Best DMV office in Bay Area? Why this one wins praise from Roadshow readers
Q: Kudos to the DMV and their new office on Senter Road in San Jose. I had an appointment for a REAL ID and license renewal in Capitola but decided, after friends told me about the Senter Road facility, to give it a try. I arrived a little after 9 a.m and was out with a new license before 10:30 a.m. The people were friendly, the office clean and crowds were small and polite. I’d even call it quite pleasurable.
Gene Dorsa, San Jose
A: Pleasurable for you and many others who have gone to the Senter Road site. This is just one of three Driver Licensing Processing Centers in the state where motorists can only get a license. To call them popular isn’t enough. The Senter site easily ranked as the most popular office in the Bay Area.
Q: None of the local offices had any appointments until after my birthday late this month, so I made an appointment on June 13 at the DLPC on Senter Road for 10 a.m. I entered the building at 9:45 and the line for those with appointments. This turned out to be my longest line — 15 minutes to get to the counter.
I sat down with my book to wait to be called. I hadn’t even turned on my Kindle before I was called up. The actual process took about just over five minutes and was then told to get my picture taken. No line there so it was fast. Then I had to wait in line for about five minutes for my temporary license and receipt. I left about 40 minutes after entering. All in all, not a bad hour at the DMV.
Stacie Thomas, Fremont
A: And the report from others who went to the Senter Road office.
Q: I went back in March for a license renewal for a REAL ID.
I filled out the online form and showed up with no appointment at 8:27 on a Friday. I was out the door at 8:52 a.m. with my temporary license and REAL ID all completed. Both times I have utilized this DMV for license applications they were fast and efficient.
Robert Patterson, San Jose
A: And other offices where drivers left smiling.
Q: Capitola DMV rocks! They were super helpful and fast when I needed services.
Rebecca Elder
A: And up in Santa Clara. …
Q: At 4 p.m. on a Friday afternoon last January — in and out of the Santa Clara office without an appointment. Staff was terrific.
Marti Coppage
Q: Thank you for the excellent tip about going to DMV on Saturday afternoons. I went last Saturday to the Vallejo office and was in and out in 30 minutes. Easiest license ever and I am 86 so I’ve had quite a few.
Elizabeth Precour, Vallejo
A: Whoa. Impressive, young lady.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.