-
March 2024 by David L.
There is only one person at the DMV in Redwood City that my housemate Regina and I would like to give a 5-star review to and he is Brandon. He's the reason that office survives, doing the work of 3 people! Brandon is attentive, understanding and respectful under very stressful conditions. When I come in for my 75th birthday written test next summer, I hope he'll be there for me! Regina and I hope Brandon will be paid commensurate with his amazing talent! Thank you, Brandon! Regina failed her ridiculously difficult written test three times in spite of cramming for it at home for over a month, but she's getting her ID Card soon and I will be her chauffer! Best of luck to you, my friend!
-
February 2024 by Alison z.
My best advice before you go: make an appointment, but also do everything you can online beforehand and take screenshots/notes of everything! If you are older or not a fluent English speaker, take someone with you who is, because it is hard to navigate no matter who you are due to an antiquated system and unhappy personnel. I recently had to renew as a professional 40 something who was treated okay even though I didn't have my application number. My 70 year old mother however, was turned away 2 times! Once for not having her application number (even though I know from personal experience they can look it up), and another time wasn't even let in the door for not having her appointment number (which they can also look up using her last name, as they did today). She went online and did all the right things, but for whatever reason, she was sent away 2 times. As of this wasn't enough, they are understaffed, and this creates long waits and varied types of support. When I went, the person at the camera station went on break without a word when I was next in line, with no one to replace her. 20 min later the woman working that same area busy helped me. When I visited with my mother today on her 3rd visit, there was no one at the camera station, and the "corrections"/"test" person helped the corrections people for 30 minutes, while our line grew to over 7people, then helped us all. The truly crazy thing is that all the camera people were then sent into the corrections line to see the same person to finalize their paperwork from the same person at the same station! If you are finding this hard to follow at this point, you aren't alone, because that is exactly what we felt! That line didn't move of course until the 1 person working at the station turned into 2, and 30 minutes later we got to the desk where we got her temporary license in 2 minutes. Why did I get my picture and temp License at the same time month earlier, but today with my mom we had to stand in 2 different lines for over an hour to get the same thing? It is clear to me that there are a handful of patient people who work here. It is also absolutely not acceptable that there are people here who treat people differently and literally send them away when they are honestly trying to be lawful citizens. I realize this is a government agency, and they are working with the challenges that brings, but the lack of humanity along with these systems is what warrants this review. No one should be treated poorly for their age, race, or language. Especially when the DMV system is so obviously antiquated.
-
January 2024 by Jesse H.
Two lines at entrance, one for appointments and one for non-appointments, should each have a DMV employee to control... Ridiculous that one employee handles both lines. Window employees weee courteous and helpful..
-
January 2024 by Erin Arocha
Super fast and very friendly this morning. Make an appointment!! So much better.
-
January 2024 by Jack Lee
I was worried because it was my first time visiting this place, but after submitting the documents, getting a number, waiting, and taking the test online, I did it without any problems.
-
December 2023 by al monster
Friendly service given that it is a government bureaucracy. Make sure to make an online appointment to help you get through the process as quickly as possible.Updated 12/23 - same as before. Helpful if not overworked staff.
-
December 2023 by Allegra Bottlik
It is inside the DMV. Walk to the right past the driver's test and photo lines. It takes both cash and card.You do not need to get a wait in line number or anything.When it asks for "Address" it means only the first line of your address. For example just "123 Example Street" not city, state and zipcode.It is very easy to use and fast!
-
December 2023 by Toufigh G.
My son wants to take the written test for his DL. Should be simple, you think. He signs up online but I need to pay $45. The link they send me to pay online does not work. Ok, I will go to the office in RWC and pay. - Visit number 1: "Where is your son?", not here, "Nope, you can't pay unless he's here" Why? He's taking the exam at home, I'm just paying "No, he must be here." - Visit number 2: He's here, can we pay the fee? "ID? And proof of residency?" Why, we're just paying the fee, he's taking the exam online. "No, we need those!" - Visit number 3: Here's the passport and proofof residency. "Proof of relationship?" ???? "You must bring birth certificate to show you're the father!" Why? And why didn't you ask before? "I don't know, next in line!" Seriously?
-
December 2023 by Paul L.
Worst experience I've ever had registering a vehicle in my life. This is probably my sixth vehicle I have registered and never had to spend more than two visits to do so. I have had four dmv visits to try and register my vehicle. Not one person mentioned anything about a "pink slip", spent over 4 hours here just to be told I needed to go back and contact my old state to get a pink slip. The lady was exceptionally rude, asked "where are your other documents" without being specific as to which ones she actually needed. When I could finally get her to be specific she said "pink slip." She then asked me to fill out a form I already filled out and had the same exact information as the one in her hand. This is why people would rather drive without registration Here than go through the hell-wrenching experience that is Redwood City DMV. Worst dmv i have ever witnessed, line is always 30 minutes or longer just to get into the door. Usually 15-45 longer once you're inside and then you'll almost always be sent back home at least once because nothing required is ever specified by the people at the door or their god forsaken 1980's style website. Not open weekends, the employees will make you spend an entire day there to explain you are missing a document instead informing you at the door or the other three people you'll probably have to see before going to the window. This DMV is a perfect example of why people hate going to the DMV in general. Nothing but attitude, lack of empathy and general understanding of each customers situation. Some people here are nicer than others, some hate life and will make you suffer for it. I recommend going to another DMV in a local city they are all way better, good luck!
-
December 2023 by Alyx H.
Terrible website and instructions. The DMV is such a mess, and while the location might be fine, the organization needs an overhaul. They're wasting tax payers time and money.
-
September 2023 by Ben Gabay
Used the online option to grab a same day line position. Great easy service , as long as you have all required documentation ?
-
August 2023 by Olive R.
Peaceful. Came down here because I know this location would be much smoother to get in and out of in a quick and professional manner. All the staff, whether outside dealing with both appointment people or "walk-ins", or the individuals working at the computers...They all were patient and clearly were listening to me. I was just there to renew my license (since apparently I couldn't online...stupid internet) The woman at the counter stated my license was on the way to me in 2 days and I'm "good to go". I was there for about 12 minutes. TOTAL!!! I would never think that I could be at a DMV for just about 12 minutes. But the 5 stars is deserved.
-
August 2023 by Flo W.
I asked and was given a CA Drivers Handbook--in/out of DMV within 5 minutes. No waiting in line.
-
August 2023 by Sarah B.
I can't believe I'm going to give this place 5 stars but here I go. I went in on a Thursday an hour before they close with no appointment to renew my license and was out in 30 mins. They were surprisingly invested in getting you out quickly.
-
August 2023 by Donald W.
This has become my new favorite DMV Location. With most DMV's being extremely short staffed, and usually overrun with customers. This location seems to be a hidden gem. Now, before I start, don't you dare think about coming to this location, haha. There are still plenty of other locations in the bay area like, San Francisco, Daly city, etc. I hope this location, with its smaller size, stayed rooted for and used by the local community residents. Similar to all DMV's. You should always make an online appointment before arriving. Before you enter the building. There are two lines and of course the online appointments get the priority. I still find it odd that in 2023, there is still customers who don't think to make an appointment for their local DMV. By showing up, you are almost guaranteeing that you'll be there Twice as long. I guess that really works out for people like myself, who always make an appointment. Since I choose to do that. I find that when I arrive at this location I am in and out in 20 minutes or less. Totally worth the drive in my opinion.
