Readers reflect, share their good experiences at the DMV

Q I’m tired of reading a lot of nonsense and blatant attacks on DMV and their staff. I, like everybody else, have experienced delays, and yes, it’s been particularly bad since Real ID license issuance began. But people come to the DMV without the correct paperwork or payment and expect the staff to magically issue them a driver’s license.

I’d like to give a shoutout to the DMV staff and thank them for doing a thankless task and putting up with some really rude and obnoxious people. — Shiv Sikand, Santa Cruz A Today, many want to say their DMV trips have gone, for the most part, well. Q The very best tip for getting in and out quickly at the DMV is to be the first person in line. I went to Walnut Creek without an appointment and spent more than five hours to no avail. I threw in the hat when there were probably 100 people waiting and only one (yes, one!) window open.

A few days later, I rolled out of bed at 5 a.m. and arrived at the DMV at 5:46 a.m. Yes, I was first in line. I brought along a bagel, my computer and a good movie and settled in for a two-hour wait. When the doors opened at 8 a.m., I was in and out within 10 minutes. — Anne Matera, Moraga A Another person followed the same strategy: Q I booked an appointment in Salinas and was prepared to drive there from Santa Clara. Then I read on Yelp how some people were able to line up at the DMV early in the morning. I tried that at the Santa Clara DMV and it worked. I was out the door in a little over an hour. — Timothy, Santa Clara A More kudos coming:

Q

Contrary to lots of complaints, I had a great experience at the Los Gatos DMV. All it takes is an appointment. I was in and out in less than 40 minutes. The staff was helpful and kind. … I want to give a shoutout to Concord DMV. My wife and I had 9 a.m. appointments, arrived at 8:45 and were finished at 9:45 … On a whim, I thought I’d try Daly City without an appointment. I arrived about 3:15 p.m. and was finished by 5:15. Nice staff, friendly people. A good experience. — Dale Bates, Mike Overfeld and Emily Glines A A trek to Seaside was worth it, too.

Q

My husband and I made an appointment to go to the DMV in Seaside. We took a lovely, early morning drive from the Bay Area, as our appointments were for 8:20 a.m. We arrived at 8:05. We were finished by 8:50 a.m. Thanks to the wellorganized and skilled DMV employees in Seaside. You made our day. — Patti Rose A Boy, I bet the DMV appreciates this.