Department of Motor Vehicles

I hardly ever write reviews but I wanted to give a big shout out to this DMV, especially to one instructor. I got my driver’s licence there in October of 2015 and I never had any problem with documents or getting the paperwork ready. Also, all the people I talked to were fairly nice. However, the best thing was the instructor that sat with me during the test drive. He was called either Brian or Ryan, was from Jamaica, and he was the best! As an international student, I had heard terrible horror stories about this DMV particularly and some people that work there. But he was amazing! Very calm and gentle. I hope he doesn’t change: apparently he had just started working there. So good going!!!

Fuck the driving test evaluators here. I went here to take my driving test two times and both of times I failed, but the second time I went was absolutely HORRIBLE.
So when I pulled up to take my driving test, I got this really fat asian dude. I already knew I was fucked and most likely wouldnt pass because I read bad reviews about him previously. So I pass the inital part (checking hand signals, lights, etc) and he gets in the car. At first, he seemed pretty cool and nice and explained the whole situation to me about how the drive test worked, which I appreciated. He told me that he wouldn’t try to trick me and give me clear instructions.
Then, we moved onto the road test and I thought I did pretty well, except this one time where I didn’t turn left on a red light. My bad, and I completely acknowledge that. Then, we came to a street and he asked me to turn right. I asked him if he wanted me to turn right on this specific street and he didn’t say anything and just nodded his head. WHAT THE FUCK? I’m driving you expect me to turn my head to look at you? Can’t you just fucking say yes or no? How the fuck is that so hard. You said you would give me clear instructions in the beginning.
After, we drove back to the DMV. He made me turn right and told me that the DMV was on the right. I wasnt really sure where, so I missed the DMV entrance and he freaking loses his shit. He starts yelling at me saying, «YOU MISSED THE ENTRANCE AND PUSHED ON THE GAS WHEN YOURE SUPPOSED TO BRAKE! Is that what a NORMAL person would do?» He shakes his head at me and tells me that I missed the entrance and started blabbling on about stupid shit. He was more upset about me missing the entrance than need be. Well is that how a NORMAL person would react when missing an entrance? He basically failed me because I missed the entrance and pressed the gas when I wasnt supposed to. Then I pulled into the parking lot and there’s two pathways you can enter from. He didn’t tell me which pathway to go through so I just went to the left pathway. HE LOSES HIS SHIT AGAIN. He yells at me, «WHY ARE YOU GOING THIS WAY?! YOURE SUPPOSED TO GO TO THE OTHER PATHWAY» WELL sorry, not my fault YOU NEVER FUCKING TOLD ME WHICH WAY YOU WANTED ME TO GO THROUGH. And both pathways lead to the same destination so I dont fucking understand why that’s a big deal. So much for giving me «clear instructions.» You dont have the slightest clue what that is.
And after I parked, he just flat out said, «No driver’s license.» He told me that I’m not a confident driver, and to take it when I’m more confident and less nervous. I asked him what I can improve on and he just says «just drive. Dont focus on what you need to improve on and just drive.» WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT KIND OF ANSWER!!! Obviously I want to know so that I can avoid making the same mistakes. And if youre reading this (I didnt catch your name) then I’m so glad that I’ll never see you again cuz I’m never going back to this DMV. I’m sorry you hate your job so much but you don’t have to take it out on the driver. Learn to control your anger bro. Since you told me that I need to improve on my driving, I am telling you that you need to improve your personality and people skills.
Btw I made a Unilocal account just so that I can give this place and this person a negative review.

This DMV has screwed me over many times!
When I went to go take my permit test at 15 ½, they gave me the wrong permit test– on a minor’s permit test, you’re allowed to get 8 questions wrong, while on a permit test for people 18+, you’re only allowed 6. They incorrectly gave me the permit test for those 18+ and I missed 7, so I failed. I did not realize that they made a mistake until days later when my friends told me I should’ve passed because they were allowed to miss 8 questions. I was so bitter that I waited 8 months to retake (ridiculous I know) and I passed with the correct test! I was so excited until I realized my permit expired in 4 months. Your permit is supposed to last a year but because I started the «application process» 8 months before when I tried to take my permit test even though I failed, I still only could have it for 4 months. But if you want your license, you need to hold your permit for at least 6 months. I went to go pay a fee and renew it, and the lady at the front test told me I could take the test without it being six months just as long as I did my behind-​the-​wheel driving lessons and my permit hadn’t expired yet. I took the test, and the people at the license test window didn’t look through my documents. I passed the license driving test– I was so excited– that is, until I went in after I finished to get my provisional license and was told I couldn’t get my license because it hadn’t been six months. I had to wait two more months until I walked in and was handed my license. Ridiculous!

Today I finally went to the DMV after putting it off for as long as possible. The wait at this location was relatively short. The start line took about 20 minutes and my number was called within another 10. I had multiple items on the docket and the first lady who helped me was only able to do license stuff. Fortunately the lady next to her, Yvonne, agreed to complete my registration items. My situation was very complicated and difficult, but Yvonne was very patient and knowledgeable. She went out of her was to be kind and was very customer service oriented. This is one of the best experiences I have had with the DMV, and I will likely use this location in the future.

Nice helpful people. The 3 stars is for that. 1 star for how long the wait it and if you try to make an appointment the appointment is too far out. SMH. Other than that, the process to get what I needed was painless and the guys were funny and friendly.

Make an appointment! I guess all DMVs are usually crazy busy and packed. I made a. Appointment a few weeks in advance and I was in and out extremely fast. The staff here is very friendly and very helpful.

Realistically no one is ever excited to step a foot inside a DMV. I personally dislike DMVs. However, I had no choice but to go and get my vehicle information fixed. I bought a swat truck 1982 but this truck didn’t have any tags for a pretty long time. I knew it would be a hassle to transfer everything into my name because I didn’t have a signature from any previous owner.
When I was called to window 11, I was greeted by a very friendly person (I forgot his name but I know he was Hawaiian). He helped me through the transferring process, he was nice enough to assist me with the paperwork as well. He was up and about when he was running through some problems on the system. He would ask his boss for assistance and made sure that everything was resolved.
It did take him almost 2 hours to help me transfer all this info into my name. I’m so glad he was able to fix everything because if it were someone else assisting me, they could of easily just said their nothing we can do (I’ve actually heard of these situations). Thankfully all I have to do now is get the pink slip signed by police department.
Side note: All the DMV’s should have more people like him.

I think I would rate 3.5 stars but I will round up for nostalgia’s sake.
I got my driver’s license here when I was 17 years old. I could’ve hugged my instructor out of pure joy but I didn’t want her to fail me on spot so I restrained myself.
Every time my license needs to be renewed, I still come back here. Over the years, they have made it relatively painless as long as you make an appointment. You still have to queue up for anything and I mean ANYTHING you need done while here. When I first got there, I had to get in a line so they can basically find out what I was there for (replacing a lost license), then they gave me necessary paperwork and I had to stand in line in the same line to turn it in. Then they gave me a number which was called within 5 minutes where I paid the fee and was directed to stand in line again to have my picture taken.
I was there for less than an hour and while I had to stand in line, it still beat the line that didn’t have an appointment. So if you can, I highly recommend an appointment first thing in the morning. There were appointments available earlier in the week when I went but they were afternoon slots. I knew better than to take those.
Parking was a breeze but then again this was at 8:30 a.m. Wear comfortable shoes and make sure your phone is charged, or bring books, magazines, or your school work to keep you busy while waiting in line to pass the time away.

This probably has to be the worst DMV ever.
I usually don’t swear, but oh my fucking God how can people qualified to work for the DMV if they can’t even input the right codes? July 27^th, I took my drivers test at the Rosemead DMV, for legal documentation I used my expired US passport. They told me that since its expired that my license coming in the mail will be delayed. They said if I didn’t get it by December I should come back in and extend it.
Came in yesterday to extend, they told me I needed a legal document to do that, they didn’t say that before. So I came in the next day, which is today.
Got help from a lady and as she was extending my temporary drivers license she saw my records and said that if I use my citizenship certificate that I brought in, it would take longer. I tried to explain to her that the Rosemead DMV said they can’t use my passport bc it’s expired. The Montebello DMV specifically told me that whether it’s expired or not if its a US passport it’s valid. PLUS, she told me that whoever processed my license did it wrong and they are the reason I’ve been waiting over 6 months for my license.
This Rosemead DMV deserves to be shut down.

The lines are shorter than most DMVs and the employees seem nicer too. There’s a large parking lot in the back and plenty of seating.

I’ll start by saying that if you keep your expectations in check and know that the DMV employees probably have to service a lot of people from many different backgrounds who are probably not happy being there in the first place, I think you’re going to have a pretty positive experience overall.
I made an appointment online for Friday at 9:30am to get a new CA driver’s license and also change my car registration to CA and get new license plates. When I arrived, I went to the appointment only line and was almost immediately served. I think there were 2 people ahead of me and I probably waited only 5 minutes before I spoke to someone at the front desk who gave me the proper forms to fill-​out. Once I filled out the forms, I received a number and probably only waited another 15 minutes until I spoke to another person to get my paperwork processed. I then got my car validated outside (which was also really quick) and also took my driver’s license test and took my picture picture, which took another 30 minutes at most.
I think overall, I spent less than 2 hours at the DMV to get everything done, which included taking my driver’s license test, taking my picture, getting my car validated and getting new license plates. Everyone was very helpful and patient. It’s not the funnest place to go, but I can’t complain about their service and processes considering how many people were there and all that they have to do.

Rene is horrible if you get him request for another guy lmao my boyfriend had to file a compliant to take the test again
rene tested him for 50 mins and even began cussing in another language during the testing

This is the worst behind wheel test I believe! I highly recommend zero star for this particular place!
The instructor who called «f**k Rene», obviously is a racist, tricky and very rude! Once he told me turn right to the gas station, Ok, I went into it, then he asked me rudely «why you get into the gas station? Did you ever take a drive test? Did they ask you to go to a gas station? You confused everyone! » what the fuck! Once more, when I turned right at a red light, I went ahead a little bit to check the traffic, where he stopped me and said «there is a car coming, you should stop, This is a critical driving error!» How ridiculous it is! In the end, he told me I failed, out of the car without saying anything else even I asked what I needed to improve!

This is definately the pit of hell itself. I went one day early morning hoping to get an extra copy of my license. I ended up waiting 4.5 hours and missing a whole work day for someone at the register to collect $ 100+ in fees then to tell me my license is suspended and I need to go to court and handle the situation in order to finish the process. Which was fine with me. I made an appointment right then and there, and was on my way.
After returning from court on my APPOINTMENT DATE AND TIME, they denied ever having record of me setting an appointment and told me I would have to wait another _​_​_​_​_​_​hours for a piece of plastic.
Since I am African American, I need this — and yes I have been detained multiple times for not having a license. I even had my car towed and impounded until this process was complete.
I’m upset with my negligence but this place is just flat out, unprofessional and uncaring.
0 stars

This DMV is awesome. They’re friendly, quick and attentive to services inside the place.
Why 1 star? For the obvious aforementioned comments about a certain driving test instructor by the name of «RENE».
I took my drivers test today, and guess who was my instructor was, RENE (without even knowing about him or his reviews yet). I thought I had done everything correctly by doing everything by the book, going by the speed limit, doing my complete stops, etc etc. I was surprised with my end result, 26 mistakes. I’ve been driving for over 20 years in SoCal, and been studying everything super hard before my test. I was very disappointed, but I guess I will try again, at another DMV, hopeful I wouldn’t get someone like him. The thing is he looked very bothered even before the test had begun. Hopefully he changes the way he sees things. He told me, «you gotta be an aggressive driver and just GO, or else you’ll never make it out there»

I got my permit and drivers licence at this location back in the day.
They recently remodeled.
Weekend appointments are hard to come by if you need to go ASAP but if you can plan ahead, there are appointments available.
The appointment line is in the back of the building. Front line is for walk in. Once they let you in, you walk to the front to get your ticket.
I had an 8 am Saturday appointment, renewed my license and took a picture in 15 minutes. Would have been faster if the camera did not go crazy.
$ 33 to renew. Cash or debit only!

2015 Unilocal 100 CHALLENGE — ⁰³⁹⁄₁₀₀
Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon to turn in an application for a lost driver license. I like the new lay out. They also got rid of the bullet proof glass which makes it feel more like an office. I was in and out within 35min which was great because on Saturday’s they mostly work by appointment only.

I’m just as shocked that I’m writing a 5-​star review for the DMV as you are to be seeing it. Let’s be real, nobody sane looks forward to a trip to the DMV– it’s nothing but a headache and a disorganized time-​suck. I’m right there with everyone and drag my feet with the best of them, BUT this DMV location is my saving grace.
I’ve been three times within the past few months dealing with the same automotive nightmare and each time has been such a breeze. I’ve made a habit of going towards the end of business day because it’s always nearly empty– I’ve never had to wait more than ten minutes, and that’s without an appointment! Seriously unheard of in DMV-​land, it’s bananas.
My number is usually called immediately and the great vibes never stop there. Let me ask you, when was the last time you enjoyed talking with your DMV attendant – trick question, the answer is NEVER. They all seem to hate their jobs and lives and all that negative juju is reflected in their attitude. But not at Rosemead DMV!
Every attendant who’s helped me at this location has shattered my preconceived notions of intimidatingly disgruntled DMV employees; they’ve all been fast, supremely helpful, and most shocking of all, really friendly! They actually went out of their way to make the necessary calls and actions to get my situation squared away every time.
Even the guy who takes the ID pictures is a hoot– he was cracking jokes and purposely trying to get me to laugh. When it worked and he took my picture mid-​guffaw, he good-​naturedly took another one and sent me on my way. Are these people confused about where they’re at? No DMV is supposed to be this organized and efficient.
The first time, I thought it was an obvious one-​time fluke; the second, I still thought it was too good to be true. But it’s been three solid times now, and I can say that I love this DMV location LOL. Who says that? I think it’s crazy, too.

My advice for anybody who needs to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is to make an appointment online if you can. It is guaranteed to save you a lot of time.
After I drove up the driveway of the DMV, as expected, there was a lot of people waiting for service. The entrance line went out the door. I was so lucky to make an appointment a week in advance to avoid these people headaches.
My license renewal process took approximately twenty minutes which I thought was a breeze. I saw frustration brewing in the eyes of people in line. I basically walked in, waited three minutes on the appointment line, got a number while a clerk checked my paperwork, sat down for another ten minutes waiting for another clerk to process my paperwork and pay my fee, took a vision test, and then went over to the camera line for my new photo which took another five minutes, and that was it. By the time I was leaving, I still saw the same people either waiting in the same lines or was still seated awaiting to be called. Boy, it was a good feeling to say mental hellos and good byes to people since my process was so quick.
This DMV location has recently remodeled. The set ups has changed. The waiting room is now converted into a testing area with a small area for taking photos within the same room. The large waiting area is now in the middle of the building, while the teller windows has been pushed back rather than being in the center of the building. To make it a simple analysis, the setup here is similar to a bank.
Again, I highly recommend making an appointment before coming… or else you won’t be a happy camper at the DMV. All the clerks here seems very nice and professional.
Without an appointment I give it a disappointing two stars because of the madhouse and madlines with a sense of frustration caused by the public, but with an appointment, it’s a whole different experience. And the clerks seems nicer too. So my experience was four stars.
So it averages to a three stars experience.

I was blown away on how organized this DMV was. Coming here, I already made peace to the fact that I would be waiting for at least 2 hours minimum, fall in line, wait under the sun, tinker with my phone, get in and wait some more. but boy was I wrong!
I arrived at least 45 minutes before they open, a short line has already formed, to my surprise 10 minutes before opening, a few DMV employees with a cart full of clipboards made its way down the line, handing out applications ahead of time, depending on the purpose of your visit – very efficient use of wait time I have to say.
Upon completion of the application form, we were asked regarding the purpose of our visit so that they could give us the proper window assignment, by the time the doors open, it was smooth sailing from there. There are plenty of windows to assist everyone (again, I’m reiterating to get a number-​window assignment) after my application was processed and fees paid, I was directed to go to another room for my pictorial. haha The camera room is nice and bright, it’s really cool that they have this separated from the application room, once your picture is taken and fingerprint scanned. you are done!
I don’t know if I went to a parallel DMV universe or something but I was really impressed on how organized and how fast my application came to be. Bravo to this DMV for thinking of ways to expedite or at least lessen the frustration of customers like me.
Approximate processing time by the time they open. less than 15 minutes.impressive.