CA.govReviews of dmv.ca.gov

What a miserable pain to use. So bad they actually have pop-up to another sight that actually functions, but charges an extra $60 to process your $10 trailer payment. When I finally got it submitted I just got a notification that they will get back to me . Absolute joke!! Only the state of California could screw up a website this bad

Website is horrible. You have to search to find the right link to pay the Registration Renewal Fee. After finding and filling out the online form, the next glitch is the payment method. After entering the payment info, you have to put your order into the online cart but it never goes into the cart. The cart is always empty. So Frustrating! I give up on the online avenue and call the 800 number. The stupid SI/AI assistant made me repeat my home zip code 6 times before it got it. Same awful experience when attempting to enter my CC number. I finally gave up and closed the website. You would think the one thing the DMV could get right was a way to Pay the Bill. If you have AAA, it's faster and easier to go to the local office and pay the fee. Don't waste your time with their website or 800 number.

Carlos, who is at the information desk at the Clovis DMV is the ONLY person at that facility who even knows what customer service means. I just moved from Arizona to Clovis, CA and needed to get a new California license. Unfortunately, I went 3 days in a row just to apply for a license and then I had to keep going back because I didn't have this or that! Each time I walked into the DMV, I was dreaded it; if it weren't for Carlos and his warm smile and helpful attitude, I don't know what I would have done! The 2nd day I went to DMV in Clovis, I was told I would need to take an eLearning test. As I'm not technical with computers or my cellphone, I needed to use the resources at the DMV office. The 2nd time I showed up, I was able to complete my application with no issue; however, when my # was called and I went up to talk to an agent, the woman at the counter told me taking the test on the computer in their office was very difficult and they would "prefer" customers take the test on their own computers or phone. What I didn't know at the time was that California had put into place for seniors, "if you are 70+ years old," you were exempt from taking the test! I learned this when I went back to the DMV today (3rd visit), and Carlos was the one who shared this info with me! On my 3rd visit to DMV, I was able to finally complete the process and get my photo taken, as well as issued a temp drivers license. If Carlos hadn't offered me the kind of customer service EVERY customer should receive at DMV, I don't know what I would have done. Carlos even went so far as to say to me, "if anyone gives you any more problems, just come to me, and I'll help you out!" I think DMV in Clovis should recognize Carlos for how he handles himself and also the many customers who go through the Clovis DMV every single day!

Went to Petaluma office for driver license renewal and was really impressed with system to try and make it as smooth as possible. The most important part is to make sure you help yourself by filling application on line and then making appointment for the visit. The staff were very helpful trying to answer questions about. I’m sure it’s hard to answer same questions all day long. A little tip also download the QR reader app on your phone.

I’m extremely disappointed with the current DMV registration fee. I chose to lease an electric vehicle, a 2025 Nissan Ariya, which is not a luxury car. However, being charged $707 per year for registration feels excessive and discouraging. Fees at this level make it harder for consumers to keep up with everyday costs. Many of us are encouraged to switch to electric vehicles and invest in solutions like solar panels, with the expectation of long-term savings. Instead, we are facing additional charges that make it feel like the burden is increasing rather than easing. This feels like a step in the wrong direction. The DMV should seriously reconsider and reduce these costs, as it currently seems that consumer concerns are not being adequately taken into account.

I’m disappointed with how the California DMV handles online registration payments. The state strongly encourages users to complete services online, which in many cases feels like the preferred option over mailing paperwork or visiting an office. However, when attempting to pay for vehicle registration online, there is an added “convenience fee” of nearly $10. This raises a few concerns. If the goal is to shift more users toward digital services, it feels counterproductive to add extra charges specifically for using the online system. It also makes the experience feel less like a convenience and more like a penalty for choosing the recommended digital option. It would be helpful to understand whether this fee is required by processing vendors or if it is part of a broader strategy to manage DMV service costs. Either way, clearer communication and a more consistent approach to pricing would improve trust and user experience.

Very pleased with their quick response time.I applied for a permanent Disability Placard two weeks ago. First it had to get signed by my doctor and health care provider. I emailed the documents and it only took less than a week for them to review, complete and approve the forms. They advised it could take up to 30 days to receive the placard but we received it in 5 days. A telephone number is provided for questions and they answer it promptly.

As far as customer service at dmv it was excellent but i got overcharged on transaction for 253 that was drawn out of my bank account . I filed the form for reimbursement at the dmv which was signed by the dmv office manager. It has been four weeks now and still no reimbursement . Got transferred around to 6 different people on the phone yesterday with i would get a call from some else that never happened. Send me my damn money . This is from s state that charges you a fine if you do not switch all your stuff over in 15 days if you move in and it is expensive. Give me my money