I came to this Columbia location on a Wednesday so that I can avoid the crowd at Reisterstown Road location. Well it didn't matter because you would have thought it was the 1st of the month and this was the government cheese line. They were SUPER crowded. Waited over 2 hours just to renew my license. People at the information desk, not friendly. It was as if I was bothering them to come here. Never again. My search continues for a decent MVA. read more

24 hour service unmanned kiosk for basic services like returning the old car license plate, renew driver license, request copy of auto registration, and several other services. It is still located next to sushi king and a used book store with limited service. I think it is convenient for basic and simple services. 24 hours is the best. There is no excuse for not using the services. read more

I transported 3 young adults to this facility yesterday to take their learner's permit test. I chose this facility because I figured it would be safer as opposed to the one on Reisterstown Ave in Baltimore. To say that this place is unorganized is an understatement. The state trooper just sat in the window facing out looking incredibly bored with his job. What exactly is he getting paid to do if he just sits scowling at people as they walk by? The check-in staff could care less about their job. One was a white older lady and the other was a black lady with a curly wig on. I came in to ask them for their supervisor's information and they pretended not to know who it was. They ended up writing "Sherry" on a piece of paper. The person overseeing the test takers screwed up the payment for 2 of the people taking the test. Cancelled their appointment in the system while they were waiting to test. The remaining test taker was given someone else's paper with their personal information, and their own personal information had to be retrieved from another oblivious test taker. I can't think of any other word than to say their whole experience was ghetto. I'll take them to Westminster to take their driving tests. I wish I had gone there instead, but they didn't want to travel that far. Work ethic is suffering nowadays. But this seems to be a trend in MD as I've come to know. read more

Word to the wise: when you get your renewal email, read it carefully. If it mentions "Kiosk or online" as your only options, just renew online. "Kiosk" means you don't get to talk with an actual person to process your request -- it's access to the internet forms while in the MVA building. Visiting the actual MVA to use the kiosk will be a waste of your time if you have a computer with internet access at home. This trip to the MVA was such a disappointment compared to my previous visits at MVA's Express branch in Columbia. It's been a few years since my last visit, which was to process a change of name when I got married. Back then it was busy; the wait was in a standing, cordoned line. No big surprises, and everyone was generally amicable. I expect a wait at the MVA. For my recent lunch break visit, the interior of the MVA was changed. There were plenty of empty chairs in rows to sit and wait, but many people were clustered at the door like weary refugees. Some were standing around with their tickets, hastily handed out by a weary and curt MVA rep near the ticket distribution machine by the door. I waited behind a family who were frustrating the MVA door rep with their halting, but understandable, English. In a few minutes, the MVA rep asked me what I needed. I said I was there for my Driver's License renewal. "Are you under 39?" asked the rep. "Yes," I replied. "Then you use the kiosk," she said, directing me to an overlarge machine that looked like an ATM from 10 years ago. "What about my photo update?" "Under 39 doesn't get a photo update, they use the image on file. Update at the kiosk. It's the rules, no exceptions." Ah, the exciting opportunity to learn first hand what the MVA kiosk is! It's an impersonal, slow computer that accesses the same forms you can fill out from a home computer. Did I say impersonal? I forgot to mention that the same, harried MVA rep found the time to hover over me. She advised me on which buttons to push on my second attempt after an initial server error. In that way, the transaction of information was both impersonal and invasive. What about when I got to the screen to leave feedback for my experience? She said, "Push 'Next'." "What if I want to leave feedback about my time here today?" "You can, but just don't include my name, I already flipped my badge around." Yipes. Lesson Learned. read more

As far as MVAs go, this location was pretty good. The lady helping me with my license was very friendly and I got through the line pretty quick. The best thing about it was not having to go to Glen Bernie. read more

Make sure you check the wait-list on line before you go. I was in and out in 15 minutes :)

There's really nothing "Express" about this place except the fact that they don't perform ALL of the MVA services. In terms of waiting in line to get your license renewed or turning in your tags, allocate a multitude of hours to get the most basic of MVA services completed. What is it about the MVA that it has to be the most God awful experience that people dread for weeks leading up to when they go? Why do people go to the MVA without showering and then proceed to sit next to you - at any MVA, not just this one? These are all the people driving on the road, the ones who can't understand when they get called up? And they gave you a license? Ahhhh, I checked online before I left the house: "Oh, only 21 people renewing license...I better go now...on a Tuesday." Two and a half hours later I walked out with my new license. Express? I think not. Thank God I don't have to go back for another 5 year or whatever it is! read more

Horrible! The lady at the front desk was super rude and confrontational. She started to argue with me and yell at me with a line full of people. Then she dismissed me from the line and would not even help me further. Luckily a young lady named Keisha came from the back and helped me out. She helped me to get a new appointment at a different MVA and was very patient and understanding. Keisha needs to be working at that front desk. read more

This location is on point. I was in and out in 25 minutes. Plus the representative that helped me was friendly and I got a great pic for my license. If you can go to this MVA Express in Columbia you absolutely should and avoid Glen Burnie at all costs. read more

I was watching Family Feud the other night and do you want to know what was rated as the #1 place with the longest lines? The MVA... go figure. Thanks to the MVA Express, that long line is twiddled down to half of the regular amount of time wasted sitting in an ungodly long line. I have to admit that I didn't personally even walk into this MVA Express... but that's because I didn't have to. Was there to drop off license plate tags for a friend and this establishment literally has a drop-box right outside the office doors. Lets talk about the efficiency here! Moral of this rather short Yelp review... the less time spent at the MVA, the better off and happier you'll be. read more

This is terrible place. The lady who served me didn't have an pleasant look. She didn't tell me when to take a picture for my new ID , not allow me to look at my picture and it's turn out so ugly. . It looked like she was doing me a favor. Very mean. After that, she asked me to do the survey right there, in front of her. I was like, if I didn't give her a good survey, i would be in trouble for getting my paper work done. Terrible. If I had choice, I wouldn't came here. read more

2 of 3 kiosks out of order and the working kiosk doesnt have the sticker registration printer read more

MVA Express - Kiosk#1 out of order - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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I usually dislike the MVA because of the long lines and general negative feeling that people give off because they have to be there. Well this MVA was a dream. I was so excited to drop off license plate tags because all you have to do is fill out a form put a rubber band around your plates and stick them in a drop box. It was quick fast and kind of fun only because other people were dropping off tags and were equally as excited about not having to wait in a line. It def. saved me a whole lunch break which I can't be upset about. This MVA has most of every service that the full service MVAs have. You can get your license renewed, pick up stickers for your plates, and if you go on line you can see what other services they provide. All I know is that I'm going to this MVA as often as possible when I have to take care of whatever forms or requirements I need to. The parking lot if fairly small so you may have to drive around a bit and wait for a spot, but it depends on the day and if business is booming. read more

This review is going to be as simple as the services provided by this facility is. In and out is all I have to say as I have never been here longer than 30mins. Conveniently located in Columbia, there are no long lines and it is very easy to find. Highly recommended! read more

We all like to complain that MVA is terrible, and sometimes it is. I had to renew my license, but needed a vision test, which prevented me from doing it online. I stopped into Glen Burnie about a week ago, and it was horrendous. After 15 minutes of standing in line, I just gave up and left. This morning, on a Saturday no less, I visited the Columbia express office. I was in and out within 10 minutes. Great job, MVA! I am also a huge fan of MVA's online and email services. They are outstanding. read more

Not the experience I expected. Nothing really express here. Long lines. Computer and printer malfunctions, got sent to the wrong both. My number was put back in que twice which totaled over 3 hours of waiting. Finally called it quits at hour 5. Doesn't look like there will be a day when an MVA can be efficient. Classic mva read more

Great place! Don't have to go so far to renew my driving license. Went there after work. So easy and quick! The staff are nice and friendly.

A big shout out to Columbia MVA Express! Ryan, Gale, and Sherry went above and beyond to help us out yesterday when my daughter was turned away from her Driver's test at a full service Center earlier in the day! They resolved the situation quickly and with great compassion and ensured that she got her skills test completed!! You made our initial horrible experience a giant win! Thank you for your kindness and dedication to our community! read more

Incompetent staff. Wasted an afternoon here during covid with an app up and still left without my issue being resolved.

Do not go to this MVA if you had a Maryland's drivers license and then moved out of the country only to stupidly move back to Maryland after ten years. They don't know what they are doing, typical rudeness, unwelcoming why are you here, we don't want to work attitude and especially the girl with the long braids. They do not know the laws or the rules and tend to combined them into a nice mess so you have to return 5 times before receiving any customer service. Avoid this MVA and go straight to Annapolis or Glen Burnie. read more

Used to do driver's license renewal online, but that is no longer possible because a change in MD law requires that you bring physical documents: 1 to prove your citizenship, 1 to prove your social security status, and 2 proofs of residence. Since I have unusual vision requirements, also had to send a vision certification form to my optometrist and he then had to mail the completed form back to me so I could take it along with the other documents. I made an appointment because I expected a long wait. Arrived early and they processed me in no time, although it is much more complicated for the MVA staff. They were extremely competent and led me through the entire process. I got there about 1pm Fri and was out by 1:30pm. read more

This location rocks! I arrived around 9:20am today (which is Friday) to renew my drivers license, I was in and out within 15 minutes, the staff was pleasant and that's what you call EXPRESS!!! This is the only DMV I go to. read more

How can you not love this location?! It is conveniently located and so bright and clean it isn't nearly as likely to throw you into a deep depression the moment you hit the door. The staff is younger than I have come to expect from the DMV... it was like walking into tech support at a technology company. They are quick, polite, have an information desk to help direct you (on the right), a kiosk for automated transactions (also on the right) a bathroom on the left and state police presence in case ish gets real. There are lovely pictures on the wall of Maryland-y stuff (think clipper ships and bridges not people crying while holding their tax bills.) I was able to pop in and get a name change completed in under 45 minutes. Love it. read more

Spent 10mins here to renew the license even though there were like 50 people in here. Despite being packed the place was clean, the cop was nice, everyone had somewhere to sit, and the seating was comfortable. read more

UPDATE 12/27/18: Still 5 stars! I recently had to return some plates, walked in, and there was a line to get to the information desk/get a number. There was a lady standing at the start of the line with a tablet who took my plates and printed a return receipt right there. I literally spent less than a minute inside. Amazing! read more

Showed up early and already had to stand in line, but because it was Saturday, they only offer driver license services. One of the representatives came out before they opened to make sure you had the correct documents and didn't stand in line for no reason. Although I have to return with another document, the rep I had was courteous, and explained exactly what I needed. Once in, I didn't wait at all, and was out in 10 minutes. read more

Well I saw the good reviews for this facility and was hoping to have a fairly good experience but once again MVA has lived down to the expectations of being the worst government run agency outside of the IRS. read more

There's a lot of people talking only good things about this MVA express, and honestly I don't want to be the exception, i've been there today for a DL replacement and I came out with my new card in jst 40 minutes, go-ahead to thumbs up for you guys!! btw the lady on the information received me with a big smile, and she was singing and dancing, she's beautiful :) read more

It's nice that the MVA has Express locations for things you can't accomplish online (and I'm really glad you can renew your license at home now.) This location is tucked in a little hidden shopping center off Dobbin Road right off 175. It is not immediately apparent where you are supposed to go or what to do when you walk in, but when you get near the Service desk an attendant will ask you what you are there for and check you in on a kiosk and hand you a number. A large monitor and announcements will tell you which desk to go to when your number is called. I'm sure it can get quite busy at certain times, but on a weekday morning to turn in my old plates I was in and out in less than ten minutes. They have free wi fi which is pretty terrible, so if it is crowded and you have a long way to go for your number, you may want to step into the bookstore next door and make the best of things. read more

Yes, the wait is long but that is because the closest full service location is in Glen Burnie. Howard County seems to have a large enough population to support a full service MVA so why is there only an MVA Express here? Ridiculous. Anyway, I work right around the corner from the MVA Express and have gone there a few times to renew my driver's license and return plates. The staff has always been helpful and courteous. The only problem I've had is with impatient "customers" who don't see the check-in machine next to the door, don't seem to notice the other 50 people in the lobby waiting to be seen, and just sit down at whatever empty desk they lay their eyes on. Of course they stomp away angry when the lady tells them to take a number but it's not her fault you pay no attention to anybody but yourself. If you don't know what services they provide before you arrive, there's a new technology that all the kids are using called the "Internet". I believe you can actually access it on your phone now. Surprise! They have a website that clearly lists EVERYTHING they provide. If what you want is not on the list, go to Glen Burnie. read more

This is the most amazing experience I've ever had at a bmv in any state, in my entire life! Everyone is friendly and it was quick and efficient. read more

This location I believed opened about 9 years ago, I remember when they were new it was slow all the time and not many people in Columbia knew about exciting of it, They had few services in it when they started and now over the time they have added more services more employees and of course much busier and longer waiting time! I have experienced when I go early right after they open there is shorter wait time so you can get in and out much faster otherwise if you enter later you will have to stay longer in lines if you have to renew you DL, for returning tags there is not a long line at all! read more

Long wait and extremely rude staff. The woman behind the counter actually accused me of stealing someone's number/ butting in line. Really lady? I kept my composure but wanted to curse her rude and unprofessional behind out! read more

My wallet was stolen yesterday so I went to the Columbia MVA Express to get a duplicate Driver's license made. I have never had a bad experience at this MVA. A woman named Lauren helped me. I must tell you how amazing she was. She had me in and out of the building in less than 10 minutes. Lauren was directing and redirecting customers; in one case Lauren helped a customer in serious distress. Lauren blamed her peppiness on the coffee she drank, but I could tell she was naturally a positive, friendly, and exuberant person. Normally at the MVA the standard of expectation has been pretty low, but not here. I can't help to think that the customer service is really the key to running this operation so smoothly. I'm so thankful to have had this experience today. read more

I got here at 4:23, not even to retrieve any service. Just to simply ask a question because we all know their customer service on the phone takes centuries, the lady at the information desk didn't even bother to hear my full question and helped the person behind me first, not even did she do this but she handed me a sheet of paper and directed me out. So rude. read more

Wow! I am really impressed. I stopped by MVA to renew my license with my preschooler in tow. I was prepared to wait a long, long time. I was in and out in 20 minutes tops. When I walked in there was a long line, but staff were quick to pull out patrons that they could immediately help and thereby cut my time down significantly. The staff were pleasant and efficient. Kudos to them! This is not the DMV from back in the day that kept you waiting all day! read more

I'm not even gonna lie , I'm still in shock with my experience today at this MVA. Got there at 11:31 to get a replacement drivers license after I lost it. Was a bit confused at first because you get your own ticket as soon as you enter . I proceed it to take a seat and mentally I was preparing my self to wait years !!!! Well that was not the case . A very pleasant lady behind the information counter handed me the form that I need it to fill out to get my license , very courteous by the way. As soon as I finished checking the 3 boxes I need it to check and signing my paper my number was called WHAT? I went to the counter where Josh another courteous person asked me a couple questions , took my picture and BOOM I was out of there at 11:56 . Is this even possible ?? I can not believe it ! I even asked him 2 or 3 times so that's it? I can go now? Really? . Only thing that I do not like is that they didn't print out my license so I have to wait for it to come in the mail. But other than that Way to go MVA people ! Keep up the good work :) read more

This place has absolute horrible service do not come here because you most definitely be there for 4 hours or more. Also to make it better the people here lie to you. *WARNING DO NOT COME HERE* read more

Big shout out to Dobbin Rd MVA. My 91 yr old mom needed a photo ID. I've been dreading it because she just can't sit in that room with 100 ppl for an hour waiting to be called. A rep at the glen burnie office told me to ask for the manager when we got there. Long story short, arrived at 8:40, back in the car at 9:00. Nancy couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. For all the bad raps the MVA gets, I'm happy to give them a good review! read more

I couldn't believe how quickly and comfortably I got my license renewed. The new space with chairs and a well-organized procedure for moving people through was a pleasant surprise. I got a number, my number was called within 5 minutes, and I was out of there in less than 15. The staff was pleasant. Each work station has its own photo equipment so you no longer have to wait in a separate line for your picture. read more