This was my first visit in over a year. Due to CDC guidelines (as of May 2021) almost everyone needs to form a line outside. So don’t freak out when you see a long line, it’s just the people usually lining the inside walls waiting to hear their number be called. Just like bingo.
A few things to note. They have extended the Real ID deadline to May of 2023. So for those of you who do not possess a passport or military ID, you now have more time to update your drivers license or picture ID. Also there are more services offered via online website.
For those of you with an appointment or a disability, they have a separate line. We could not make an appointment for what we needed. My daughter just filled out some forms online and had a number for them to scan when we arrived. So be sure to go online before you visit.
Considering the number of people waiting when we arrived ( approximately 125) it took overall about 3 hours. Would have been less but their computer system froze for about 30 minutes right when we were checking out. Once we had our turn in the outside line and showed documents etc., to the nice lady; they asked for our cell number then told us to wait in our car until they called. After that you make your way back to the front, then they call you inside, (very few people, weird) and you wait for your number to be called again. I felt like I was at a bingo game.
Definitely make an appointment if you can. It really does make a difference.
That was brave of you to go to the DMV.
Could not be avoided.
I had to go through the pain of visiting the DMV last summer for a real ID, since my license was expiring. One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that it is forcing businesses that were previously in the stone age – like the DMV – to operate a little more efficiently and electronically to help avoid needless transactions in person. Not everything can be avoided, but it’s great that at least some of the process has been transitioned to online!
I agree, a lot of businesses figured out how to pivot during the pandemic offering more online services, delivery and innovative solutions. I’m hoping it sticks! My daughter had to renew her permit so she could finally take the drivers test. Looking forward to that.