Easy in, easy out. Nobody really wants to go the DMV, unless you're a teen getting your first license. And that she was - having just passed the driving test at an offsite location in Wilsonville, the daughter and I went to the nearest DMV to get her license. It turned out the Sherwood branch was a zoo, packed with people, a bit surprising for a Tuesday. Once we made our way to the Info booth, we learned that despite having her photo ID / permit, they still needed her birth certificate (again) and supporting documents. So we left empty handed and headed home. Once in Salem, we grabbed what we needed and headed to our local office. I was a bit nervous to see the lines, but was quickly relieved to see a mere fraction of the people in the last branch. She was quickly assigned a number, with only two people ahead, and just like that - there's a new independent teen driver sharing the roadway. Don't fret, if anything, she's overly cautious! Yes, obligatory photo snapped in front of the DMV sign with her temporary license, but no permission to share. I don't know whether to cry tears of joy or sadness now that she can come and go in her own car. read more

See all

They were efficient, friendly and quick. We had a few things to do and we were out of there in one hour. What a great experience.

I didn't think I would ever to be able to write a positive review about any DMV location but this location changed my mind. I walked in... I saw a sign that said "Start here" but no one was there so I followed people to a line, and finally got to someone at the window. She very nicely asked me if I checked in. I didn't so I had to say, "no." Despite my mishap her awesome demeanor made it okay for me to go back to the "Start here" line to check in. With an awesome smile the guy behind the plexiglass asked how he could help, marked me on his log sheet, and sent me down a red carpet. I made an appointment online which I think HELPed a lot during this visits. As I waited for about a minute for someone to help me... I noticed how clean and organized the location was. I was very impressed. Then... I was called up to the window by another DMV personnel. Again, I was greeted with respect and a smile. The process of getting a new title and registration was extremely smooth and quick. I had all my documents prepared, and my bank check written out to Oregon DMV prior to heading to this appointment I made online. Note for red carpet and faster service: Make an appointment online Be there 10 minutes before your appointment Fill out all the necessary documents Know your exact amount/fee due and have your payment method ready. And, Smile! read more

As DMV go, this a big new space. It was very crowded on a Monday afternoon. They have you checking and explain why you are there. Then they give you a number and direct you to wait in a certain area. We had a manufacturing origin paperwork issue with a trailer, so I'm not sure they help that much. We have to make many phone calls to the dealer and manufacturers to fix someone else's error. Once, things are correct another trip to the DMV is needed. The staff members that helps us were quick and friendly. I would come back to this DMV location. read more

If i could give this place 6 stars i would BUT yelp limits the amount of stars to 5. This was my first time coming here and i am absolutely satisfied. Even though I DIDN'T have an appointment, i was seen right away. All my requests were fulfilled to my pleasure. I will absolutely come back to the DM V office when i need something related to the DMV and recommend this place to all my friends with cars. read more

North Salem DMV - Inside - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Salem, Oregon

The best DMV experience of my life. North Salem DMV was not crowded at all, and every employee I dealt with was kind and helpful. Why can't other DMV offices be like this one? read more

If I could give zero I would. Extremely long wait times, and disrespectful. I don't say this often because I respect those who are helping me and providing a service, however this experience was unacceptable. I had called to find out if my license had been delivered because my paper one is about to expire, I was talked to like I had hurt this man. He was extremely rude, was borderline yelling at me and talking down to me over the phone because I had asked how I would go about getting a replacement. I literally got off the phone and cried. I decided to man up and just go in to start the process, and it was so full the line went out the door. The south salem dmv is so much better, they are kind, courteous, and quick. I get in and out in 5 minutes. Everytime I go to this dmv it is a nightmare. I hope they use the recording of our phone call to train people how NOT to talk to someone. read more

I have heard and experienced the horrible DMV stories. But not this time. When I first moved back to Oregon in July 2019, I went down to change my out of state license to an Oregon license. The clerks were helpful and kind. My wait was very minimal. So yesterday, I had to go in and change my license because I got married and had a name change. They questioned what I was trying to do. They put me in the Fast lane and I was in line, done and out the door in less than 15 minutes. The clerks I dealt with were all kind, smiling and professional. This is one of the best DMV locations. read more

The DMV in every state is an easy target, right? I mean, there are people that would rather go to the dentist than go to the DMV. That's why there are companies that provide tag services in the states that allow it - people are more than happy to pay someone else to deal with the DMV. Those services are not allowed in the state of Oregon; you have to do everything yourself. And with the pandemic, the hassle factor has gone up by a factor of 5. The DMV website states that this is a drive-up location for VIN inspection/verification; that is, you don't need an appointment. But, when I got there, the fellow that performs those VIN inspections said drive-up services were halted a month ago. But, he squeezed me in. He didn't have to do that, but he did, AND, in a raging downpour, too. Great service! read more

This DMV location has now become my favorite. The people are very kind and they get you in and out! I came in to register my vehicle and it didn't take more than 10 minutes. It has never taken less than an hour every time I've gone to any other location. Thank you for making it a pleasant experience!! read more

WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THE EXPRESS CHECKOUT?? I've been sitting here for two hours, my number is 2 away, and all of a sudden, they are only taking people from the express line? People have been walking in and out within 10 minutes while there's a bunch of us with numbers standing around for 2 hours! How is any of this fair? read more

I sat here for 30 mins with no one being called up! The only person working was the Express line. This DMV is filled with morons more interested in walking around than doing their jobs! Go to a different DMV! You have been warned! read more

This DMV has the best service of any I've ever been in. While waiting an employee came around to help expedite each person and move thing along. If only every office would follow the example being set here it could change the mindset of us all about how state agencies operate!!! Keep up the good work, I'd drive here in s heartbeat! read more

Well it is almost redundant to say that employees at the DMV office were rude. But what has inspired me to write this review is that this place really takes the cake. Employees at this office are beyond rude, to the point of treating customers like they were criminals. I had all my paperwork in place, and I even had an appointment months in advance. I came entirely prepared. And yet I was still scolded like I was a child, and when it came time to have my picture taken for my license they treated me as though they were giving me my mug shot. This is what happens when you have government employees in a business that is ultimately captive audience. Because DMV has a monopoly on services that are required for us to get by law, and because their jobs are very secure, there is no incentive for employees to treat customers with respect. I can't help but think that the area also plays a part. Customer service on Lancaster tends to be pretty awful because the area now has a relatively bad reputation. I will definitely not be returning to this DMV in six or so years when my license needs a renewal. Office of idiots. read more

Wow! Drove from McMinnville to try this DMV. Well worth the drive! Took 10 minutes to renew my drivers license. They are so streamlined. Wish ours would do what they do! read more

I've been here three times in the last two months while in the process of getting Oregon plates. (Note that I am NOT reviewing the process of getting plates here, which sucks if you are still paying off your car and don't have the title, just reviewing this location.) Everyone is super professional and friendly, and they really want you to be able to get in and out. The woman who helped me yesterday, Daisy I think, was particularly lovely. Clean bathroom. And the fact that they have a reception desk makes things run much more smoothly! Hands down the nicest DMV I've ever been to in my 16 years of driving. read more

I've had to go here a few times recently dealing with numerous items I had to get a name-change on. I was dreading it, because we all seem to hate going to the DMV, it's embedded in our bodies for some reason. I had great experiences every time here. I played it smart and arrived before noon every time. I recommend anyone else do the same, because this building can pile up FAST and have extremely long wait times as there has been 1 person working in the past at 3pm. Yikes. Go closer to when they open, after 8, to get in and out quick. You can fill out forms here or go online and fill them out on the computer and come more prepared. Both times I had filled out forms prior to arriving in case it was busy. The woman at the check in desk who was giving out numbers to guests honestly should be trained on customer service. She wasn't rude to me, more like a "what do you want, k, here you go" attitude. I did witness her be extremely short to others and raise her voice at confused people who walked in not knowing where to go or what forms they needed. I was only seated and waiting in the lobby for 10 minutes and saw her being extremely rude, mostly to elderly folks. Not okay. This is the first person you're dealing with when you walk into this building, they need to hire someone more patient and polite. The rest of the staff were really pleasant and caring and answered all of my questions. I actually filled out an incorrect form on my last visit and the woman assisting me just grabbed the correct form and copied my info from the one I had brought in and filled it out for me. Yay! Since this DMV is the closest one to where I live and work, I will most likely not venture to the others. Arriving early and prepared will get you in and out. read more

This dmv is better than the ones in California. It's quick, efficient, and the staff are pretty friendly and helpful. The set up is open spaces so you don't feel claustrophobic. Although we put the papers to take a knowledge test in the wooden box and they still have checked us in to take the test, they're taking forever. Ughhhhh. read more

Friendly but dropped the ball numerous times. Are all bureaucrats in a vegetative state at all times? They screwed up the spelling on my address 2x not to mention the last time they put down an unnecessary and non existent address. Terribly slow with turn around time. Took over a month to get the correct info that also held up my business. read more

I have been into this DMV twice this month. The employees are helpful, smile and make your experience much better than I have had in other states. Today I arrived two minutes before they opened at 9am and I was out of there within 15 minutes! read more

The mexican lady in the front counter can't be anymore rude. She can like choke on grapes and fall in a puddle .___. on the other hand, the white guy with glasses (chubby) was nice and friendly and so helpful! He is the nicest person in this evil dmv. read more

They seem pretty understaffed, but if you get the right lady, then they are pretty helpful, and not as snappy as some of the other DMV employees. read more

When I arrived to renew my driver's license, the waiting area was pretty full. I expected to be there a while. Right inside the front door is the first line. It moved quickly, and the woman at the counter was friendly and helpful. She made sure I had the right form, provided a pen and clipboard, and checked over my documents (proof of citizenship, etc.) to be sure I had everything I needed before I took a number to wait. The wait was surprisingly short. Maybe 15 minutes. The woman at the next counter--shocking--was also friendly and helpful. She knew what needed to be done and did it efficiently, all while making friendly conversation. About two minutes later, she sent me down the line to the picture-taking corner, where I was called almost immediately and photographed. Everyone I encountered was friendly, helpful, and efficient. I highly recommend this DMV office. read more

It's a DMV. If you are lucky and can get into the express lane it is fairly quick to get in and out. If not, well good luck, it's the DMV.

The staff at this Dmv are so friendly. By and far the busiest dmv, but the wait time is not long. Much better than years past.