DMV makes moves to reduce wait times

Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- Wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles are notorious, and lately they’ve gotten longer. That’s why California’s DMV says they’re taking steps to speed up service. The first step, redirection and beefing up of staff.

“The DMV is bringing employees from various state agencies and departments to strengthen our hiring surge and help triage the longer lines at our offices,” DMV Director Jean Shiomoto said. “This year we have already hired 500 new employees, added Saturday service at 60 offices and opened offices an hour earlier in the most impacted areas. We expect the additional surge of employees will help further combat these wait times.”

Other efforts include:

-Piloting a text notification option. Customers can provide their cell numbers at check in and will receive a text just before their number is called.

-Piloting self-check-in kiosks. Customers can check in on their own and receive a number.

-Expanding current Self-Service Terminals. This month, the DMV will add the self-service
vehicle registration renewal kiosks to 10 additional field offices.

-Saturday service expansion: The DMV expanded Saturday service to 60 field offices on August 4.

-Early office hours: The DMV began offering extended hours at 14 field offices on July 16. The offices open at 7 a.m. four days a week. They continue to open at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays and close at 5 p.m. daily.