New York State DMV - Harlem — Attraction in New York

The check-in person at the kiosk was rude and sarcastic. I didn't even get to sit down to fill out the permit application when my # was called for a picture... Why am I being called for a picture when I hadn't even gotten my permit yet... 2 MINUTES AFTER I ARRIVED!?

Whatever, I sat down and was about to start filling out the application. I get called AGAIN, this time to take the test. Mind you, I had a 9am appt, and I arrived at 8:37am. WHAT IS THE POINT OF A CHECK-IN IF NOBODY IS GOING TO READDDDD THE TIMEEEEE OF ARRIVAL AND GAUGE HOW/WHEN TO CALL PPL!?

Moving on, I tell the person who called me for the test that I hadn't even been in the building for 10 mins and that I had already been called twice, so therefore I hadn't even filled out the application. She was very nice, laughed and said ok, fill it out and come back. (☆)

I was going to use the restroom and I asked the lady standing in uniform IF I COULD GO IN, NOT WHERE IS THE RESTROOM. She says yes, go ahead. THIS IMPLIES THAT SHE UNDERSTOOD WHAT I SAID, RIGHT!? WRONG. She proceeds to say "We should have a big sign that shows ppl where the restroom is," as if my asking her anything pertaining to the restroom, WHICH IS PART OF HER JOB IF SHE WAS POSTED THERE, OR EVEN FOR BEING A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE THERE, was beyond her capabilities. Repulsive. -_-

WHATEVER, I use the restroom, (it was pleasantly clean, ☆) and sure enough my # was called AGAIN. When I go there's a small line. It is just after 9 now. I had been there for about 30 mins and with all that had happened, I could not fully focus on taking the test. So I failed.

SB I went home, took the test online (50 questions -_-,) failed. Took it again after the 6 hours, PASSED. Why so determined, you ask? It was my birthday. I took a sick day from work and all (whole nother story in itself.) So there's something there about Fighting the good Fight in Jesus' Name and NOT GIVING UP.

All that to say, staff is 1/2 in terms of courtesy and efficiency. PLEASEEEEEE be more aware of ARRIVAL TIMES, how long between calling ticket #'s, and what ppl are being called for and when. This location is relatively new. Things move pretty quickly, which we're ALLLLLL here for. There is SO MUCH POTENTIAL HERE. We don't live in a perfect world, and we can't expect EVERYONE to be courteous and kind. BUT, a little goes a long way. I hope PATIENCE is something discussed in staff meetings in terms of interactions with the general public and even amongst one another.

Ok, I've spoken my truth. I know it's a lot. Thanks...

Update: I recently visited the new location, in June 2023. This location is where the Bed Bath & Beyond was. It's much more modern. I recommended if you can fill out your paperwork online and print it as it'll save you lots of time. There is a representative that asks reason for visit and will give you a ticket. He gave me the wrong number and I ended up having to wait additional time to get to the right counter. The representative that assisted me was very pleasant and helpful. I don't think they have late hours any longer.

I’ve been wanting to get my daughter an ID Card for months. I decided to try this location as it was more convenient for me. Please note you must have an appointment to get in. From the time we arrived to the time we left we had a pleasant experience. When you arrive, you show the security guards downstairs you email confirmation for your appointment. You then take the elevator or escalator to the 3rd floor where there is another security officer who will direct you where to go. Once we went inside, we stood on line to wait for a representative, we waited maybe 15 to 20 minutes. Once we gave the representative all required documents, she gave us a number and told us to have a seat. We sat for maybe 10 minutes until we were called up to the counter. The representative was very polite and helpful. She asked if we took pictures already, we took her we hadn’t. She then instructed us to go over to the photo section to have the picture taken and return to her. Once we went over to the photo section, I informed the representative what her coworker had instructed us to do. She was more than helpful and took the picture right away. We then returned to the representative who was assisting us. The representative also explained the enhanced version of ID’s/permits/or driver’s license is not what everyone think it is. It cannot get you both out and into the country (US), She explained you would still need your passport to return to the US. My overall experience at this location was great, I couldn’t believe I’ve never visited it before. Our reservation was for 7:00 pm and we were in and out. We went on a Thursday which is also their late night. A little tip if you know what documents you will need to fill out print them out at home and fill it in so when you get there it saves you time. This location also has a restroom. This location is accessible via public...

I had an outstanding experience at the NYC DMV in Harlem yesterday, and wanted to share it because I know that the DMV doesn't get much love!

I recently relocated to Manhattan from out-of-state and needed to swap my old license for an New York one.

The website was super helpful and allowed me to check all of the documents that I had collected before having to go to the DMV office, and confirmed that all of my docs were in order. This took a ton of the usual stress out of the process, because nothing is worse than going to the DMV and being sent way for not having the right docs!

Once I arrived at the office (which is above a Target), I was impressed with the pretty slick organization that had each person I met check my barcode before someone helped me to sign-in (you have to turn your barcode upside down to scan it easily—who knew!)

The throughput seem pretty high despite the large number of customers waiting; I think there were around 40 desks fully-manned.

The offices were immaculately clean (unlike the street outside, unfortunately), including the toilets. The security seemed a little heavy-handed, but there was a lot of 'action' outside as I was walking into the building, and I suspect that they are always 'on edge'.

My appointment was at 10:15a and my ticket was called after a few minutes of me checking in, but the first time was just to have my photo taken; I was called up for the main even at around 11:00a after my photo and signature were checked.

The agent who took care of me, Ms. Grant, was friendly, professional and courteous, and I noticed that many of their colleagues behind the barriers were laughing and joking with each other, while seemingly running a pretty efficient operation. I even saw one person dancing, until they made eye contact with me and went flush with embarrassment.

Ms Grant double-checked my forms, informed me of an error I had made on one—before giving me a chance to correct it—and then completed the change within about 10 minutes of me getting to her desk. She worked efficiently with her colleagues, keeping me informed the whole way.

At a time when government employees are being maligned from all quarters, I thought that it was worth taking some time to commend Miss Grant and her colleagues for a job well done—and for making my DMV trip one to remember for the right reasons...