PennDOT Photo & Exam Center

It’s your typical DMV so you come in expecting to wait in long queues and sign your life away. The times are a little bit shortened at the downtown PIttsburgh location closing at 4:15 which is sometimes difficult for working professionals to get to.
Overall the wait time was not bad at all the service person definitely improved as the time went on. My first commentary from him was harsh and rude, as I had a drink in my hand which I placed on the counter «You can start by getting your drink off my queue». Usually something that is off-​putting, but I have learned over years that this is a reaction for dealing with rude downtown people and he was just assuming I was another spoiled, why-are-you-treating-me-like-an-inmate-i’m-white-afterall college kid. My reaction was just simple, trying to be polite and quite and he quickly not only softened his viewpoint but became very sympathetic and appreciative that I didn’t react as he expected.
The process was more than speedy and I received my license without fuss or issues. All together it only took 30 minutes, which was beyond exciting. Make sure you come prepared, grab your money order in advance and be polite and you will be treated more than adequately.

I got my ID here when I returned to PA from out of state. I went on a weekday during the day. I did not have a long wait. The employee who assisted me was nice. My ID unfortunately printed with a black dot on my photo – right on my nose. It was not there in real life. Just a printer malfunction.

I will give this DMV points for speed, although that was mostly due to the lack of patrons rather than any efficiency on their part. WARNING TO ALL VISITORS – they only take CHECKS and MONEY ORDERS as payment – no cash or plastic. Not only does PA require ridiculous amounts of identification (two paper bills and SS card and passport) for new PA residents, but also fails to list this weird payment policy with the litany of «important information» at the bottom of the page. PennDOT needs to get its act together and actually post these payment policies (or move into this century and take plastic).

Hands-​down the best DMV center I have ever been to. Typically, I would rather go anywhere in the world before having to deal with anything at the DMV; however, when I moved up to Pittsburgh and had to get a PA license I was absolutely stunned at how fast and efficient everything was at PennDot. There is an employee waiting at the front to ask you what you need as soon as you come in. If you don’t have all of the necessary paperwork, birth certificates, proof of residence, passport, your first born to donate, etc., they won’t even let you take a number. This, for better or worse, weeds out the people who will waste their time as well as everybody else’s time waiting in line and at the help desks. Again, I was stunned at how quickly the numbers were called and have always had a relatively pleasant experience with the people at the desks (people here typically hate their job and thus you). In all, while I wish to never have to deal with them again, I will definitely stop in here if I do.

Moved to Pittsburgh from California and let me just say the differences are amazing, especially concerning the DMV. This PennDot is great. I came in to get my new license on a Tuesday afternoon around 1:30, and had my temp in hand within 15 minutes. The people are friendly and efficient. Pro tip: Print the forms out online, fill them out before coming in, and bring everything you need. You’ll be set in no time.

I am so pleased that the DMV was moved far far far away from Stanwix street and out of the state building.
This is a great location I have honestly never waited more than an hour for any service that I needed and for anyone who has ever been to the DMV that is actually not a bad turn around time.

I agree with a previous poster that this is a GREAT DMV! I recently moved to Pittsburgh and needed my driver’s license. I brought in all of my materials and printed out the form from the website thinking I would have ample time to complete it while waiting. I arrived 5 minutes after opening this morning [a Monday — website listed this day as «continuous flow» with no optimal hours to arrive]. I parked in the garage literally beside the location and crossed the street to go in. After pulling my number and heading to the area to sit down, my number was called! It took less than 30 minutes for me to complete the form with the representative, pass the eye exam and have my picture taken with temporary DL in hand. The picture lady even let me take an extra photo without drama when she thought I looked too tired in my picture [I agreed]. Next photo looked great and I am very happy with my experience!

This phone number belongs to AAA downtown, not the DMV!

As far as DMVs go, this is the BEST EVER. It took exactly 22 minutes from when I walked in the door to when I walked out with my new PA ID. There were a dozen people in front of me, too. I went at noon on a weekday. The most shocking part was that everyone was super nice – especially the man at the photo station. Maybe I’m just jaded from the three hour waits with mean people at Duncan Manor, but this was a pleasant trip to the DMV. Who knew that could happen?

Even though I don’t drive, I still come down here periodically to get my State ID renewed and always get exemplary service. They even let me change my party affiliation during my last visit, which I didn’t know could be done on the spot.
Well, I just got my new voter card yesterday and am now officially a Green. G’bye duopoly.