a criminal.... read more

DMV - Terrible human. Mean and loves being a jerk and ruining your day. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

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I got really lucky making an appointment here for my behind the wheel. I was trying to schedule online but every other dmv said i couldn't make an appointment because my permit would already be expired oops. You'd think this place would be very difficult because the area is similar to downtown but maybe I had a really lenient instructor because I still passed when I thought I made a critical mistake. Would definitely recommend this DMV for a behind the wheel because all the driving instructors seem nice and i was in n out of there 2 hours tops. Can't say the same for waiting in line. Also make sure you bring all the documents you need (reigstragion, insurance, permit, and some form of ID from the one taking the test (e.g: birth certificate/passport) I got really lucky because i didn't have my birth certificate to prove I had already signed up for a real ID but the lady said it was fine she'll call Sacramento! If she didn't say that I would've had to drive home and get my birth certificate. Easy process and you could see some grumpy workers but I guess I got good luck with timing. read more

Had to go in today to renew my drivers license. As expected the lines were long because of covid. Everything was going smoothly up until the girl who was helping assist me had some issues with my license renewal. She was really nice and helpful however the person she went to to resolve my manner was extremely rude and angry. It must be the same lady based off all the complaints I've seen. Apparently my auto insurance company or the dmv had dropped the ball when I was involved in a car accident that wasn't my fault and never reported it which lead to some technical difficulties in getting my license renewed. She was being extremely rude and condescending and said it was my fault for not reporting the accident to the DMV when I had no idea I was supposed to and thought my insurance company had taken care of that. To the lady working at #18 today who helped me and was kind and patient you rock! Lisa or whatever your name is, please seek some professional help. Life's too short to be angry and miserable all the time read more

It's the DMV you know how it is. Don't walk in front of the camera and make sure slyly have an appointment. It will go a lot easier for everyone read more

DMV - Not a bad wait today - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

Okay, let's start with the obvious, going to the DMV is never fun. And getting an appointment, well that is a task in and of itself. But, once I managed to get an appointment, I was amazed at how fast and efficient my appointment was. I arrived to find the Normal St. DMV parking lot only half-full, with plenty of spaces available. This was a nice contrast to the Clairemont DMV, which usually has a full parking lot. My appt was to replace my soon-to-expire license with a new license that is Real ID compliant. I was armed with a printout confirming my appointment, multiple items of documentation from each of the three categories needed to apply for a Real ID (just as a backup in case they questioned any of them --- I ended up showing my passport, a 1099-G that was a couple of years old, and a recent medical bill.... I never needed to show any of my backup items), and the $35 cash to pay for the Real ID (they do NOT accept credit cards). IN A MERE 20 MINUTES from the time I entered the door I had completed everything -- this included: talking to 4 separate people/waiting in 4 lines, filling out of form for Real ID on one of their computers, verification of my documents, being questioned and me verifying all the information that would appear on my Real ID, getting photographed and thumbprinted, giving multiple signatures, and paying my dues. I was super-impressed........in the past, pretty much all of my DMV appointments have taken an hour plus. I don't know who is responsible for finally getting some efficiency to the DMV, but whomever you are: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. The only reason I am giving this place 4 stars instead of 5, is that the parking lot and the exterior of the building look pretty tattered; it could definitely stand to be updated...... but I'll take the efficiency over a nice exterior every day of the week. read more

Let's be real. DMVs suck. But this one was almost comical. I cannot believe people are still spoken to from "professionals" like this. This location is unbelievably disorganized, rude, and snide. Lisa remarkably still has her job here, despite being incredibly unprofessional, childlike, condescending, and straight up nasty to undeserving people. Even simple questions will set her off. "What were you thinking?" "It's your fault you didn't bring your form" etc. I ended up pulling out my phone to record her bashing on random people in case it escalated. Everyone in line was looking around like, "what is wrong with her?" And apparently someone says she tends to run red lights and is a horrible person and driver. Ironic. Their Apple Pay does not work despite saying otherwise on the website. When I brought it up, I was told "nothing we can do about it. Gotta go get back in line." The security guards are arseholes. Everyone at this location is miserable, and akin to cornered animals with rabies. Absolutely horrid. Save yourself the high blood pressure and urge to strangle the employees by going elsewhere. They also knew people were still in line and closed 5 minutes early. Closed it in peoples' faces. Please get the professional help you need, Lisa. read more

DMV - Lisa, the worst person ever - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

This Location is terible. Over crowded and employees are slow. They seem like they dont want to be there. You cant even schedule a time online just to go in and take a DL test. They want you to walk up and wait like everyone else. Understaffed. Poor managment. Avoid this place read more

My vehicles have been and are always properly insured. Recently, I received a notice from you stating that my vehicle didn't have insurance and that my tags would be suspended. I contacted my insurance company, and they assured me that there was no lapse. They also assured me that YOU are notified every time there is a change. Here's what I find interesting. You sent me my registration TWO MONTHS AGO. In California, I can not register my car without proof of insurance. My policy is a 12 month policy with 10 months left. This proves to me that you are incompetent and do not take your job seriously. read more

I had a recent great experience at this DMV. We found very good street parking. Checked in with the guy at the front door. He asked me if I had ID with me. It made me wonder, who comes to the DMV without their DL?? Yes, I have that and all my paper work. He gave me a slip with a number on it. I sat down, waited maybe 10 minutes. They called my number. Walked over to window 25. The nice clerk, confirmed all my information. Took some money from me. She gave me instructions on how to use what she had just issued me, and out the door I walked. It was way quicker then expected. The staff was nice. It was relatively clean. While I was prepared to spend a few hours, 20 minutes in and out. I call that a win. However, for my next visit in July, I did make an appointment. I know better then to tempt fate. read more

ATTENTION SUPERVISOR / MANAGERS OF THIS LOCATION (NORMAL STREET). Please, Please, PLEASE remove that bitter, completely rotten attitude DMV person. Yes, you KNOW who she is, the one with EXTRA bad personality she wears bright (shocking bright) green round glasses, small frame with dark short hair. She is unfriendly, rude and needs to go work in the back office. My friend told me today about his experience at this DMV and I said "does she have green round glasses" and he said "yep, that's her". He shared his experience and it was the exact same as mine. Yelling at you - commanding orders - I'm sure this isn't your first complain about her, but really it's time that she was transferred department whereas she doesn't have to work with the public. read more

One of the best DMV I have come across. Employees are super friendly and Jon Phillips is a great human being and best person I have met across all the DMV's. Normally there is a picture in all our minds that DMV employees are not nice to people, I feel that is completely wrong in this DMV and every service given was best to my knowledge and got my license here. I would recommend this DMV as we will get experience of helpful , friendly employees. read more

DMV - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

The place is small and smells bad, esp compared to the El Cajon location. The employees don't really care at all. There was a guy who was at the testing center with some tattoos I believe who was really nice, but before I had an appointment with a middle aged white lady with glasses who was rude to me both times. She has no manners and will snap at you if you have any questions. She also rolled at a different Asian lady who had questions but didn't speak English. Don't go to this location if you want to wait hours for some racist staff. read more

spoiler alert: every first word In. my mind I'm thinking, "Welcome to the other Happiest Place on Earth!" Yes, the bright smiles and outpouring of joy is in the air. And. the line of people wraps around the building on this hot and sunny day. Great time to work on that farmer's tan. The line is moving swiftly, like a well oiled machine. Out. walks another satisfied citizen who received fantastic assistance from one of many pleasant associates. All the windows are open and available to provide the best service possible. There's plenty of space available in the lobby since no one is staying seated long enough take up all the chairs. Roughly. a hundred people were in line when I got there just before opening, but everyone shuffles along and files in to get their vehicle situation promptly resolved when the front doors open. One. more errand knocked out and now I can get on with the rest of my day. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Hour. or hours of sitting around? It didn't feel like an eternity since I brought some diversions to pass the time. Besides, the air conditioning was so refreshingly chilly. I was in no rush to go back outside for that 90 degree climate. read more

DMV - DMV hours. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - San Diego, California

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Got in line at 6:15am on a Monday and was the 5th person in line. I brought a chair to wait in line. Most people starting showing up around 7:15am, so I would recommend getting there around 6:30-6:45am to be closer to the front. I had filled out my application prior to waiting in line, and had the confirmation code with me. I recommend filling out an application online because it cuts down on your wait time once inside. Once the post office opened at 8am, a worker came out to check people in. I showed him my two forms of address and my passport. Then I was immediately seen by an employee inside. Everyone I interacted with very polite and knowledgeable. It was very easy and quick. It took me 25 minutes to go through the process. read more

This is a difficult review. Moving from Florida back to California & getting my vehicle plated was a nightmare. This is the kind of thing they won't let you make an appointment for. The kind lady who waited on me after my 5th & final visit to the DMV in Clairemont made the process seamless & with a smile mixed with a good sense of humor. My one star review is for the blatant misuse of power with the DMV workers in University Heights/Hillcrest. They had me make 4 unnecessary trips by failing protocol at my first visit, by not providing me with the information I needed to complete the process of plating my leased vehicle & obtaining my disabled placard. I started off at the closest DMV to me in University Heights/Hillcrest. First thing I noticed is they don't have a separate disabled line. I've always gone to the Clairemont location, where a separate line for the disabled treats you with dignity. When the government workers in UniversityHeights/Hillcrest placed every roadblock before me that they could & it became a game to them of requesting one more additional document each time I came back, I was disgusted. The final straw came when I went back a 4th time with all my documentation, stood in a line wrapped around the building & was then told by a worker that came out to let everyone know their computers were down. He advised all of us to go to to the Clairemont location. I paid for my plates in University Heights/Hillcrest during the first visit & was given a 30-day temporary paper-thingy "plates" to tape in my window. By the time I was through my "plates" taped to the window had the number 4 on it. Four visits. Ridiculous. Ultimately, this process of the University Heights DMV overlooking everything I needed to complete the transaction in one visit delayed me actually getting my plates in my possession for 4 months. Since I'd already paid for them at my first visit, I'll now need to pay again this December. The University Heights location doesn't even have a self-serve kiosk for renewals like the Clairemont office does. Whatever. I suggest you skip going to the University Heights location at all costs. Rudest workers ever. You'll get it done a lot faster if you go to the Clairemont location. read more

I came to get a handicapped placard from the DMV. At 2pm in the afternoon on a Wednesday there was a 5 HOUR WAIT TIME. The line was wrapped around 2 walls of the building and out into the parking lot. Many people had questions in the long line about where to go. Everyone seemed confused. A very RUDE man named Mr Ramos (who had deliberately covered up his 1st name covered on his identification) was telling people they should "leave if they didn't want to wait 5 hours." Btw during your wait, you are not allowed to have any food or drinks either. They just kicked a lady out for that. I'm sure she wasn't happy after waiting for hours. I decided to wait since I desperately needed the handicapped placard for my disabled daughter who cannot walk on her own. Mr. Ramos was condescending and just plain rude and did not answer my questions about the handicapped form too. He kept interrupting me and kept saying "I just told you!" very close to my face. This is UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR from a state employee. He also snapped at a foreign lady who didn't understand the form she was filling out. I felt really bad for her. Because Mr. Ramos would not answer my questions: I waited unnecessarily in line for over 3 hours. Once I got to the front I was told I needed an official ID FOR MY 2 YEAR OLD BABY!? Whaaaat?! If he would have answered my question back in line I wouldn't have wasted 3 HOURS OF MY LIFE! Other people also would not have had to wait behind me either. THIS is the epitome of why people dislike the DMV. It is inefficient at best. People who are forced to come here should not be verbally abused & condescended to & deserve to have their legitimate questions answered. It almost seemed like the employees who were being rude were having a good time knowing people needed to be there and there was nothing customers could do. Time to privatize this ridiculous mess the call the DMV. PS For fun make sure you read the Yelp reviews that 'aren't recommended'!! I only wish I could ready the ones that 'were reviewed for violating terms of service' read more