Department of Motor Vehicles

Best dmv in Portland. Low wait times. Friendly organized service. Nice people. I have been to every single dmv because I’m a car dealer, I choose here even though it’s far

I had to renew my drivers license. We all have to do it. It’s funny that in 2016 the DMV in Oregon only accepts cash or checks but no debit or credit card. So let me get this straight. You only accept cash or a potentially bad check — a bad check I could have fished out of my neighbors trash from six and half years ago from an account that was originally set up in Bulgaria in 1964 and closed in Uruguay in 1985 issued to the Czarina from Italy. Sounds good I have about 60 boxes of those checks and I’m gonna write one for the DMV. OR I could use my debit card that I use my driver’s license as ID.
Yeah.
So I stand in that line to stand in this line to get into that line because that guy was on break before that lady was on break before this guy opened the next window for the line I wasn’t standing in. Then they call your number and about 10 others and expect everyone to engage in a conversation so we can all alpha numeric ourselves into chronological order (which I thought that was the reason for the ticket machine). I guess not. So by the time you get to someone to help you and for whatever reason they are always in a shitty mood — they should try standing on OUR side of the line for once and see what it’s like, they pull this kind of number on you.
I have my birth certificate. I’ve had it since birth. And I’ve used it for my passport, my drivers licenses for three states and for the past 33 years. But suddenly it’s not good any more. It’s under question. I’ve got my passport — too expired. My phone bill — too ambiguous. My marriage license — too pretty. And a pint of urine mixed with my blood — too gross. AND I happen to have my driver’s license THEY issued to me in 2007. Suddenly my ID isn’t good enough and I stare at them shaking my head. Now THIS is the reason people go postal. How can such an antiquated system of nonsense that refuses to allow its customers to use a debit card systematically fail when you provide the SAME ID as you have for the past 33 years suddenly say, «I don’t know if this birth certificate is legit.» I’m thinking can I sue the DMV for stupidity.
No. All I can do is give them a one-​star review and laugh about it until I have to renew my license in 2023. Hopefully by then we’ll be teleporting ourselves around town and the DMV will be nothing but ancient history.

Worst experience ever! Walked in and got my number which was 256 and they were on 211 (knowing I was going to have to wait, considering the time of day I went it) sat down for about 30 minutes to wait and a lady walks in and sits down next to me, we causally have small talk about how busy it is. Which once again was expected. Her number was 265, she walks out to her car and comes back in about 10 min later and jumps into line. The lady calls her over and does not even check her number. She takes care of business and leaves. I was in shock, there were so many people wait, me being one on them and anyone can just jump into line and not get there number checked and walk right out. I then saw her do this so I got into line, they were calling up the 240s and I got to the front of the line and people told me I was cutting. When another women could cause walk in and do this but I could because I drew more attention than she did. I the called called up and the guy asks me for my number and tells me to sit down. When people start saying that I cut. Well tell me how a woman can walk in and cut tons of people and not get told to sit down. This place it so unorganized, if your going to «follow the rules» then EVERYONE needs to follow the rules. I will never go back to the dmv, instead I will drive out of my way to give my money to a different dmv. Terrible experience!

DMV is so slow. I have been here an hour and a half now and still have a good 30 minutes to go. If DMV was privatized I would have other options at hand.

I gave it one star because there is nothing less to give them. Dont expect the web site to be relevant or help you in anyway. After researching all I needed and the cost I ended up being 135 dollors off. They also would not except my checks so I had to use there pos ATM, which has a limit of 200, So it toom 2 transactions with Fees! It sucks to try to be responsible and your met with shear incompetence.

Completely unorganized and rude. Even for a DMV I am completely floored at the rudeness and lack of kindness.

Really fast, it’s friendly I feel bad people are more nasty to them then they are to the people. They helped me in less then 20 mins I felt it was amazing for having a packed house. Just need to make sure your own ur toes

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be saying this, but, I had a BLAST at DMV this morning! Not only was it a quick trip, the woman I dealt with (I think she was at desk 5?) completely made my day! She was a riot! This woman was a total gem (even though I did not follow directions and she could have nailed me for it – oops!) and made what could have easily been an awful trip very enjoyable. For real. In fact, based on this experience, I’m considering taking my husband here for our next date or maybe some friends for our next GNO. Maybe we can pull up a couple chairs and hang out with the lovely lady I spoke with today. ;)
Ok, anyway… the testing guy was ok. Nothing special, but, about what you’d expect a somewhat polite, no-​nonsense government employee to be. The photo guy was about the same, but, with even fewer words (which is saying something). I am a bit bitter at the photo guy, though. He didn’t tell me I had a piece of hair sticking straight out and, now, I’m going to have a crazy hair pic on my license for the next million years. Oh, well. It’s still my best license pic ever (but, that’s not really saying much).
This is a great location for taking care of DMV issues, since it isn’t usually busy (I’ve been here twice and checked the online wait time several times. The wait time has never been above 19 minutes, when I’ve checked it.).

When you think of the DMV, you think of… well, everything bad — waiting, rudeness, etc. I didn’t have that experience here!
I’m used to the DMVs in Southern California that are gigantic, and everyone is BLEH… and when I walked into this location, I couldn’t believe how small it was and how nice everyone was. I needed to update my license, and when you walk in, you get a number from a machine by pressing a button. I didn’t wait too long, although my number did seem far away. The guy at the counter was nice. He was very helpful, but I think it helps if you go prepared like I did. I was surprised I had to take a written test, and I failed the first time. But… they are nice, allow you to take it as soon as the next day, and give you an express pass on your return visit. They, also, give you a paper telling you the ones you misses, so you can study more. If I ever have more DMV needs, I’ll definitely be visiting this location. Oh, and I passed on my second attempt! Woo! Hoo!

This rating is based on one of the agents at this office. The DMV can be a stressful experience. You take a number and there are a hundred people ahead of you and quite frankly when you finally meet with one of the agents they are some of the most rude and unfriendly folks you have met in your life!
Not true if you have the good fortune to deal with Myra– I was lucky enough to find her last year and ever since will wait until after my number is called to deal directly with her and bypass the others that must really dislike people and or their job.
She is ALWAYS happy and courteous and you leave there in a better mood then when you came in. I am definitely a member of the Myra’s Gladstone DMV fan club — I hope whoever runs that place knows how lucky they are to have such a great employee!

20 minutes to renew my DL. Everybody here was friendly and efficient. Best DMV experience I’ve had

The lady at the questions desk was very rude. I tried getting her to smile a little with a joke, but nothing! Need to work on customer service.

This could have easily been a one star if I were only rating the information desk…
I have had DMV experiences that were far worse than root canal so I was not particularly looking forward to today’s visit…
Experience has taught me to always arrive early to avoid waiting for hours and today I was 8^th in line and would have sailed through had I not made the epic mistake of interacting with the information clerk Charlotte who nearly ruined my day. (if you see a dark haired woman with shoulder length hair at the information desk who exudes nastiness and clearly has not smiled in years bypass the desk!)
I was registering a car from out of state and she told me I would need to go to DEQ before I could register the car. Looking behind me the lobby was nearly full of people waiting in line and I knew I did want to be one of them. I told her I had already waited in line and was not interested in starting over. When my number was called I went to the window and spoke with the kindest gentleman who actually helped me while Ms. nasty yelled across the lobby «they won’t go to DMV first» when we explained to him that we had no problem going to DEQ first we just wanted to avoid waiting through the line again. He reviewed our documents and gave us a pass to return without having to start over again. We went to DEQ and returned to DMV and with the pass we had been issued went directly to the counter while a still cranky Charlotte glared at us and were done in minutes.
Hubby had a great experience a few months prior. The clerk who assisted him had him laughing till he had tears in his eyes.
Most clerks at this office have a clear understanding of the concept «customer service» one bad apple does not spoil the bunch.

Went there the other day just to make sure I have everything for my CDL, There was an Asian woman in the information booth, and when I asked her — The only answer she had was’I am not sure, it should say in the booklet’…So why are you there… lol Very unprofessional.

I went in to get plates for my car. I’m from California and they were expiring. I got there about two hours after they opened thinking there goes my whole day but I was in and out in 30 minutes. I even had new plates in my hands to put on my car. The people were nice enough not overly friendly. Parking was easy. I went in about a week ago and am still shocked that business was taken care of in 30 min. I had to look around to make sure I was truly at the dmv.

They fast here (literally less than 5 min wait today) but they compromise «customer service». The staff looks unhappy and they basically have that «let’s just get this over with…» expression across the board. No smiles or friendly greetings here.

Necessary evil comes in Grey with a Take a Ticket system and plastic seats. A really quick location if you arrive at the right time.
After having my wallet stolen, it took 3 visits to the DMV to get my paperwork in order. On visit #3, I arrived there 20 minutes before 8 am., ending up 3^rd in line. It was snowing and so I left guard duty to the Retired squad, which made sure the doors would open promptly.
While Mr. DMV guy reviewed my 3 pieces of required things and typing like crazy, I wanted to take a pic of my #3 ticket. It would never be that low of a number ever again and I was sensing 3 was my magic number. Faster than my auto focus, Mr. DMV rips #3 ticket from my grasp. In a stern voice commonly used for bad puppies, he said, «Pictures are not allowed at the DMV and you are suppose to turn your ticket over to me. No pictures.»
Thinking to myself, «What. The. Hell?» Then he asked me to wait over in the line to get a new picture taken. Here’s where irony makes me laugh. Mr. DMV didn’t join in.
Stars for fast moving lines, minus stars not explaining something simple to prevent 3 trips, plus stars for not asking to update my weight, minus stars for bad puppy scolding.

I was able to accomplish something at the Gladstone DMV today that wasn’t possible in Lake Oswego or Sherwood. Have a simple question answered in a timely fashion.
Since most of our registration is taken care of automatically through the DEQ process, I haven’t needed to step inside the DMV for ages. But, I have a little problem. The info. on my driver’s license label is fading into obscurity. I’m on the cusp of having my license rejected when presented.
So, really all I need is a simple little label. How hard can this be? Unfortunately every DMV in the area I’ve visited has a ‘take a number’ system and no matter if I go first thing in the morning or mid-​afternoon, the other DMVs are always busy. And waiting for an hour just isn’t an option when you have a couple kids in tow.
Much love to the Gladstone DMV for having a receptionist when you enter to help expedite customers and either answer their question or point them in the right direction. Turns out I didn’t need to wait in line AT ALL. She just handed me a basic form which I filled out and returned to her, then off it goes to Salem.
Half the battle is just finding the right person to answer a simple question.

Of course. The line is out the door.
Not like I’ve got anything better to do on a sunny Friday afternoon.
So I wait. Like the rest of the cattle.
And wait.
I find myself admiring the neck scar on the short biker dude in front of me and wondering what type of awesome machismo story must accompany it. I listen to the pimpled faced teens behind me quiz each other on the rules of the road and fear for my future driving safety.
I wait some more.
Inching forward I finally make it inside where there is air conditioning. This isn’t so bad, right? Well this small victory is short lived when the stench from the waiting masses reaches my nose. Seriously, weed out the Axed up teenagers eagerly waiting their turn to get behind the wheel for their driving tests and the rest of the assembled folks look like they should be waiting to donate plasma, or refill their methadone prescriptions.
I guess these are the types of people who also don’t have anything better to do than wait on a sunny Friday afternoon.
We continue our slow move forward; I’m getting closer to my turn at the desk.
I feel pity for the battered old man who shuffles in, with a scabbed and bloodied forehead and black eye as he saunters to the front of the line asking for an accident report. Accident eh? No shit. I’m hoping his driving days are done. I hoping that everyone involved was ok.
I shift my weight from side to side, getting closer and closer to my turn at the desk.
Thing stop moving as there now seems to be a hold up as the couple being helped can’t seem to grasp the fees for their customized Crater Lake license plates. I begin to fantasize about stealing their application and changing the custom plate names from «SASSCEE» and «GR8HUBBY «to «BALLCKR» and «LUVBUSH».
If only I was a computer hacker, I could get all up in their files. Now that would be fun. You know, being a hacker would be kind of cool. Especially in the late 80’s when all you needed was a hot goth girlfriend, a cool alias like «Cypher Man» and access to the government’s super computers. Or you could just be Matthew Broderick. He was able to change his attendance in Ferris B’s days off with his computer and he almost started WW3 in War Games. Boy it’s sure ahs been awhile since I watched FB’s Day Off. I love that movie. Sloan was a certified hottie. Too bad that the guy who played Mr. Rooney was arrested for asking a 14 year old boy to pose naked in pictures. No wonder he always had a thing for Ferris. Ick.
As I realize my mind has been taking an extended bird walk due to sheer boredom, I notice I’m only one person away from my turn at the desk. Maybe this will end.
Or will it?
The patient lady who has been working the front desk decides she needs a little break. And right before she disappears for a cigarettes and some Ho Hos, she informs everyone in line that we need to take a number. WTF? She might as well yelled «Fire» or «Free Crack». A mad rush to get a number ensues. Luckily the magical number dispensing God is on the desk I am only a few feet away from.
I am not ashamed to admit that a well-​placed elbow to a soccer mom’s boob and some mean mugging to the pimpled faced teens ensured I received my number first.
There will be no line cutting today, my friends.
I continued to wait in line, as did others, grasping on to my golden ticket, secretly wishing that Willy Wonka would magically appear and whisk me away to do some acid, eat candy and go for a boat ride.
One can always hope.
With her break behind her, the great and all powerful receptionist saunters back to her desk. And yes, it was a saunter. That I am sure of. Not a walk, not a mosey, not strut. She sauntered.
So here it was. I was next. My moment had arrived. I’m ready for my close up Ms. Receptionist. I explained my reason for being here today, which was not because I’m a masochistic, and was ready to pay my fee, get my picture taken and get the hell out.
She kindly informed that I qualified for the Express Line. I could get in line «over there».
Line? Yes. Express? No.
Lucky me. I got to wait some more.
Well, it isn’t like I had anything better to do on a sunny summer afternoon.

Whoo hoo… I got my Oregon Driver License today! I’m an Oregonian.
I seriously think, everyone (DMV staff) should get trained at DMV Gladstone… They are so much nicer than any other DMV, super friendly and reliable.