DMV Chinatown — Local services in Chicago

I went there today to renew my license and get a RealID. My appointment was for 10:50, got there at 10:40 to check in (as recommended) and waited about 10 minutes in the “appointments” line outside before entering. The inside is very small, there is no sitting/waiting area except for seniors and those with disabilities. Things moved so fast that it didn’t matter.

Upon entry they checked me in, made sure I had my documents and then took my photo. After that process (5ish minutes long) I waited in a short line for about 15 minutes to see one of the 4 employees assisting customers. I was helped by a young man named Daniel who was extremely kind, friendly, and patient.

Daniel took me through the process, and I was missing a page from one of my documents. I had a rental lease but only the first page, the signature was on the fifth page which I didn’t bring along with me. He said that if I have a bank statement on my phone I could print, I could run over to print it for a few dollars at the nail salon next door (literally the door is 1 foot away from the DMV door). The DMV wasn’t backed up or busy and things were moving quickly/efficiently in all other lanes at this time.

He said he was going to step away from the counter to take a short water and restroom break, and if I could be back in a couple of minutes he could take me at the same counter without having to wait again in line. I told the security guard by the entrance who was also very sweet, and he said not to worry and come right back.

I ran next door, printed my paperwork, and ran back in all in less than 2 minutes. The security guard let me go back to the same counter and I was able to give the appropriate printed document to complete everything needed to get my license.

Daniel was so so so helpful and amazing and he made the entire process so easy. Everyone there who was working was kind, helpful, patient, and actually seemed like they wanted to be here. This has not always been my experience in the past with DMVs I have been to before.

This location is insanely efficient and the people there are lovely. Free street parking literally right next to the office and I was in and out in half an hour. I will always be coming to this location in the future!...

I don’t want to bash on this place, because I’m sure they’re doing the best they can given their resources. However, this one guy that served me at the counter (let’s call him David) had a horrible attitude. The entire time I was at the location, even before I got to the counter, he was huffing and yelling and noticeably angry. It was audible above all the other workers, above all the hubbub and commotion of other people being served. I tried to make small talk, but he complained to me instead and continued acting angry. It got to a point where I felt nervous to mishear a question or take too long signing something, for fear of irritating him. Then he finally finished with my documents and shooed me away.

The kicker: when I finally got home, I noticed on my temporary license - he spelled my name wrong. And I have to wait 3 weeks for my official license to come in the mail, go to a DMV again, rinse, repeat, etc. just so I can get the (corrected) license. Jesus. If you’re going to be huffy and pissy throughout the process, at least be okay at your job!! Or better yet, just be pleasant, and a mistake like this wouldn’t feel so egregious!

I’m giving an additional star because all of the other workers there seem lovely. I understand it’s a busy time, with the real ID restrictions coming into place, and the DMV has been squeezed for resources lately. The ladies who worked the line, who took my picture, and who manned the other counters were clearly doing their best to keep things moving along despite how packed the space was. However, this one guy had a different demeanor than the rest. He really got on my nerves.

Anyways, the minor takeaway for those of you who decide to go here....

This location is appointment only. Make sure you have all required documents and the process will go smoothly. They do vision testing here but they do not do written testing. Even with an appointment plan on waiting outside in a line. They check to see if you have appointment reminder while waiting in the line outside. This location is extremely small but the line inside and outside tends to move pretty quickly. I seen about 5 people turned away today because they did not have an appointment or they did not have proper documents for the appointment they had scheduled. They do not allow extra people inside only people with the actual appointment. There is a free parking garage first and second levels with plenty of parking. To make an appointment it’s best to try online right at 6:30am and they tend to only list one day at a time and appointments go in order starting at the earliest time the location opens. When making your appointment make sure to check the appropriate appointment you need because I also saw some getting turned away because this location does not offer all services. Employees were professional and seemed to make the process relatively easy if you have followed all the above...