Lately I feel I have had to go to the DMV more often then ever before. Today’s visit is to purchase a registration sticker that was “sent” to me with my plates but was nowhere in the envelope. Such is most dealings with the DMV things don’t go as planned. The real sour note of this visit however is, I’ve been here before, for this reason. I couldn’t help shake the feeling, I’ve bought this sticker before, for this car. What did I do with it? Ah well… So here I am. One thing I notice is this sinking feeling in my soul as I walk into the UV illuminated pit of despair known as the DMV.
Below is a list of semi full-proof ways to possibly enjoy your time at the DMV.
(1) Before leaving google the wait time of the DMV you plan on visiting. The DMV website gives an estimated wait time to help you choose your location better. So helpful.
(2) Assuming you don’t have an appointment, otherwise why would you read this, jump into the line and get one of their ever confusing letter / number combination wait tickets. If their is any method to this system of calling people, I couldn’t find it. All I have been assured of in my search is It used to be worse.
(3) Once you have your number look to the monitors displaying the “now being served” numbers. Find your letter on the screen. Perhaps you have C021 and they are serving C007. The means the wait time on the website of an hour was probably right.
(4) Get out as quickly as possible! If you are lucky enough to frequent a DMV that is close to other things i.e. (Restaurants, Dimple, Records, Game shops). Go have some fun, you’re assured to wait for at least an hour, why sit in the pits. Take a way, do something. Check back periodically to see your letters progress. For some people a book is good enough, but I say sit outside and read where you can keep an eye on the monitor. Fresh air is always better than DMV despAIR.
(5) During this time it’s also good to make sure you have all your forms filled out correctly and that you have cash or debit ready to go. Most DMV’s do not take credit.
(6) When you see c019 or c020 on screen, go inside! It’s likely you’ll be called in the next 5 to 10 minutes. Bring your book or ipad or smart phone inside. Continue escaping your present reality until that soothing computer voice calls your number.
(7) Once called, walk up, take care of your business, be friendly to the worker, make small talk and leave.
(8) Upon exiting do a fist pump and encourage the sad sacks just walking in to the DMV that they too can survive this visit.
Here’s my thoughts about a DMV visit. You know you are going to be stuck there at least 45 – 1 1/2 Hours. Why not treat it as a little “me time.” Read that book you always wanted to, sketch something down, work on today’s todo list. Normally we have to go go go, this is a chance for us to sit back, know we will be there for awhile and get stuff done.
That is all,
Bryce
