West Phoenix MVD

DMVs are never a pleasant place to be. Long lines. Long waits. But we all have to do it. I was impressed by the friendly, helpful workers. They did everything they could to get as many people through as fast as possible without being pushy or rude.

Can’t expect great service and employees going out of their way to help you when they don’t have to. This place got the job done, told me what I had to, spelled it out, the wait was normal. What else can you ask for?

Usually I dread going to this place but it smelled clean
I used the kiosk to get a new tag replacement since mine had not come in the mail yet and I was worried about being pulled over waiting for it.
They should make more of these machines was quick and easy though downside it only accepts plastic. Really just wanted to pay it in cash. I guess that’s what the one hour wait was for but I’m glad I went with the machine.

Can you say loooooooooong wait! Make sure you had a good breakfast and bring a water. Don’t bring anything that tells time it will just make you mad.

I arrived with hope, a good heart, and politeness in my heart. I was told in order to stop getting registration notices on a stolen vehicle I needed to come to the MVD with a police report. I also received a letter that Arizona required a new photo of my face.
As I stood in line, the photo system went down. Apparently not uncommon.
When I arrived at the Assistance desk I was told I didn’t need to report to MVD, an insurance cancellation would suffice.
The picture system crashing had raised the stress level at the assistance desk 500% in three languages.
When I tried to explain I was told to report with my report, and my insurance was cancelled months ago, emotions escalated more. My goodness of heart went down like Russian wheat fields turned to ashes as Napoleon invaded.
My heart goes out to the people in public MVD jobs. My public interaction broke down into, «Talk to my supervisor. «
But I got a number, I only had to wait 40 minutes, and I found out, indeed, when a vehicle is stolen, one should report to the MVD with a police report.
However I also found out if you wait long enough, if an insurance company bought the title, eventually they’ll transfer ownership through insurance channels. In this case, 11 months.
In the end, I lay any annoyance I felt in my journey to MVD on our legislature, starting at the top. Why does one of the most critical computer systems in the state go down? Why are people waiting hours to conduct simple business? There are 33 customer service stalls here. At lunch, five were staffed. After lunch, seven.
We are charged fees and taxes on vehicle transactions. Why isn’t service better? Why does tge state renew IBM’s service contract when they aren’t performing?
Service was good under the circumstances, although two way communications ended when I got to the assistance desk. Lisette was patient, informative and help. The legislature’s plan to boost the private sector through more tax cuts is eating into my personal LLC formation and operation time.

If I could give this place 0 stars I would! Came in to change my license from CA to AZ. In over an hour my letter «B» has gone up 5 numbers while every other letter is being called constantly. I never thought I would say this, but I would be on and out of the DMV a lot faster in overpopulated Los Angeles! HORRIBLE!

Super poor computer systems. The customer service was fine. However, what should have been a quick 15 minute in and out license replacement, turned out to be almost 2 hours of my life that I’ll never get back. But why? Why did it take so long? Simple: the agents were not able to figure out a way to update my mailing address… I’ll repeat: THE AGENTS WERE NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO CHANGE MY MAILING ADDRESS!!!
At first they blamed one another for improper procedure. Then about an hour in, the excuse became that the system was going down. System? I just need my new license. Why can’t you just simply do it? Giant waste of my time. I had appointments that I had to cancel. I hope to God I Dont have to return to this miserable place.

Pros: Ample parking, quick service — I just moved from out-​of-​state, and was in and out with a new license, registration, and plates in under 45 minutes.
Cons: The idiot helping me listed me as being «bald» on my license, despite the fact that I quite clearly had a full head of hair and am (hopefully) still decades away from even beginning to lose any of it.
At the end of the day, I guess it’s kinda cool to be considered legally bald, now…

This review is not completely scathing. There are several good points I can write about this establishment. Wait times can be relatively quick & once your sent to inspection you can expect to be on the road shortly thereafter. Employees can be seen chatting behind counters even as they serve customers.
One major problem they need to address is, COMMUNICATION! Today is my fifth visit with a friend whom is trying to acquire her license. My friend fails the parallel parking every attempt. It takes the fifth time to properly explain the «yellow line»?! My friend had no idea she needed tires to meet the yellow line. I’m the one who explained this! Unbelievable! Why can’t west dmv employees do their jobs?! It’s simple really. Explain exact, clear instruction. If employees shown the slightest concern for new drivers they would earn the respect of the community.

I went here during some of the hottest days of summer when there was a huge line of patrons waiting outside the Surprise DMV. The patron at the front of the Surprise DMV line told me she had been waiting an hour to get in the doors where one would have to wait inside (the Surprise DMV is about a quarter of the size of the West Phoenix DMV per my estimate). There was no way I was going to stand in such a long line in 110 plus heat!
I drove to the West Phoenix DMV with the air conditioning on in my car and walked inside right away. I was out in 40 minutes. –I am certain I would still be waiting at the Surprise office if I had stayed.
The West Phoenix DMV was spacious and had lots of seating. It was cool inside. An electronic system called patrons to particular windows. The office was clean and so was the bathroom. This office seemed organized and efficient. I would come here again.
I’m only rating it a three as it wasn’t my favorite experience… There were some folks that reeked of cigarettes inside and out. There was a really foul-​smelling ashcan on the way in.
I think the DMV in general should better advise folks of what sort of ID is required when they send notices in the mail that renewal of things are required (I got a renewal, but it did not indicate required ID — I got the information from the DMV web site). I noticed a woman had to leave as she had inadequate ID. I also think the DMV should advise folks of what is required for pictures. I had to pull off a wide hairband just before the clerk took my picture (she told me they weren’t allowed). My hair ended up a bit messy in the picture. Oh well, it’s a driver’s license picture…
The numbers system coupled with the computer announcements telling people to go was efficient. I didn’t read while I waited in order to pay attention. Numbers were called just about every few minutes, sometimes a couple per minute. In a way, it made me feel like «just a number,» but on the other hand, it was well-​organized. It also is how this DMV updates users online regarding wait times. The Surprise DMV does not have such a system so one cannot check online before going to see how long the wait is there. (You can check at the West Phoenix location before going, and also at a number of other DMV offices.)
One other ding… at the West Phoenix office, I had to complete a paper by hand. The clerk then input this data into a computer. This office and other MVDs should consider using technology where patrons input data via electronic devices (either in their offices or personal user devices) to speed transactions and reduce duplication of work.
Overall West Phoenix MVD is a great option if one needs to make a transaction. It is worth the drive if one lives near a disorganized MVD office.

It’s really not that bad! Compare to the California DMV, this is a breeze. You might have to wait in a line to get your ticket, but it does move fast. Once you’re in, it’s just waiting for your number to be called. Pretty easy system, you number is called and you go the the directed window. Seem’s like every time I have to come back, never having the correct paper work. I know the employees have to deal with the very rude customer base. But I really appreciate the ones that are still in a good mood. This location is huge, has a lot of traffic in the parking lot.

Don’t come around lunchtime. The line is long.
Actually, I got the impression the wait time can be long given the copious amount of seating at this place.
No, wait. The guys out front (fund raising for something) were the dying canaries. I asked if I should come back. They laughed when I stopped dead in my tracks, IN HORROR, at the line snaking out the front door.
They said it had been like that all morning.
Oh.
GREAT.
I was there two hours to obtain an updated license. (With photo!)
The upside is that everyone was nice. I would recommend bringing a magazine if you absolutely must go to this location. Otherwise, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.
When I first moved to Phoenix I went to another location and it was a lovely experience. THIS WAS NOT. This purgatory, or scene from Beetle Juice, reminded me of the DMV in Times Square. The only difference is the lack of turning security bars. (Once you leave you’re not allowed back inside.)
I still find it shocking how no proof is required to change your residence. No paperwork, no bills, NADA! If you say so, the state of Arizona will believe it.
One last tip: Don’t forget your blue or black pen!
I can’t tell you how many times I heard «You filled the form out wrong. It has to be in blue or black pen.»
OR, the dreaded,
«No. There are no pens here.»

Wait time is stupid. Chairs uncomfortable. No air movement– humid & stale. A lot of employees are walking around behind the counter chatting. Took 2 hours to finally be called, 5 mins to get helped. So, don’t go there in a hurry.
Also there are people set up outside on the front sidewalk area soliciting for insurance purchase and signing petitions. Makes me feel like its unprofessional.