DC Department of Motor Vehicles

It’s not like a review of a restaurant or hotel– I have no choice– I HAVE to go back! I am also chuckling over my «TimeHop app» of 7 years ago– I wrote on FB «going back for a second time to try and renew my driver’s license» The more things change the more they remain the same! Attitude city is what these ladies have! Job security of the highest order. The clerk and the clerk’s boss both exude attitude and rudeness. I had my maiden name as my middle name on my passport but not on my ss card! The woman was so stupid that she said I used two different last names! No kidding one was my maiden name! No problem– they sent me on my way — I am now the proud owner of 140 dollars worth of 2 pieces of paper (a copy of my birth certificate and my marriage license!)
You can get a temporary copy of a license – good for 45 days– not told to me till the very end of the confrontation. Don’t think she would of said anything but I kept saying — I can’t get these papers you need by Saturday (my birthday and the expiration date of my license)
It would be nice of these employees to open with that! «Hey no problem– you don’t have all the papers you need but you can have 45 days to get it in order»
I have to go back with my expensive documents– basically dreading it– but I do now know where the office is hidden and I kind of remember what elevator to take– Out 11 dollars for parking in the underground garage!
My blood pressure was sky high– NOT good for that organ donor thing!!! Mean Mean Mean people who get off on giving attitude. No one in line — no work for them to do so can’t even blame a busy stressful work environment! They create their own trouble!

Welcome to DC! Here’s your parking ticket for parking in a zoned residential area! Totally my fault of course since I didn’t have a parking permit. My first official night as a resident in DC and I feel initiated.
All in all, if you come prepared with your documents and plan to arrive at non-​peak hours, you will be golden. I’m very grateful that DC has webcams that show pictures of the waiting room and line as well as a projected wait time. (
) As soon as I saw that the seats were empty and there was no wait, I booked it down to the DMV.
From start to finish, I had a pleasant experience — can’t complain. Security guard didn’t try to tackle me when I just barged in, not realizing that I had to wait at the entry before approaching reception. The receptionist was very friendly and knowledgeable. Since I came in at non-​peak hours, I sat in the wait room for an extremely short duration. Before I knew it, I was at my next window for assistance. In the first 4 seconds, the employee was brusque and cold, but as soon as I started to engage her in friendly conversation, she instantly warmed up and was quite friendly. I guess she’s used to cranky customers, but I can’t blame her if people show up trying to pick a fight. I came prepared with all my documents and was processed tout de suite.
Smooth operation. All in all, the employees helped eachother out (if one of them couldn’t answer a question) and they get the job done. Plan your arrival time and come prepared.

Worst DMV experience I’ve ever had. Truly a testament to why privatized DMVs work better. Someone reviewed my paperwork on arrival and then I waited for two hours to be seen by a DMV official. When I was finally called they told me I did not have the correct papers — papers! Of course everyone has access to their information online and can use computers but it’s far too efficient to expect that emails or internet– or tech-​based solutions could be used. DC DMV — bringing you yesterday’s technology tomorrow.
What a waste of time!

I moved to DC from California, and before going to the DMV, spent a couple hours reviewing the DMV website to make sure I had all the documents I needed. One thing that was unclear was whether I needed the title to register the car. Since I owe money on the car, the title is with the dealer. In one place, the DMV website says you need the title to register your car; in another, it says «NOTE: If you do not have the title for your vehicle, you will receive a temporary paper tag so that you can go through vehicle inspection and register your vehicle,» but doesn’t say exactly what you DO need.
I went to the Georgetown DMV on a Saturday, and their computer network was down and had been for a couple hours, so they couldn’t process anything. I took advantage of the trip to inquire about the above. An employee gave me a form letter to fax to my lienholder requesting a hard copy of the title. She told me that I could get a temporary registration before the title arrived, as long as I had my registration.
I left the DMV and faxed the letter to my lienholder, but the title hadn’t arrived yet when I went back a week later. A different woman staffed the front desk. When I told her I needed to register my car, she barked, «Do you have the title?», and I said no. She insisted that I needed the title, and that there was absolutely no way to register the car without a title, and that that had never been done in the history of the DMV. I told her that an employee had told me differently the week before, and she said «Someone misinformed you.» She did allow me to take a ticket to get my driver’s license though. That process was pretty easy, and the woman who helped me was competent and agreeable.
Before leaving the DMV, I again studied the DMV website, and confirmed that the wording indicated that it’s possible to obtain temporary registration without the title. So I went back to the woman at the front desk and politely said (in case she had misunderstood me previously) that what I wanted was «temporary paper tags». She again insisted that this was IMPOSSIBLE without the title. I then read to her verbatim from the website (
), «NOTE: If you do not have the title for your vehicle, you will receive a temporary paper tag so that you can go through vehicle inspection and register your vehicle.» She said that the website was wrong. I said that it should then be updated. She said «I will inform my manager.» However, SHE DID NOT ASK ME which, of MANY MANY DMV webpages, this text was on, so she had absolutely no way to do that. She was blatantly lying to me.
Although others at the front desk overheard our conversation, no one stepped up to help me. I wish I had asked to speak to the manager at that point, but it didn’t occur to me. And I strongly suspect this woman would have told me the manager was not available. Since this woman was the one giving out tickets, she had all the power. I wish I had noted her name.
I left, and called my lienholder to see if they could expedite shipping the paper title, which they couldn’t. I then called the DMV information, to get another official opinion on exactly what was required. A customer service agent named Doreen answered. She confirmed that to get temporary paper tags, what is needed is (1) the out-​of-​state registration, (2) my DC driver’s license, and (3) proof of insurance. I explained to her that I had tried to get the registration with these documents, the employee had insisted that I need the actual title. Doreen said in an irritated tone, «Did you TELL her that you were waiting for your lienholder to send it? Because if not, how is she going to know?» I told Doreen that I had told the woman I was from out of state, and Doreen argued with me that that’s not enough information — being out of state doesn’t necessarily mean I have a lien. I found her argument completely bizarre since it was the job of the woman at the front desk to understand my situation enough to inform me of exactly what was needed. I explained to Doreen that the woman had insisted, very clearly, that there was absolutely NO WAY, under ANY CIRCUMSTANCE to get my car registered without the title. And although I had not provided every detail about my the background, «ANY CIRCUMSTANCE» certainly covers the situation I was in.
Finally I requested from Doreen an official email stating exactly what was required so that I could have some documentation to bring in. She said that they are not allowed to send emails. I told her I was concerned that if I go back to the same location, with the documents she listed, I would simply be turned away again. Doreen’s solution? «Go to a different location.»
And that, dear reader, is what I recommend to you.

Of course I’ve had to go to the dmv multiple times but it’s not their employees’ fault when you have come unprepared!
The downtown dmv of 10+ years ago was ridiculous. The Georgetown location is clean and efficient. Ms Davis greets you with a smile. The clerks’ attitudes vary from sullen to friendly. In and out in 15 minutes including having to get a correction to a form faxed.

I just moved from California and had to go to the dmv to transfer my car and get a new license. I was dreading the lines… To my surprise my experience here was very smooth. All the employees I dealt with were great! I didn’t have to wait too long to get helped. Definitely recommend this location. I went twice on the same day and was quickly helped. I went on a Thursday between 10 – 12. No lines at all. Maximum wait time was maybe 10min. Service was fantastic!
Thank you!

I moved to DC in 2011 and kept my old license, even renewing it, because I heard so many horror stories about the DC DMV. Finally, under the threat of my old ID not working for air travel anymore because it doesn’t comply with the REAL ID law, I set out today fearing the worst. I blocked the entire morning off on my work calendar, grabbed a dense book, said a prayer, and set off for the unknown.
So yeah… I was in and out in maybe 15 minutes. I literally didn’t even have a chance to sit down after receiving my number before it was called. I already had my application printed off and filled out, and my documents together, thank goodness. They hardest part was getting my picture taken because the clerk and made me retake it three or four times. Or maybe it was getting all the way to Georgetown.
It was literally the most painless visit I’ve ever made to a DMV. I can’t believe I was dreading that chore for years.
I went around 9:30a on a Tuesday, if that’s helpful information. I overheard a clerk say that Tuesdays are the busiest days.

The worst f***king DMV I ve ever been to! I seriously mean it! The WORST!
These people have no life! Go get a life instead to just sit there like a statue doing absolutely nothing! What the hell its wrong with these creatures!!! They all need to get FIRED.
I can not believe they actually made me cry out of the frustration they put me through… Five F*** visits to apply for an ID. I do not want this freaking ID anymore

Every single person who works here should be fired immediately.* Worse service ever. Go to another
*The lady we met with at the front counter was very nice.

I never sign up for websites to make a single post, but the DC Department of Motor Vehicles has put me over the edge. These people are the most inconsiderate and nasty people on the face of the earth. It took every ounce of strength to not cry out of frustration. They made me return three times in one day. Oh yeah.. . And I still could not get my vehicle a part-​time residential parking pass.

I went around 1pm to obtain a replacement license. I wasn’t sure how crowded it would be at the time. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was fairly empty and my number was called within 10 – 15 minutes. The process was completed within another 10−−5 minutes. Overall, there was prompt service which made a dreaded chore less laborious.
I don’t know the usual amount of customer traffic, but there was a queue when I left.

I’ve only cried twice in my life: when I was born, and when I had to register my car at this DMV.

Wow, I was so impressed with this branch. Orderly, fast, efficient and professional. Arrived at 2:36 according to my Georgetown Garage entry stamp and paid the exit ticket at 3:11pm. That included: waiting in the prescreen line, waiting for my ticket number to get called, and getting 3 services and a picture taken (DL name change, address change and registration update). The gentleman who helped me Moses could not have been more courteous or professional. I walked in dreading the experience and walked out feeling like I won the lottery. Wish I hadn’t had to pay $ 10 for garage parking but I had assumed that I may not make it out in time to move my car before the 4pm rush hour started.

This place is in such a nice neighbor with really poor quality employee. I first was on the phone with a DMV representative asking what documents I need for ID renewal because they now have what’s called «REAL ID». The person on the phone said only my Id was needed, so I went and surprisingly found out all the documents are now required which was no problem. Second time I go back, waited and waited and finally get to the desk to get a ticket and the guy at the table was obnoxiously rude for a very simple question I asked. The DMV honestly needs to step it up and provide the customers and the residents with the service they truly deserve!!! They should replace their employee.

Echoing Caroline’s review — the Georgetown DMV is well organized, the staff are polite and efficient, and the ticketed waiting system is very sensible and usable.
It took about 15 minutes from arrival to a DMV employee processing my out-​of-​state license transfer. As far as DMVs go, that’s worth 5 stars in my book.
Most importantly, how to get there as of ¹⁰⁄₂₀₁₄:
The entrance is by the walkway to the east of Dean & DeLuca near Potomac and M St. Go in through the glass doors at the corner, then take the elevator down, then hang a left and you’re there.
Couple other tips:
–Pre-​print your forms and double check that you have everything you need with you.
–You can see a webcam of lines at the various DMV locations here:

Shocking but enjoyed my visit here: it took only 30 min to fill out an application, get my picture taken and register for an ID card. DMV workers were friendly and helpful on this Saturday afternoon. I was pretty surprised.

There are little words for how upset and shocked I am to the interaction I had with 3 employees here.
When the first lady told me I did not have the right paperwork, she insulted me by saying «You’re a teacher and you don’t know the different between a bank statement and a credit card statement?». When I told her that was an insulting comment and I wanted to speak with a manager, she rolled her eyes and walked away to go get another person.
After another 10 minutes of waiting for a manager to confirm my statement, a woman finally called me up. From the beginning she had a severe attitude, rolled her eyes, checked her watch, and took an extremely inappropriate tone with me. She ALSO called me out for being a teacher and not knowing the difference between a «bank statement» and a «credit card statement» (like it was a joke now between employees), even though my credit card statement had the word «statement» all over it.
When I told her I was «confused» she laughed and said «Yes you are.»
I couldn’t believe she was the manager with this tone, and when I asked if she was she said, «I’m sitting in this chair, aren’t I?» Every question I had she turned it around on me and was sarcastic. When I appealed for the other employees behind the counter about how rude I was being treated, they just looked away.
When I asked what her name was she said that was «none of my business».
I couldn’t believe how people were being treated here. The employees are obviously very comfortable in their job security to have such an attitude with costumers. I asked to speak to someone else because she was so apathetic. I sat for another 10 minutes.
Finally, a man came out. I asked if he was the manager, he said yes. I explained to him what just happened and that I had no interest in getting my license here anymore but I needed to tell him that this was the worst human experience i’ve ever had. On the verge of tears, I told him about what the other women had said to me and how mean they were for no reason.
All he (the MANAGER) did was look at me and say «Okay.» I left.
There was another lady there and she agreed this was the worst experience we’ve ever had.
Please know this is not a post of anger, this is a post of absolute disgust. No one should be treated like this. Our tax dollars at work.
I work for the city also. I am a DC employee. I am embarrassed for the lack of humanity and respect for one another in this center.

I waited for an hour, and then the fire alarm went off and we were all evacuated. It was near the end of the day so I had to come back the next day, where I found another significant waiting time.
I tweeted at the DC DMV account asking why this location was evacuated and they told me the location was open but didn’t answer my question.
The employees at this center seemed to be helpful and efficient enough from all my observations, so my guess would be the city has simply not hired enough people at this branch, or they are dealing with unnecessarily slow computers/​systems to process people.
I wish DC had the feature VA DMVs have: you can see the estimated wait time for each branch online before you go.

The problem with this DMV is the terrible customer service. In fact, the employees feel so secure in their jobs that they do not believe customer service is any part of the job.
I went in there to get a permanent parking permit and such a basic task was met with an overwhelming amount of hostility and attitude with any simple question from the woman was «serving» us. The girl who was previously talking to this woman was crying because this woman was such an unrelenting b****.
No wonder there’s a sign outside the office that says «no profanity».

Well, I never thought I would see the day that I would review a DMV, let alone give it 5 stars. All I can say is, this location is surprisingly painless.
Location: inside the Georgetown «mall.» The website says «Canal level,» which can be a bit confusing. Tip: walk to the entrance where the Washington Sports Club/​Dean and Deluca is. There is a set of doors that leads to some escalators that bring you down to the canal level, and the DMV is right there.
So, obviously the space is new. But, dare I say it, the place is downright welcoming! Clean, bright, smell-​free. Nothing bad can be said.
Timing wise, I arrived on a Saturday morning, 5 minutes after opening. There was already a line formed, but it wasn’t too daunting. There were multiple employees around, making announcements, handing out applications, answering questions, and reiterating the new rules for the new DC Real ID.
Having already visited the website multiple times to make sure I had every last document ready, I knew I was in the clear. Many people were not. There were definitely some arguments going around conserning matching Social Security Cards and other forms of ID, but for the most part, people had their shit together.
After waiting in line, I was given a number, waited in a (clean) chair for about 20 minutes before my name was called. The employee who processed my paperwork was friendly and efficient, and even let me review my picture! What a sweetheart. Furthermore, I was told my new license would arrive in 10 – 15 business days. I receieved it 8 days later. Not 8 business days, 8 days. Again, pleasantly surprised.
All in all, I was in and out in 65 minutes. For a busy Saturday morning, not too bad, especially when I was expecting close to 3 hours. Obviously nobody wants to trek it to the DMV, but if you live in NW and have no other option, this is hardly a day-​ruiner. Plus you can drink some delicious coffee from Dean and Deluca while you are waiting!