First impression: Not enough chairs and no handicapped section for the elderly/disabled people. Security guard was very abrupt with me within the first 30 seconds of me being there. I am including a text that I sent a friend over how much this guy overreacted... at least we could get a good laugh out of power tripping security guards with no guns and $hitty jobs... The place looks clean but sadly there was a full house and no place to sit. Not surprisingly there were several service windows closed. I wish we could have a proposition on the ballot that could improve Social Security and DMV services. But I digress... The good news is that I found a coffeehouse in the area that is within walking distance. (Better Buzz coffee). If you are an alcoholic then you are in luck too because there is a liquor store almost directly across the street from the Social Security office. Coincidence? I think not... The area has a very limited amount of places to walk to to grab a bite to eat so come prepared with your peanut butter and jelly sandwich, unless you want to buy a $15 burrito at one of the local shut-down-looking restaurants nearby. read more

Very surprised. Came at 3:39pm and was out by 3:47pm. Kid you not! Came for a name change and brought all the necessary paperwork (list found online) with the application SS-5 filled out. Do the same and you'll be in and out of there in no time! Name changes do not require an appointment. When you walk in, there is a security guard on the left and a kiosk on the right. Head over to the kiosk and go through the check in process. Grab a number and have a seat somewhere. Make sure to listen for your number. You can also check the TV screens around the room for numbers they are currently servicing to see if you find your number on there. Some of the windows are hidden in the back left of the building, just follow the numbers above each window. The lady who helped me was just so speedy. I'm sure they do this all day long lol. Be sure to really double check the names on your new card because it's important to get it right. The lady who helped me misspelled my name the first time around, but hey, it happens, and it's up to YOU to make sure everything is correct. Then they send you your new card in the mail a couple of weeks later. Still quite surprised with just how fast the service was and how easy they made it. read more

Beginning the retirement process, starting with SS. Office opened at 9am; we were out by 9:50! Similar to dmv setup, but it moved very quickly. Jessica walked us thru; tremendous help! read more

I went there on a whim with absolutely no forms filled out literally at all. I'm not usually like that. I am crazy organized have all my ducks in a row but something made me just go there. Found a parking space and the guard pointed to the kiosk. Guard said Read and follow what it says. So I just went up to the kiosk and typed my info. It asked me a few simple questions. Last name first name middle name; ssn; address and did I have my forms filled. I answered no. I sat down and panic set in and I grabbed the form and started scribbling trying to fill out the form before my number was called. No more than I scribbled my name and my number was called. I got to the window and was embarrassed I was literally unprepared. She was very pleasant asked for my D/L; old SSN Card and some questions and printed the document to review and sign. I had a few correction. She reprinted with the correction and I signed the paperwork. I came on a Tuesday and by that Friday in the same week; I had my brand spanking new SS Card with my name change. Just to let you know I changed my name to the previous name so it wasn't difficult. I can't say that about my DMV nor can I say that about my USPS Passport. I had called ahead to make sure I had all my paperwork ready. I asked all the questions ahead of the appointment to be successful at my visit to the DMV. To date, I have visited my DMV twice now to try and get my REAL ID before May 2023 and still have not accomplished a darn thing. The DMV recommended me to do the Passport first. So, I called the USPS Passport Office and asked them to please review my paperwork prior to my appt date. I don't want to waste my appt. (TIP: It takes a month to get a Passport appt.). After reviewing she gave a resounding a stamp of approval. On the day of my passport appt I was denied bc whatever name is on your D/L is what's on your new passport. Your dissolved marriage paperwork isn't enough. So get the DMV to update your D/L first!!! Save a lot of heartaches in the end. Good Luck to all my colleagues. read more

David was so helpful. What a shame it's not that way at the DMV. He corrected an error that was made many years ago and never found. Grateful. read more

So am here again for another thing they messed up.I don't understand how it takes them a whole year to update address and then they stop the old lady's benefits, 2 wks ago I spent 3 hours and a half waiting in line to correct their mistake and still it's not fixed...they worker comment last time was don't keep asking what went wrong or who's mistake it is if u wanna solve ur problem...this is ridiculous..no phone number to call,can't make an appointment, I don't know how they expect a blind and deff to solve all these messes... Update I was just seen and was trying to ask and the workers go : I do wanna listen to ur..... Omg can employees make such comments..it seems they get away with alot in this location Amazing read more

Made an apt with a gal (I wish I had confirmed who she was, although I'm pretty sure she would have lied anyway) for a Wednesday at 2:30. I didn't have confidence that she knew what she was doing from the start and even offered mid call- my hesitations and asked to be transferred to someone else. Pretty sure that's what pissed her off. I have made an apt. with the social security office before and have had minimal issues - this lady was terrible and I should have just hung up and tried for someone else. It felt like she was just wasting my time at this point even though she insisted she wasn't. I was put on hold multiple times for multiple minutes each time and by the end she just confirmed my apt verbally and said it's okay that I didn't receive the text. I should have known right then and there that she had screwed me over. It's Wednesday and guess what office is closed- yep- this one. I hope our call was recorded and she gets fired. Whoever was on call March 14, 2022 about 11:300AM (she claimed she was the only one making apts). It's people like her that make all government workers get a bad rap. read more

Purpose of my trip here was to change my last name as I recently got married. I live in valley center and work in sorrento valley. This was closest to home. I could have gone to other locations like downtown but I try to avoid driving in downtown as much as possible. I initially thought about going to the office before work on a Friday so I can get there before the office opens and be one of the first ones there. I was trying to avoid the long wait. Then I found out it opened at 9, not 8, so I decided to just go to work first and come here after. I was preparing myself to wait a long time so I brought a magazine and made sure my phone was charged. This place is easy to get to and there is plenty of parking. I walked to the door and there was no line getting in. I was given a number and sat down. I filled out the paperwork prior to arriving but the security will help you out if you don't have the paperwork. Anyways, 15 minutes later my number got called and the worker verified a few things and printed out a document saying I changed it. I even got the marriage certificate back. When I left, there was a small line getting in. I believe you do have the option of mailing in the application to change your name with a certified marriage certificate. I get worried about mail getting lost so that's why I came here :). People go to the social security office for various purposes. Their bad experience here may be due to purposes other than changing their name. read more

What a joke this location is. I arrived at 2:18p was called about an half hour later, only to be told that I needed to wait for another rep. After I witnessed others coming in/out after I've arrived I went up to a window and inquired. Well my ticket was never placed back into the que. I was never gonna be called apparently. So please be aware if your waited more than 30-mins go and inquire. Don't trust the system. I closed the place out departing at 4:35p read more

I may have already arrived here in a grumpy mood, most likely because I had just spent two hours at the DMV in Oceanside, dragged myself here, expected a short visit because a lot of the yelp reviews...but I was wrong, soooo wrong. It was a Tuesday afternoon around 12pm. I stood in line behind about 5 people just to get called into the main room. The security guard who was calling each individual in and getting their basic information was pretty rude and seemed to take his job way too seriously. I was given my call number and told to fill out the form I was provided once I explained to the guard what service id be needing. The lobby was PACKED. I refused to get a seat right away because it would've been one of those awkward things where you have to walk sideways between an old man who's half asleep with his legs stretched across the aisle, and mother and her 5 kids who've seemed to have made a play pen by their seat. I've given the second star because the office was very clean...the people who were sitting by me weren't..but that's besides the point. The chairs in the lobby were extremely uncomfortable and squeaky. It took TWO HOURS for my number to be called. Once I was called inside "room A" I was helped by an older guy who just wanted to get his job done and a girl who shared the office with him said "Is there still a line out the door?" I said "yes.." The girl let out an exhausted "UGH" and plopped down into her chair. Two stars because once my number was finally called, the process was quick but the two hour wait was just completely ridiculous. read more

I recently went here to change my last name to my awesome new married last name (yay!) For anyone who needs to do this, it's pretty easy as long as you have an ID with you and the marriage certificate. There is a form that you do need to fill out that you can get online, however, the wait is so long at the office that you can just fill one out there. Also their hours are like 9 am to 3:30. 3:30 guys? Come on! Luckily I had a day off during the week to go down and get everything taken care of. Like I was saying about the long wait.., I got my number just like at the DMV, and there was 5 people ahead of me, with four windows open. I waited for almost an hour. Really? Yes... Really. :( Anyways, I'm glad I won't have to go there anytime soon... And that it's out of the way...! read more

I was absolutely dreading coming here to change my name- thinking it would be just like a trip to the DMV. I could no have been more wrong! 1) So quick! From the time I parked my car to the time I left it was no joke 15 minutes- and I was legally changing my name. So simple! 2) The staff was so nice and pleasant. 3) The security guard helps you as soon as you walk in and gets you all set. 4) Parking was a breeze and the location was super convenient- right off the 78. read more

Wow! Fast, easy & friendly! Went on a Thursday @ 2:00 pm without an appointment to get a replacement card. Was totally prepared to wait forever and it only took 5 min! Stoked! read more

Social Security - Public Services & Government Near Me - San Marcos, California

Been to the one in San Marcos four times to speak to a representative behind the window. I needed info on how SS works. Not one appeared to have time or interest in helping me determine the advantages / disadvantages of early retirement and how my defined benefits plan could be affected. In fact, I received differing brief answers from 3 of the workers. Didn't have appt, so waited about an hour. Months later, I'm still going to have to take time off work in hope of finding that one individual whose face has an expression other than glazed boredom. At least the guard at the door is polite and human. Two stars are for him. read more

My visit to this office was a huge surprise! What a pleasant experience. The person that helped me was knowledgeable, efficient and nice. The checkin process is not intuitive. The sign says check in at the kiosk which you walk past as you enter. I looked for something with a person but it looks like one of those freestanding atm's. Check in was easy once the security guy pointed me in the right direction. My total time in the office was about 15 minutes. read more

Excellent service since you show up either outside the door for waiting line or inside. The guard is super efficient and respectful, the window attendants are willing to help you with a good gesture . So glad to get this type of service on public places. You guys rock. read more

Found this office by chance online Excellent service Easy to find and in a nice part of town Staff was very kind and helpful Security felt safe and attendant was very knowledgeable in assisting questions read more

This social security office seems very new. The building is reality very clean. And usually less crowded compared to the Oceanside and other offices otherwise I would had gotten this place one star. The bad about this place is there is really no signage about what to do when you enter. Just a security guard yelling at confused people who show up at the door. The signs that do exist are out of position to be viewed for people entering in some are even facing the seats opposite where is is supposed to point. For example What's the point of having a sign facing the seating area that say "please wait back here to respect the privacy of the person checking in" shouldn't the sign face toward the door where people walk in which is in the opposite direction? The rope line to the checkin is also unmarked and misleading and people line up wrong and get yelled at and masses of people need to change positions in line.. They really should have better signs and lines directing people to where they are supposed to go immediately at the doorway. If not outside. I read that some people had been yelled at for not waiting outside and I totally understand there is no way for them to know where they were supposed to wait. Another pet peeve is there are no signs at all stating no talking on a cellphone in the lobby but again depending on how busy the security guard is and the mood he is in might yell at you if you do so. This office surely feels like stepping into a police state to me. Again why that sign facing the seats don't inform this rather than what wrote above doesn't make sense at all. The other issues is that the employees are kind of clueless in what they are doing. It appears the security guard knows better than the staff and he helps communicate for you which somehow would make a positive difference then you talking to the employee Though overall is it too much to ask to put better signage in this place. I.e. No talking on cell phone in lobby, no scissors, where to line up to get in? While this is usually much less crowded and newer than the Oceanside office that office is much more streamlined and organized. Therefore I prefer going to Oceanside office whenever possible. read more

Get here early if you don't want to wait!! The line starts forming at least 30 minutes prior to opening. The security officer was polite and directed everyone where to go. He said social security card issues go much faster than benefits issues. In and out in LESS THAN 10 MINUTES!!!! Impressive. read more

Absolutely frustrating experience so far. They mishandle anything they are given and apparently have no communication system in place with each other. If they don't know something or are unable to do it, they will waste your time and pretend like it's taken care of. Opt for online when possible. read more

I was pleasantly surprised when I visited this office yesterday (Wednesday morning) because we were out of there much sooner than we expected (1 hr 2 min to be precise). Not only that, all the staff we interfaced with were very nice. Here's a summary of our visit: 8:17 am - Arrived at the office. There was already a small line waiting by the door. We were probably 7th or 8th in line. 8:43 am - Security informed the group that they will open the doors to check people in shortly and reminded everyone of that gov't agency rules apply (i.e. no weapons, drinks aside from water in closed containers, etc.) 8:45 am - Security opened the doors, inspected our bags, and guided patrons to a queque 8:52 am - We were already speaking to a clerk who checked us in and made sure we had all the forms we needed. I needed a name change and citizenship update and my husband needed to get a replacement. The lady who checked us in was very nice and funny. She also let us know that we came in at a good time so we should be out of there in a jiffy. 9:08 am - We were called to Window 7, where we were greeted by another nice lady. She was really patient when she had to make updates twice cause we missed a small detail on the receipt. She also explained to me what I should do next for passport and DL. 9:19 am - We were done with everything and out of there. read more

I needed to go in for a name change. Went in at 2:08pm, checked in at the kiosk, waited for a short amount of time to be called up and was out the door at 2:24pm! Yesss!! read more

Honest to god these people are great they helped me out so much especially Douglas Morales thank you this is really gonna help me get back on my feet thank you again read more

Even without an appointment the lines move pretty quickly. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly in helping me through Medicare questions. Occasionally the volume of the announcements of next number to be serviced is a little low. They need to take into account hearing and visually impaired older folks. Other than that, the chairs are comfortable and it feels good to have a security guard on the premises. read more

Really nice location and well organized. I was finished within 30 minutes. The woman Helping me was pleasant and efficient. She did say I missed the rush where people waited up to an hour. I figured I'd be waiting that long without an appointment. read more

Recently married went in to change my name. In and out in 45 mins. Went in without an appointment on a Friday around 915am. I was surprised at how quickly everything was done. All I needed was my drivers license and marriage license. Was given a form to show the DMV. Went to the DMV the same day and got my name changed no problem. read more

The bummer about SSA is that there is really no one to complain to- the most aggravating experience ever.

The long gray haired lady at the check in window is rude and interrupted me so much that she sent me home to Poway to get forms that I did not need and wasted my whole day. She would not hear what I had to say and insisted on certain info so I went home and got it only to return and the guy that processes my paperwork tells me the forms not necessary. She treated me like a child. She had horrible breath too which added to the bad experience. Some people should find work behind the scenes and not work with the public. read more

Wow I never thought I would be giving five stars to a government agency! I came here last week to get a new Social Security card and I was there for just a little over an hour. I did not have an appointment so I stood in line outside for about 10 minutes before the security guard let me in; once inside I waited about 55 minutes to be called up. Once at my window everything was really fast. The guy who helped me was nice, helpful, quick, and efficient. He was also young and pretty cute, haha. I was told I would get my new Social Security card mailed to me within two weeks. Since it was right before Christmas and before the new year I thought to myself that it would take longer due to the holidays but I got my new Social Security card in the mail exactly a week later. So glad that something can be fast and hassle free!! read more

Horrible, old gray hair gal, w. boys haircut: Went in for name update, for correction on Medi-Care, card which comes from SS data base. Agent rude, arrogant, and will not listen, just talks over us. Wife and I went in, to get help w. this, no help just disrespectfull. Going to call our Federal reps. read more

Well, it is government red tape and you do expect to wait, but if you were thinking one hour - fail. Block out your whole day. Tried calling to set an appointment but told that was not possible (after a 30min wait-hold). Lots of people and not enough staff. You would think this justifies to create another position, look at efficiencies, streamlining, staffing, simplifying each transaction, productivity, queing theories. Easily more than a 100 people and only 3 windows. No indication how long this may take since they have 7 alphabet-numbers and they call them randomly. Is frustrating. Your tax dollars at work. Argh :( read more

I was in and out in less than 10 minutes! I didn't have an appointment but had my application already filled out for a name change (got married!). It was 9 minutes to be exact. I'm sure your wait time will vary depending on the service you request. Staff was friendly and efficient. I went in at 1pm on a Tuesday afternoon which may have also contributed to my luck here. read more

Reason for visit: A new social security card. Check in was quick. Approximately 30 persons waiting. Security guard pleasant. Teller whom processed my info was very polite and pleasant. Visit time 15min. read more

Arrived roughly 15 min before it opened. I was in and out quickly and the service was excellent. Would highly recommend this location!

In spite of all the rumors I heard and after 8 days of trying to get my needs met through SS on the phone; I was fortunate enought to walk into the San Marcos office at 3:30pm and be out by 3:55pm, taking care of what I needed with Medicare and SS BENEFITS. Thank you Brent for being swift and efficient. (I had tried the O'side office a week ago, where there was no parking and no place to sit and the guard told me it would be at least 3 hrs before I might be able to speak to anyone) Grateful I tried the San Marcos office, go in the afternoon, chances are better you will be taken care of promptly. I am sure the San Marcos office gets overloaded with cases as does the O'side office, it's just lucky timing. read more

Got there 10 minutes before they opened and when they started letting people in it was a steady flow of people going in and out. Door man/security was very helpful and was very detailed on what i needed before getting in the main line. The help i got at the window was remarkable. They answered all my questions and enthusiastic about helping me. I was in and out in less than an hour. I highly recommend this location read more

They worst office I has ever visited. The girl name Marcella was very rude. I asked to speak with the Manager he was half sleeping or high and talking me and didn't understand their own documentation. Hwta kind of people are handling our sensitive documents? read more

So, I was really dreading going to get my name changed at the Social Security office especially since they didn't offer appointments for this service. I decided to rip off the bandaid and go in this morning...I headed over a little bit early before they opened...I arrived about 10 min before 9:00am and there was a huge line already, but they were already checking people in! After it was all said and done, I was in and out of there in under an hour! I have to say, this office knows what they are doing and were able to get people in and out in a timely manner. I also want to mention...everyone working that I came in contact with had a pleasant demeanor as well! read more

Not bad for walk in service. I came here for a name change and the guard at the door was helpful and kind. I was told the wait was 25 minutes, but it ended up being an hour. When it was my turn, the process took 5 minutes. It was lightning fast and the staff was great to work with. All they needed was the form I completed online and the actual marriage certificate. So easy. read more

cant complain about the service I received, I just feel that the process can and should go quicker if all windows are opened to service customers. I spotted atleast 5 closed windows from where i was sitting, some places I could not see, and there was a room filled with people to where people had to stand not enough sitting space.But, the lady at window 2 that helped me was quick and helped me in good time once I was called after hour plus wait read more