Santa Clara DMV — Attraction in Santa Clara

Today 4/8/2025 I had two things I need help with . 1 was id card address change . I make a mistake when I went to a kiosk machine and didn't realize that I didn't change my address intill I got home . This was 4/4/2025 . My fault So I go to DMV in Santa Clara today and the lady ask me to file out application, which I had done already while I was waiting . For so reason I had to do it again ,(what ever not a big deal ). So I do it again and then the lady tell me it that will be $36. I told her I have already pay on Friday $39. She tell me because I made a mistake they have to charge me again just to change my address..remind you it was $36. Now I'm want to talk to a manager. So someone come up to the window doesn't say who he is (just ask what is the problem) I tell I just made a mistake on Friday I didn't change my address but I have already pay $39. So this poeple that never Identified who he was . The lady ask me for the paperwork that I try to show her in the first place wanted to see the paperwork proving I had pay the $39. This guy looks at it for 10 sec and said it is fake paperwork , I almost lost right then , but didn't I replied really it is fake you better look at it again so the guy that a superior, or manager ( later find out is Roger) so Roger relooks at the paperwork with the lady that was helping me ( I never got her name ) he tell me that I have to pay the 39. No reason just have to pay it . I tell him that you guys or ripping me off then he tell me it is a service so you have to pay. So I asked him if I came in here last Friday that you would of charge me $39 plus the $36.to get a new ID. He tell me no . So why is it today I'm having to pay other $36. So he just walks away rude as hell . So I'm going to pay I have other things I have to do . So the lady total everything up again , and on the machine the total now $39. I said what is this the first time it was $36. Now it is $39. What the he'll going on . She mumbled I thought it was something could really hear her . So I'm upset with her . You want to charge me for my mistakes, so then I can charge $39 for your mistake, and told her do your job right . I did said something rude to her .so she get up tell the lady next to her something and walks away . So I'm just standing there know one helping me ,5 minutes go's by and the lady next to her tell me I will help you down here . ( Roger come walking up to the window and ask me want did it say to the other lady . I replying told her to do her job right and he ask what else I said I dont remember something rude a guess. He then tell I'm not getting my id today a total power trip leave he tells me I refuse to leave I was almost out of here before you came back ..I ask for his business card twice saying please I will leave just need a business card . He tell me a couple of time then hold up his smalecdl badge I can't see what it says . Then he tell his name is Roger I replied your last name as someone that works for the public should tell the poeple but ge refuse to give it . Then treats me with the cops . I told call them they should educate you on the laws you can't trespass someone with out them breaking a law witch I never did . So he reply you want to play that way ,I reply yes so I was waiting for the cops but they never showed up . So I have thing to do today I don't have time to wait all day for the cops , so as I was leaving I ask the guard where the cops . He reply they are coming . So we both having a a talk that only we could here. I told Roger doesnt know the laws he reply to me im just doing what they ask me to . I told do your self a favor and read the laws on trespassing someone from public property. Then told him if the cops want to talk to me send to my house thank you and left . So learn how to treat the poeple ...

My visit to the Santa Clara DMV was an extremely frustrating and unprofessional experience that resulted in a complete waste of my entire day. The male staff member at Window 1 around 1:00 PM at 1/Aug/2025 was the primary cause of this nightmare.

Refusal to Combine Services & Constant Running Around: Despite my last DMV visit's advice to inform staff about multiple requests, this officer refused to handle both my wife's driver's license application (G270) and our vehicle verification (B071) at the same window. This forced me to frantically run to a different window to deal with the vehicle verification while my wife was left alone to navigate her Texas to California driver's license application. It was chaotic and incredibly inefficient!

Shocking Lack of Document Knowledge: This officer seemed utterly unfamiliar with standard immigration documents. He looked confused by our I-797 for H4 visa holders (a common document!), this document is totally OK for us to go through CBP and US board without any issue. The officer then demand an original marriage certificate, rejecting our perfectly valid certified copy. I feel that I need to bride him to have my wife's application done.

Abrupt, Unexplained Rejection & Devastating Consequences: While I was forced to run around for my vehicle verification, he unilaterally rejected my wife's driver license application without giving us a chance to clarify anything. He just called the next number, dismissing us outright! This abrupt, unprofessional behavior led to a cascade of problems:

My wife was left bewildered and dismissed.

In the rush and stress, I inadvertently left my bag (containing my work laptop and wallet!) behind at window 1. I only realized it after driving home and had to waste even more time driving back to retrieve it. This was a direct result of his unhelpful and dismissive attitude. It's so luck that no one stole it and a nice female staff at DMV helped me keep it.

Adding to the chaos, a non-service dog was barking loudly at me in the DMV office while I was rushing back and forth – why are non-service animals even allowed in such a confined public space? It just added to the stress of an already terrible situation.

if you're dealing with out-of-state vehicle imports (like Texas to California). you MUST drive to the back of the DMV building for vehicle verification before you can even request a vehicle verification number inside. This crucial step is not clearly stated anywhere, and it will waste your time if you don't...

Worst DMV experience I've ever had, and that's saying something. I just moved to California and needed to register my out-of-state vehicle. After waiting THREE HOURS (not exaggerating), I finally got called up at 5pm closing time only to be told I couldn't be served because I didn't have forms filled out. Here's the kicker - I was NEVER told about these forms when I checked in and got my number. No signs mentioning them, no announcements, nothing. When I explained that I didn't have a printer at home to print them beforehand, the manager had the nerve to say "I want to educate you to print forms before!" then pointed to the door when I asked for help.

It became obvious that the manager was just twisting the conversation and trying to avoid doing his job. He seemed to actually enjoy dismissing a customer at closing time. The way he smirked when saying "here's the door" made it clear he had zero interest in helping me.

Like seriously? You're going to "educate" me? How about educating your staff on basic customer service? Or maybe put that crucial information on your website? Or, crazy thought, HAVE THE FORMS AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE?

When I pointed out that this seems like a huge accessibility issue for people without printers or internet access, the manager literally said he didn't care if I filed a complaint.

I don't entirely blame the staff though - the state clearly hires unqualified people because they pay terrible wages and expect them to work themselves to death. The manager seemed genuinely uneducated and uncaring, but at that salary level, what can you expect? You get what you pay for, California.

For a government office that's supposed to serve ALL California residents, this is absolutely unacceptable. I've been to DMVs in multiple states and never experienced such dismissive, unhelpful service.

Pro tip for new CA residents: apparently you need to be psychic to know what forms to print before your visit since they won't tell you, provide them, or help you when you show up. I've already filed a formal complaint with the CA State Transportation Agency. Save yourself the frustration and try another...