2 bad opinions for this DMV A) I arrived at 3pm, waited in the scorching hot sun until 4:50pm to be told we cannot be let inside. (There was less than 20 people in front of me the whole time). It seems covid is making this system even worse. B) in the picture I've attached you will see people standing in the hot sun. 5 mins before I took this image at 4:10pm the employees removed the canopy that was shading them. I asked a staff member "why did they do such a thing so early? You close at 5pm" his answer was "we must be out of the door by 5pm so we must shut down early". How can this be correct? It's advertised that you stop letting customers in at 5pm. You should take the canopy down at 5pm. We were standing there for another 45 mins in the sun. Honestly I think it's a form of preparation where they can get home faster than usual and still get their full pay (tax payer money). FYI all private business are going the EXTRA MILE for their clients whilst the government offices such as this DMV are doing a lot less. Shame on you, giving the American government a bad name. read more

Winnetka DMV - Area where they removed the canopy shading the tax paying citizens from the sun 50 mins before closing rime. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Winnetka, California

Let me start off by saying that if I could rate this 0 stars, I WOULD! I am absolutely furious with the atrocious service I received at this DMV location! The so-called "instructor" for my road test was not just rude, but downright mean! He screamed at me COUNTLESS times for not doing things literally one second before I should. Despite my flawless driving, I was failed for a situation that was clearly the fault of another driver! He came out of nowhere when I had the right of way, and the instructor screamed at me for it. Not only that, but when he informed me I had failed, he smiled with contempt. This place is a joke, and their lack of professionalism and fairness is beyond infuriating! Save yourself the headache and go elsewhere for your driving test! LITERALLY ANYWHERE ELSE! read more

absolutely terrible I mean TERRIBLE SERVICE these people don't know how to do their job and have disgusting attitudes! I wish I could give them 0 stars. Absolutely disgusting service from these people. read more

Salia the front office personnel was vary Rude telling me to shut up or She would call chp to have me Kicked off the property. I was talking to other's in line For 6 hours with no water or bathroom in 105° Heat And or. Im calling Sacramento And file a formal complaint. Vary rude and disrespectful how she Decided to handle the issue at hand And she should be fired from her job If she can not handle customer's. I was verbally insulated in front of customers Not good to lose your cool. And not having water is aginst The ada law, Americans with disabilities Need water for medication's and For standing in the heat for long period Of time. I.e. ive been in the sun For 6 hours with no water or restroom read more

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Do not coming to this dmv if you want to be treated like you are dog shit. We tried to get our registration renewed and the employee named Noni was very rude and disrespectful for no reason. We had some discrepancies on the paperwork from the car dealership and Noni didn't even want to explain or even help us to resolve the problem. Noni just wanted to be rude and disrespectful so he can move on to the next person. If you do end up here watch out for this guy. Filipino guy named Noni. read more

As you see, several reviews about the driving test by the "lady who wears a black hat, glasses, and a trenchcoat, called Jackie." Extremely rude and disrespectful towards my senior dad, not intelligible, and disqualifying my dad for BS reasons two times!! After the first test, she mentioned, "Don't bring your dad back, as we would disqualify him every time." And she did so. Is this attitude ok with DMV? read more

Very busy location but Leandra made our visit so pleasant and quick. She definitely took extra steps going above an beyond to make sure we were properly helped. Thank you for being a breath of fresh air! read more

Winnetka DMV - Full house - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Winnetka, California

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awesome customer service ! in and out. very impressed. I'm new to the area. I am elated by the wonderful people in this community

I was debating posting this review, but I want to warn others. Be VERY cautious when going to this DMV for your driver's test. My examiner (I believe his name was Carlos) was incredibly hostile and aggressive towards me. When I made an error, he shouted at me. Further, he gave me unsafe directions. I was stopped behind a vehicle with its hazard lights on, and as I was waiting to change lanes he kept shouting at me to go while there was oncoming traffic in the next lane. If I had gone when he told me to, there would've been a collision. After the test, he gave me zero feedback. All he did was belittle me for making the errors. He shouted at me NOT to go inside to reschedule (I think he just didn't want me to complain about him). I will be complaining about him to the Sacramento office. Some people (like Carlos) think that they can bully you just because of their role as a DMV examiner. For anyone who's encountered a crappy examiner - please know that you have the power to complain. You don't have to take it lying down. read more

Good news folks! The DMV is finally moving into the future by making most services online! If you need to review your drivers license but are required to make an office visit to update your photo, take a vision test, etc.. here's my advise: 1: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLNE! But try to avoid going on a Friday (it's a long story). 2: Even if you're renewing a drivers license, fill out the online application. It doesn't matter if you're just reviewing a license, it's still required that you compete a new one. That will save you time. Also, make sure you pay the fee while you're at it. 3: If you need to take the knowledge test (formally known as the written test), either complete it online or just take the 45 minute course prior to your visit. YES, you can do it online now!!! I decided to take the course and it was easy. Make sure you keep the email that confirmed your enrollment in the drivers course (or the test). That'll have your confirmation number that the clerk can look up to make sure you completed it. Trust me, its very convenient and I'm glad that the DMV finally has online testing options! 4: If you follow my advise, on the day of your appointment you'll be in and out in about 30 minutes. You'll just take a finger print, a new photo, vision test (if required), and you're outta there! read more

I always make my DMV appointments here because this is one of the better ones! If you can get an appointment online, do it - you'll be seen quickly. Have your appointment code READY otherwise you'll be sent to Desk #30, which my friend, is not a good thing and guarantees you a long wait.... This dmv will be busy, but it's pretty efficiently run, office workers were courteous and kind to my baby. I was in and out within 30 mins. Better dmv than others I've been too. read more

I had an amazing experience here. They had a kind lady come out before opening to help guide you in the right direction and advise on what forms you need. Once you enter the gentleman helping you get your number was very pleasant. The gentleman that helped me with my registration was so kind and made me laugh and put a huge smile on my face leaving there. I really wish I remembered everyone's name. read more

Wonderful experience applying for my REAL ID. Prior to the visit: I completed the REAL ID application and uploaded documents online for review. Once documents were approved, I received an email with a confirmation code, the list of documents to bring, and instructions to report to the appointment line at the DMV. Day of visit: I arrived last Friday around 10:10 am. I went to the canopy at the front entrance, showed the lady the REAL ID confirmation code and asked where I would go for the appointment line. She reviewed my documents, attached a card with a letter written on it, clipped it to my documents, and asked me to wait to get my temperature taken. Once taken, I was directed to go inside and proceed to the appointment line. A gentlemen reviewed my documents and wrote a number next to the letter on the card and showed me where to sit (chairs are socially distanced) to wait for my number/window to be called on the screen. About 5 mins later, my number/window was called. I was asked to show my DL, review and approve my REAL ID application for accuracy on a screen. Once the application was processed I was directed to go to Camera One to get my picture taken. I was the 2nd person in line. Once the picture was taken, I was advised it'll take about 30 days to receive the REAL ID in the mail. I was in and out in about 1/2 hour. I know! I was surprised how fast and smooth the entire process/visit was. Everyone I encountered were pleasant, efficient, and everything moved along pretty quickly. Fee for the application was $0. I believe I was lucky and came on a good day/time. Just make sure you have everything out and ready for their review during your visit. Thank you for the great experience! read more

Happiest place on earth lol Didn't have the worst time here, nor did I have the best. I and others whom had appointments at 11am were told to get to the back of the line so the people who were late for their 10:20-30 appointments could be helped first. I didn't mind waiting but I feel that maybe those who got there on time should have precedence over those who didn't. read more

This Location Has the worst Customer Service. The Manager Marion Rude And Not Very Helpful to be in that position. She should Be Demoted Til she Gets Her Attitude together and knows how time TREAT PEOPLE. Seems everyone else is Nice until I had to Deal with such a Nasty person. I'll never Go to to that Office Again read more

Wendy at Winnetka DMV Driving Test Counter 26 is the nicest person behind the counter at any establishment, let alone a crowded DMV. Thank you for being friendly, smiley and helpful! You are a gem! We appreciate you. read more

They are so untrained and it looks like they know somehow to get away from higher management what ever we need they are keep saying Sacramento we go to Other DMV in Simi Valley they are helping so much in ventura county too. We don't know why some Government office but different rules and regulations and LAWS. Would you please join us in case you have trouble with your titles stock In Sacramento DMV and they giving you hard times for class action suites we need 101 signatures please let's do it to gather and connect please Don't ask America what it can do for you??? Ask yourselves what you can do for greater America. Beloved Mr President J.F. Kennedy read more

It took three people to tell me I don't need any paperwork. Just go to the vin verification line outside and you should be good to go. Then you wait in the vin verification line for someone to come out. Worst unknowing not knowledgeable people that work here. Not to mention the lady at window 17 was rude but unfortunately will still have her job tomorrow and the next and the next day....just another broken government system..... read more

I am with my daughter in the DMV to get the real ID and The permit and today is not so stressful this location is so comfortable and the people hair is nice read more

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They hate their jobs and are very rude. This place is one big failure for any customer service. Left confused and angry.

I realized two entire months after my birthday that my drivers license expired...to my dismay during COVID-19 I only had the worst in mind of how my experience would be since they do not allow you to renew online other than filling out an application and receiving a confirmation code. No option to make an appointment...nada lol So I cleared my morning work calendar with the anticipation of standing in line for hours upon hours. I arrived around 8:00 am to stand in line that wrapped all the way around the building. About an hour later nearing the front a lady will come by asking "what your DMV business is". I had to come prepared with two forms of Identity ie. birth certificate and expired drivers license, two forms of proof of residency and my social security card...whoa has it been this long since I have been to the DMV to renew my license? Mind you this was my second attempt because I didn't know about all of this extra documentation even after I did my research however I must have summarized the page and missed the fine print because I was going for my "clear ID" for travel and was denied for not bringing in my marriage certificate, my last name does not match my birth certificate! UGH! Please read all of your DMV online information boys and girls. I opted for the regular drivers license to at lease obey the law in the meantime. Upon entering the building you stand in yet another line, at last you see the light at the end of the tunnel ie. the lady at the front counter only to hand you a number which I think mine was 5555 :0/ *exaggerating* but you get my point. They take your cell phone number and state that they will text you when your number comes close in about another 40 min. so you, (and I quote) "can go sit in your car". Ummm...errrr...wha what if I took the bus or walked because I didn't have a current license or my husband couldn't drive and stay with me because he's at work!?! All of the seats, once back inside were appropriately separated for social distancing, I see a lady walking around spraying down counters but not once did I see them clean the little "do-dad" that you have put put your thumb on for your finger print, ewe I think I forgot to hand sanitize right after! LOL I am ok however that was a month ago! I believe the entire process took about 3 hours. Tsk! read more

Winnetka DMV - My virtual ticket...I was getting closer to the front of the line - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Winnetka, California

It said on line that you can't make an appointment for the renewal of the license. So I went to the office and there are not any information. The customer service is lousy basically you have to reed their minds. They hate their job or something. read more

Got there early, waited less than 2 minutes to be seen. In and out in 15 minutes to renew my license and get a real ID. I used the online application and brought my documents with me. Really great service. Everyone was super friendly, especially the lady who helped me with my documents. Honestly, don't know why there are negative stereotypes.... I feel like if you are nice to the DMV employees they are nice to you. read more

Incredibly pleasant with an appointment. I was in and out in 30 minutes to add a motorcycle license to my ID. This included the paperwork, picture, and written exam. Everyone who helped me was great. I'd definitely recommend an appointment. I was able to get an appointment here for the next day. read more

I had some business toke care at the DMV, and came here early at 7:30 AM, to find out the open at 9:00 AM on Wednesdays. What kind of establishment is this. During Covid they make all these people wait here, and the processing time is so long. They should open even early. Never come to this location, to to the one in Thousand Oaks or Simi Valley. read more

Winnetka DMV - Huge line all the way to the end of the street - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Winnetka, California

Wanted to renew my drive's and change the address. I was kept in the line after being told I had to do the test. I attempTed the test 3 when computer was say end of session before starting. I was told go back in the line 3 times. only to find out later I was not supposed to do the test. They didn't even say sorry. Secondly, they said I'd be getting my license within 3 weeks, it's 4weeks now, I haven't got it yet! When I called yesterday, I was told they're still verifying it, and yet I went with all the required government issued documents. If you're not yet a citizen, it's better to use another DMV, not Winnetka. read more

I was pleasently surprised with my experience at the Winnetka DMV. Like most people I know, I really try to stay away from the DMV if I can help it. I always try to do anything I need to online. I've heard, and experienced a lot of horror stories when it comes to super long wait times, unfriendly, and not too competent staff, and inefficent processes. I was dreading my visit, but due to me needing my Real ID, I had no choice but to come in. Mind you, before I came in, I tried to set an appoitnment online, Unfortunatly, the DMV does not schedule any appointments for the Real ID. I was however, able to complete my application online and was able to get a confirmation # to expedite my visit. When I arrived at 8am, I was disappointed, but not surprised, to see a line down the block. I stood in line and and just prepared myself to spend the day there. To my surprise, the line moved pretty quickly. As you get closer to the front of the line, there are DMV employees that come over to you to get you prepared for your visit. Since I was there for my Real ID, the rep reviewed my documents that I brought, and took down my confirmation # that was provided when I completed my application online. She clipped my documents together, and gave me a slip with my # for my place in line. She then directed me to the next line to go to. That line also moved pretty quickly. Pretty soon, they directed me to seating inside the office. Within minutes, my number was called. I gave the DMV rep my documents the previous rep clipped together, and the slip with my application #, and in about 10 minutes, was then directed to the picture line. After my picture was taken, I was done. The whole thing took about 2 hrs. This DMV is the most efficient one I've been to. The staff was friendly and super helpful, and the process was the most streamlined I've seen any DMV do. I arrived at 8am, and was in my car leaving by 10am. If you absolutely have to visit the DMV, Winnetka is definitely the most efficient one. read more

Got my DL! well i'm glad i can drive here in LA now but the waits are too long here. Luckily i went when it was raining back in Feb but it still took 2 hrs to get out of there. The staff is super sweet though and they do work their hardest to get done as soon as they can. read more

Had a very positive experience at this DMV renewing my drivers license with Real ID. I did most of the work online the night before (uploading images of the relevant docs, etc.) and did not have to wait long at all. Apparently, you can join the appointment-holder line if you start the process online. Arrived at about 8:05am and was back in my car by 8:50 -- that includes the whole process, eye test, taking a new photo, etc. Very friendly staff that are expediting and quickly processing everyone. Hats off to this well-run location and kudos to the staff and management. I never thought I'd leave a 5-star review for the DMV, so that says a lot. If you're in a high risk group, note that you will obviously have to take off your mask for the license photo and they did require a thumb print (on a scanner) twice during the process. If you're handicapped, you may want to bring your placard because there's limited seating due to social distancing. Fellow citizens: please be sure to cover your nose with your mask so we don't all get sick from your snot particles. These nose-breathers are embarrassing themselves. Tuck your schnoz in! Also, wear a mask as a courtesy while you're standing outside on line. read more

Better. Less wait times. Great job in the system updates makes things prompt and easier. You can even come during your lunch time and wrap up depending on what you needed. read more

I never thought it would happen to me... normally that would lead somewhere else but I really didn't know how else I could convey my surprise at how painless this visit was. It was license renewal time, with the added bonus of having to prove I am me so I thought this was going to be awful. I made my appointment took the day off brought a big book and was prepared for a long day. It was no more than 20 minutes from checking in to my number being called. Handed over my paperwork the clerk did his thing and I was out of there in another 15 minutes or so. Even the no appointment line was moving pretty well. This office has added several new windows and it has made a difference! In the time I was there I noticed a professional attitude and a willingness to help and be patient. I will give one piece of advice the bottleneck generally isn't the staff it's people that aren't prepared, spend the time to go to the website and make sure you have everything you need and it will help you and everyone waiting behind you. read more

always some bs i got noticed that my plates were in now its some bs not today u got to be kidding me, luckily they found them . leandra saved this guy ass he ddnt know wth he was doing. read more

It's a DMV. What did I expect? DMVs tend to not be very different from each other, though I hear Simi Valley is a lot less busy, so if you want to make the drive, be my guest. I took my driving test here twice, meaning I obviously failed at least once. My driving teacher [a 74 year-old Vietnamese Vietnam War veteran/cancer survivor] uses this DMV as his central location for testing, which makes sense. He also uses this place to practice for the test itself, as well as practicing plain old left and right turns. Needless to say, I am all too familiar with this particular DMV. Driving test #1: My appointment was for 1:15PM but I got to check in early at 1 and test fairly soon after. The first tester I had was named Darren (I think)? His initials were DQ, tester ID #10. He was very gracious and let me retry parking next to a curb and backing up because I screwed it up. We went through the whole of the test without issue (it seemed) and I was confident I passed. At the end after I parked the car, the tester started drawing something on my test paper and started to explain to me what had gone wrong. I nodded and kept hoping that this was just a note for after I get my license and that I would be okay. He, however, failed me but he also graded really easily so it was most likely my fault. I actually was really close to passing, but drove too close to the middle of a residential street [on Arminta, critical driving error: lane violation] which I confused for a different one [Blythe, right next to Arminta and is a lot narrower and would have warranted my reckless driving]. Just a silly mistake that's easy to fix. The lady working at window 26 was very helpful and sympathetic in letting me reschedule. I got an appointment for exactly a week later. Driving test #2: My appointment was for 3:15PM but it was so busy that day I didn't start my test until after 4PM. My second tester didn't even bother giving me his name. He was angry from the start: I'm supposed to roll down my window to hand him my things, but he didn't communicate this to me and simply stared until I did. Not very helpful, but he had the authority to pass or fail me so I couldn't really do anything. Keep this power imbalance in mind. He didn't go through the whole pre-drive checklist which made me nervous but he was probably rushing. He put his jacket on the front passenger's seat (calling my car dirty?) and then told me to go. Immediately, he docked points off because I forgot to do my traffic check on the left (I still kick myself for this). His attitude kept me on my toes, so I was nervous throughout the test (probably not great since I should be calm so that I could focus only on driving safely, but he probably didn't plan to live any longer, the way he was yelling at me). I did my parking next to a curb and then backed up, which was quick thankfully, and we continued onto a residential street where I failed the first time. I got nervous and tried to drive in my lane but I noticed my speed was compromised. He also noticed, yelling, "Why are you driving so slow?!" I responded, "I'm sorry..." Yikes. I then pulled onto a main street after a few turns. Later, he had me pull into the yellow line marked lane to turn left. I was about to turn left after the last car passed, but then my tester yelled, "TURN!!!" And of course, I turned because I was going to anyway, but he then continued, "Why didn't you turn?!!!" I mean I did, so I responded, "I was waiting for the last car to pass!!!" He then had me take the last street to pull into the DMV. While we were on that final road, I could hear him using his pen to count up all my errors and it sounded like a lot so I figured that I failed. Once we got back into the DMV property I had to park in the final parking spot. He didn't choose one so I kept waiting and asking, "Which spot?" He yelled, "PARK! PARK!" I retorted, "I didn't know which spot you wanted!" Once I finally put the car into park, he said so coldly, "Do you have any questions?" I said, "No." He handed me my paper and simply said, "Practice your driving." My heart sank. That could only mean one thing. My permit was also about to expire in exactly a week and any available appointment was after that, so I was hopeless. I looked at my paper and my jaw dropped. A pass! "Thank you mister! Thank you so much!" immediately spewed out of my lips. "You're welcome?" the tester said, almost sounding confused. I struggled to be extra polite because he just granted me my road freedom and I tried giving him back his jacket and I was so happy. I got out of my car and literally jumped for joy, telling my teacher I finally passed. The whole California DMV system was down that afternoon so I had to come back the next day to get my license processed. There was mixed communications between the DMV workers. Some lady told me to make an appointment. No appointment needed, turns out. Whatever, I got my license. read more

Winnetka DMV - My driving teacher! - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Winnetka, California

I had my test here today. In middle of pandemic , they have organised things very well and the examiner was very polite too. Moreover the route here is very easy . I only took 4 hours of classes and passed. read more

They need customer training Sacramento send some one undercover you will find a lot things. So un professional

I recommend coming here for driving test. Instructors look kind and mine was straight forward and was very generous. Simi valley was the opposite and terrible. There's so much more space as well! read more

This has to be the worst DMV in California or at least LA County! These people are absolutely miserable and they treat you like they are having the worst day. The clerk assisting me recently was rude and condescending. She was giving me a vision test and kept changing the line on me, once I began. I was asked to read a line then changed it in the middle, not once, not twice but three times. I couldn't believe it! Nora needs more training or kept behind the scenes. Didn't want to answer any questions I asked. I will never go back to this location in the future. read more

good service, wonderful staff and clean bathrooms! I was there and it took me less than half an hour for my name to be called wow!

Early arrival is strongly suggested if trying to jump in at 8 am non appointment I arrived at 6:50am and people were already in line. Others began showing up at 7:20am and the lines began to become huge. the front office ladies were attentive and on point 15 minutes to opening. The security guard was pleasant and assisting. What a different experience! read more

Overall this is a good DMV. Most employees are fast and efficient, and friendly for the most part. I was able to get through applying for a Real ID and I took a new photo, with zero complications. I was then sent to window #30 for a temporary license. The Employee, at window #30, named DOLORES (she refused to give me her last name ), was not only unfair, but rude and condescending as well. It was my turn in line and when I arrived at the window Dolores started helping other customers, that were in line behind me. These were mainly customers with much more complicated issues. I stood there quiet for a bit, and when I noticed that she had zero concern for my time, I finally said, " can you please attend to me, because I was in line before all these other people?" At that point she started calling me " honey" and "sweetheart" in a condescending way, and she acted as if I was the one out of line. I said, " I waited in line like everyone else, and now that it's my turn you are asking people behind me what they need and you are trying to solve their dilemmas, it's not ok." She blew my off, while saying " I know honey, I'm helping you too, I didn't send you away. " I then said, " why would you send me away? Im in the right line and it's my turn. I just ask that you stop multitasking and take care of me." At that point she grabbed my paper work and then stated, "please sign" as she threw them back at me, in an aggressive manner. I signed the papers and asked if I was done. She then said " yes you are!" while rolling her eyes and huffing and puffing. My task at window #30 took approximately 2 minutes, after all Dolores' nonsense. Basically I'm just here to say that nobody deserves that type of treatment from any business. Dolores has no customer service skills whatsoever and she is a very rude person. I hope the Winnetka DMV keeps up the good work, but please provide customer service training for this employee, who does not value the customer's time and talks down to her customers, as if they are children. read more