Pretty quick and easy experience using the self-service kiosks to perform my car's emissions test. The test takes about 10 minutes to complete. Although there is not an option to make an appointment for the kiosk, the MVA's website does have a link to determine how many folks are using the kiosks. While my experience was quick and easy, I think the MVA should install 2-3 more of these kiosks. Fortunately, I arrived super early and did not have to wait for a machine. However, as soon as I left, three customers had arrived so I assume their wait times were a longer than mine. Since the kiosks are open 24/7, I HIGHLY recommend doing this as early in the day as possible. read more

The Chinese supervisor here is especially cruel and lacks any compassion. I'm Chinese myself, yet she knows my car registration issue happened because I was repairing it and missed the insurance payment, and she also knows I'm on the verge of becoming homeless -- but she still insists on fining me. She even claims that every time she helped me, I never thanked her, when in fact she never truly helped me at all, and I always expressed my gratitude. A supervisor like that should be dismissed. Her high-and-mighty attitude is meant to make me kneel and beg her -- but no, never. read more

Never coming here again! Came in to take my CDL permit test and was not a testing environment at all. In the middle of my test, 3 employees were in the room having a super loud conversation and continued even when I asked politely to stop. It made it extremely difficult to concentrate on my test and I failed. This was after several experiences where employees were nothing but rude and could see them treating all other customers the same way. Worth the drive to travel extra to Frederick or White oak just to avoid this place. Unprofessional and unacceptable! read more

The benefit of making an appointment before going to the MVA. Went to this location to get something taken care of. On their website, I had to make an appointment in order to get that service done. I selected the service, location, date, and time, got my reminder, and appeared at the location a few minutes before they opened. At the time I arrived, I noticed there were two separate lines waiting to get in through the two entrances. I asked some folks if they knew what each line was for and they were not sure themselves, so I stood in the shorter line. Since I was able to make an appointment online, it gave me the opportunity to check in by text, to let the location know I had arrived. At first, I thought it was strange it was asking that since they had not yet opened. However, I followed along and checked-in. As I did, I got a ticket number and was informed of the number of guests before me. It also provided me with my wait time. This was all prior to opening. It was then I realized I could have stood in either line (outside the building). As the doors opened and both lines of people entered, you were able to see that those who checked in (before the building opened) were able to go to their respective windows based on their ticket numbers. This showed on the screens as I entered, and the loudspeaker was calling out ticket numbers and what ticket window to report to. It only took me a few seconds to see and hear mine. I noticed that those who did not make an appointment were more in that longer line and I assume they were waiting to get a ticket number from the main desk. It made me appreciate this new way to check-in as I was in and out within 5 minutes after they opened. Notes: Plenty of parking - I noticed they were setting up an EV charging station in one of the lots. Plenty of seats - not fully comfortable, but you have a seat right? There is a security guard there - I noticed. read more

As of January 2024, it requires all appointments. It opens at 8:30am or 8am. The earliest time slot that I could get on the day before was 8:45m. I arrived and walked in minutes before 8:45am and nobody waited in line. Got the number slip after presenting my driver license. Was called immediately to the counter. The staff was very professional and the whole transaction was done in ten minutes. The whole experience was very positive and much better than what I heard. read more

MVA - Gaithersburg - Main entrance - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

They need better driving instructors. worst place ever don't take your drivers test here. And there's not enough indication on the road test with signs. There's no warning signs for stop signs pray if you take this test you have an instructor who does not care and will direct you onto the easiest route while not being rude and inconsiderate doing anything.... read more

If I could give less I would. One of the "men" who sit behind a counter threatened me saying "he'll gladly come across his desk, and he'll make sure I understand what he's saying" that's disgusting behavior. This guy is fat, bald, and literally didn't know how to do his job. This MVA sucks. Go to Frederick. read more

I honestly can't lie i hate everything about the mva and Maryland driving rules they charge you so much honestly it's an extortion at this point. Came here just to re register a car and these mfs started naming all these fees never again Md is a place i will be moving out of very soon read more

I am so impressed with this MVA that I'm writing a review right as I got home! I had an appointment at 9:30am on a Friday to renew my drivers license. I got there at 9:15, received a text with a link to check in, checked in and was immediately called to window 29. The agent was so professional and efficient, I was out the door by 9:30. I even told him that's it? I blocked an hour for this renewal thinking I would have to wait. They deserve 5 starts for sure! It was so efficient and I left very pleased. My friend had the same experience. My husband said after Covid, this MVA became so efficient! Thank you MVA Gaithersburg and all the staff that provide great service! read more

This is more properly a review of the MVA online services that are supposed to save customers time and reduce the lines at the physical facilities. The online system has many glitches and the helpline has no fixes for anything much, nor will operators refer a problem to anyone who could solve it. For example, I tried repeatedly to renew my driver's license online. First, vision test results that I needed to renew my license were not connected to my personal account. That was fixed after three messages to (and responses from) the helpline. Then, my mailing address as shown on my license (including a post office box) isn't a "verified" address and caused my application to be rejected. When I reached the call center, I was told that I would have to change my address to eliminate the PO box. However, when I eliminated the PO box, my zip code didn't work. One message and two phone calls have resulted in no help. Is this the "premier customer service" that's advertised on the website? Brent J read more

This place sucks parent pulled car in for road test and went inside to sit down as there was no rule saying "parent must sit in the car with the child till administrator came out". Administrator stated you have to make another appointment because the person who drove you here isn't in the car with you. Why the fuck would they still be in the car if IM the one taking the test. Mind you the driver already provided their info at the front desk during check in and we booked 3 months in advance. read more

I don't like the workers, very rude and treat you like your an illegal immigrant. The attention is very bad.

Says it's open till 12pm on Saturday, get there 11:40 to use self kiosk and doors are locked and dark inside.

This review is more specific for the single self-service kiosk for emissions testing. The kiosk has a Maryland flag painted on it and is located behind the MVA building. I visited on a Thursday afternoon and there was a 25 minute wait. I was 5th in line and the main hold up seemed to be because people were not aware where to plug in their device. The first and fourth car took over 10 minutes but the other cars including my own took approximately 5 minutes. You pull up and scan or enter your information. Even if you scan the notice, it'll ask you to input some information. The kiosk walks you through step by step and you press the continue button after each step. I highly recommend bringing a pair of gloves or hand sanitizer; a lot of people are touching the screen and handling the sensor. It prints a receipt that is difficult to read because it's streaky and it looks like it ran out of ink on the right side. While it didn't take me long to do the test, on a busy day, I might consider paying the extra $4 and driving a bit further to use the full service station as there are more lanes and the people running the tests don't spend a lot of time looking for the place to connect the sensor. However, if you do have the time and want to save $4, I would recommend finding the connection area and even watching the YouTube video of instructions walking through what the prompts are. read more

The MVA should make appointments only their standard business practice. The MVA also needs to train their staff so that every employee is saying the same thing. Two trips for the same thing, each person we spoke with had different requirements. Unacceptable. The MVA website should be accurate to mirror the staff training. This is an unacceptable mess. Poor policy management, incompetent training and poorly thought out process. When things are so confusing people are crying becauae they don't understand what is being said because what is being said is im conflict with the web site and what they have been told you know the system is a mess. ( and my heart goes out to the woman crying and not getting anywhere) MVA staff are usually miserable people with a bad attitude. Why? Because they get yelled at. Why do they get yelled at? Because they are poorly trained by idiots and are given poorly written, not thought out policies. The EASIEST governmemt agency to run is the worst one. Why? Because they choose to be. read more

MVA - Gaithersburg - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

I went here to use the emissions testing self-service kiosk. Wanting to avoid a wait, I arrived on a weekday evening around 8:00 PM. There were no other vehicles waiting. The whole test is quick and easy, and I was in and out in under three minutes! read more

No horror stories here! I was in and out within an hour. It may seem like a miracle at lunch time on a Friday afternoon, but it happened. I came in and found the first line, where you tell an MVA worker why your there and receive a number. That took about 15 minutes. Then, you sit and wait for your number to be called. I sat and waited and waited. But, within 30-40 minutes my number was called. I gave the gentleman my paperwork and he told me I would receive my new paperwork in about a week. I was done, cue heavens opening up and a rainbow in the sky! The staff was nice and professional. Considering, the amount of people that they had to take care of, I thought that was awesome. So, a true story, in and out in under an hour at lunch time, on a Friday afternoon. I was thrilled! read more

i have come do the title and i have everything clear title and bill of sale from dealer first time i come there say i need call dealer a bill of sale not that is not alter (i don't understand) second time the women just looking only title there say my car need police inspection if not can't do title so funny the people do for title very fickle and unwilling to do 2 have come 2 times the same waste my time never come back again third times i have come to MVA in silver spring the lady in there very nice and can do title nothing problem read more

Ok this location has its days. Theres this one old woman (South Asian) who works at the information desk... i wound say lady but she doesnt behave like one. She is beyond rude to people that arent fluent in English. Lines arent that bad during the late mornings in the week. Im glad they have kiosks to make your stay here shorter. The line monitors are nice and very helpful. Especially the older Hispanic man. I had to go see the MD ez pass peeps. They were very helpful and very courteous. This location isnt too bad but theyre definitely understaffed to handle the demand. read more

One of the most unfriendly place in Montgomery County. List of documents needed not updated. Employees are rude and not accommodating! Unprofessional staff and service. read more

Covid winter edition: Looky here..... these folks are risking their health daily during these times with random folks from all over MoCo so listen and follow the guidelines. First off, wear warm clothing - you will be outside for several minutes. So if you get cold easily, layer and bundle up. Listen to Auntie Sarah. It does NOT pay to get here early. During winter weather, stay in your vehicle til the EXACT time of your online scheduled appointment. They're routinely behind since they have to instruct each person on what to do or where to stand. You'll thank me later.....you're welcome. Outside before you enter, you'll be asked what time you were scheduled online. They'll check their list. If you're on the list, they'll direct you to stand on a specific area still outside. Once they let you enter, follow instructions again on where to stand, give them your state issued card (driver's, etc), and then they will check your temperature. They will again confirm that you're on the list while identifying you. Soon after, they will ask a series of questions. Once you pass, they'll direct you inside the mva and onto the next line. When called, again you will give them your state issued card (driver's, etc) and they'll give you a number. Afterwards sit where available and wait. The wait time wasn't long at all since they control the number of folks allowed inside the building. When you're done follow the exit sign or ask before leaving your chair. It is NOT where you entered. Yeah this experience may be jarring for many but these employees go through the process daily so pack your patience and develop some empathy during these times. I'm out. read more

They provide you with a drop box to drop off your old tags which I used. Then these lazy people took 8 days to process my tag return. How does it take 8 days to process a tag return unless someone isn't doing their job. Fire the lazy worker that's supposed to do the tag returns or get one of those grumpy people off the counter to do it. 8 days I got to keep insurance on the car after I sold it because you don't want to do your job? Worthless crew in this building and terrible management if problems like this exist. Called in and talked to an extremely rude customer service agent who said that them taking 8 days to process a tag return and me wasting my money paying for keeping insurance on my vehicle for over a week after I sold it was reasonable and I shouldn't believe their website that says they will get in done in 24-48 hours. Seriously? Def crappy service. read more

Returned my plates today in person. No fuss, no muss. Best to come early in person and having done your research online beforehand. Other prior visits to register car, get new drivers license and online address changes have all gone smoothly too. Nothing to complain about for me. read more

It's hard to be a fan of the MVA or more widely known in other states as the (DMV). But I have to tell you, my last visit was fairly straightforwards and definitely earned them 4 stars. I waited in the preliminary line for about 15-20 minutes. 10 minutes into standing in line another MVA worker jumped in and started blasting through people with a voracious appetite for work. I get to the front and they tell me that since I have an unpaid parking ticket, I wouldn't be able to renew my registration till it was paid. This is obviously not the MVA's fault. This is my stupid fault. Why is it that there is something SO hard about paying parking tickets on time. SO HARD. I think it's because they don't call you and say "hey Jerk-bag, you haven't paid your parking ticket, I'm turning your car off." See when the cable people do that, I react fairly quickly. I'm like, OH NO! Game of thrones is on ! We need cable! This guy in line at one point turned back to me to kvetch about how long the line was taking and I just gave an awkward nod and chuckled cause he didn't look like someone I wanted to disagree with. One of those people who you instantly think ( you may have a couple of bodies buried in your basement/garage/backyard). In any event, after that creepy MVA customer spoke with me, it was off to talk to the MVA woman at the front and she informed me about the ticket. Gave me the number to call and the fax number to send the proof of payment too. She told me that once I got all this stuff to come back to her without standing in line. That's fair- though when I did finally get all of this taken care of. Spent 30 minutes on the phone paying the right people, -Story Insert- So I'm on the phone with the Montgomery County Police people and they're like, oh - I'm sorry you're gonna have to come in person to pay this ticket. It's been past x many days and we need money in either a cashiers check or cash. I was like... what are you guys the mafia? I didn't actually say that, but I complained. I got transferred to another number which happened to be an automatic payment line- paid my ticket through that- then was put on the phone with someone who could fax over proof of the payment. If I had listened to this first lady - this whole process would have been slowed down for about an hour and a half- with me needing to drive 30 minutes away to pay a parking ticket in person. THANK G-D that this did not happen! -Story Insert End- So I waited 30 minutes for the fax to be sent with proof of payment. Apparently the Montgomery County Police Department was using a fax hooked up to a morse code machine. I went back to this lady - who was not there- and waited for the guy who was there ( This is the preliminary line- I am not yet through the preliminary line)- as about 20 people gave me this death stare like " don't even try to cut in line." Granted I was there giving the same stare to a man an hour and a half earlier as he went back after his tasks given by the front desk were completed. This is very confusing I know. I wish I had a diagram for you all, alas I do not. So, I finally get my number after about an hour , sit next to someone else who is kvetching about waiting and get on my laptop and do some work. My number is called and I go up and they give me my new registration sticker and I ball out of there. Yes it took me 2 hours and something minutes. Yes, I had to wait in line. I just think this place would be a whole lot less miserable if people there didn't think that this was a therapy session for their problems with the MVA. Come with something to do laptop/book/etc and wait. If you don't expect to wait a little at the MVA- you're just #SillyVilleUSA. They have everyone's cars in the area to do work for, they're busy people. read more

MVA - Gaithersburg - 2 hours later and I have my new registration sticker!!! Woot woot woot!! Go 15!! - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Everyone is so nice and friendly, when you have an appointment. This was very fast, they called me after 15 minutes. Don't get confused, there are two check in lines one for walk-ins and another for people with appointments, be sure to get one the correct line. Also, don't forget to look your best and smile, if they are taking your picture. read more

MVA - Gaithersburg - MVA Appointment for new license - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

The line at the manual testing VEIP station on redland road was very long even at 7 a.m on a Saturday. I had read about the self serve Kiosk here at the Gaithersburg MVA office and drove here. Its a kiosk on the side of the building and is well marked. No tech skills necessary but I would advice you to get familiar to know where your 2005 and later model car has the diagnostic post. You use a touchscreen to enter your information from the emission notice you receive and scan the bar code. A compartment oepns and gives you a wifi diagnostic tool. You connect it to the dianostic port in your car. For a 2007 Toyota it was below the steering under the dash. It took me 2 tries to locate it. Once you are connected you start the car and while the eninge is running the kiosk screen shows you the progress and lets uou know if you pass and gives you a certificate. Kudos to MVA for this. As it was early in the morning on a Saturday, sadly there were no food trucks to reiew during this visit ;) read more

MVA - Gaithersburg - Self serve emissions station open 24-7 - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

I used to hate the MVA (or DMV, take your pick) but either I've gotten more chill as I've gotten older or they've improved their service. It's still a circus with a zillion people, and I end up spending way too much time here (at least an hour, typically longer) but honestly the staff are generally polite and.or amusing. read more

MVA - Gaithersburg - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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I don't recommend taking the road test here. Driver instructors are very unprofessional and rude.

Worst experience ever I am pregnant and they refuse tO help me fast I was waiting 2 hours even though I ask for help they refusse to do it People over here are very rude and don't show annual compassion at all !!! They should give priority to very old ppeople and pregnant women. So disappointed read more

I don't know if I live in a world where I'm going to give the MVA a 5 star rating, and I definitely don't live in a world where the MVA cares. With that said, I actually had a pretty pleasant experience my past two times here. With rock bottom expectations every time I walk in the door, getting to 4 stars was a no brainer. The MVA is a slow paced machine where a good deal of the employees treat you like it's a fast, well-oiled machine: rushing you through your questions to get you where you you need to go (at least with my experience here). My account was flagged as I needed to get my Real ID, so I made an appointment for 11:00am and I was out the door with my mission accomplished by 11:20am. I have another task to complete here later in the day, so the gentleman assisting me gave me back my number and assured me I could have it reactivated at any point later the same day so I didn't have to wait in line again (always the worst part). I gotta say, I'm pleased with this experience *shrug* read more

This place is really the worse place I have ever been to. Rude staff don't even let you finish your sentence and ask you to leave. At least tell me what I should do. Because guess what, if you email them they won't reply you until at least a week and then you can't even get the answer you want. This is really a pain. If I can give 0 star, I would. And I'm sure most people would. Come on, it's really not that difficult to smile and give good customer service with good attitude and really help your customers who need help. We don't just come here to hang out with anyone. We are here to get things done, and have one less thing to worry about. Whoever the manager is, you should really think about firing some of your employees. read more

MVA Gaithersburg was always chaotic before the pandemic. I went there today, it was a breeze. I filled out forms in advance, got an appointment, checked in when I got there. There was no wait time. The transaction took five minutes. What an improvement! WOW! read more

I wish I could give them a zero but I a guess a one star will be for the helpful and non-threatening attitudes here. But WOAH get ready! I spent 6 hours here one day! Yes, it took 6 hours for my number to be called and I left the MVA twice to run some errands because unless you bring work or book etc. it would be completely foolish to wait that whole time and yet it happens to us all! But people are extremely rude, have no professionalism, majority of the workers have no look of emotion on their face but frustration and it's morning! Like have your coffee and breakfast but don't act like people have been giving you an attitude all day when the day just started! My goodness! If you hate your job then go somewhere else. Save your self and everyone else from your emotionless, unhelpful, and rude self! Thank you to the workers who are pleasant and are just trying to do there jobs but the rest NO! I had to come back the next day because I still needed documents, after I had already gone home earlier to get it. They were not clear and brush you off and talk to you like your just a number. If you took your time to be of service to people you would be saving everyone a great deal of trouble! Unreal! Hire new workers please! Speed up the movement process because these long hours to wait is truly unbelievable! read more

Keith from the Central Collection Unit at MVA Gaithersburg was very professional and helpful with the EZ Pass problem I had. I was confused and dreading the appointment but he patiently explained everything to me and went above and beyond to ensure that my problem was resolved. He is a great asset to his job and the MVA. Thank you, Keith! read more

Can i just say , if someone ask me to describe HELL , this would be it !!!!! Horrible lazy rude staff , understaff knowing its always mounds of people. All the money thy rob from us , u think we would get A+ service , instead we are treated like peasants Ughhh! read more

The worst! This place sent me in a wild goose chase like no other and wasted several hours of my time. Apparently I'm the first person ever to register an out of state car that is leased... get ready! After giving me temporary registration (mine had expired during the move) they told me I needed emissions testing, which I then questioned because my car is only 2 years old with 9000 miles. But they said yes emissions and then all I had to do was go to the kiosk. When I went to emissions, they told me MVD was wrong and this happens all the time. I needed a safety inspection! So I did that, (paid for it too) and then drove to the kiosk.... I couldn't use the kiosk so back to MVD I went. Unbelievable! I've lived all over the country at this point and Maryland is by far the worst! read more

I dread having to deal with the MVA. The only positive thing I can say is that the organization is extremely consistent, so you know what you are in for. You can rely on poor service, rude staff, and long wait times, whether in person or on the phone. If I had the option to use a different organization for registration services I would change without hesitation. When there is no incentive to change, there will be no change. The MVA should be run out of business, let private businesses handle this because clearly the government isn't capable. ....I'm calm now. P.S. I didn't have a Yelp account before this review, just to give you an idea of how bad this organization really is. read more

What can you say....the Maryland DMV is like any other DMV across the country and I've been to several: Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey and now Maryland. The DMV environment epitomizes government employees, who should have retired years ago but keep "working" away to keep their benefits at the expense of our own tax dollars. What's even more unique, is they are so bored with their jobs that they develop almost confrontational attitudes & one word answers, meant to confuse you even more, i.e. "yep," "mmmm hmmm," "it's possible," I mean com'on....I guess overall it's a form of entertainment from them, to see just how perplexed, confused, shocked, irate then can make our expressions. I bet they even swap stories, laugh and find new ways to keep us coming back for more. read more

MVA - Gaithersburg - Nice and quiet Friday afternoon - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Like any MVA in an upscale county, this one is pretty decent. COVID precautions followed well and staff were considerate and helpful.

Absolutely TERRIBLE service by the Hispanic looking guy at the information counter. Rude to everyone that came to his window. Why not stay home if you have a bad attitude or are not willing to work? Ridiculous! SMH. read more