As California lawmakers demand answers from DMV officials about the hours-long wait times across the state, the department wants to remind the public there are several services that don’t require you to visit a field office.
“People are still coming to the field office and are waiting in line to do simple transactions when they don't really need to be there," said DMV spokesman, Jaime Garza.
Those transactions include vehicle registration renewal, requesting a driving record, and changing your address. There's also the option of getting your registration renewed at a DMV kiosk located at various field offices and grocery stores.
“Along with your bread and eggs, you can get your registration sticker, and you don't have to wait in line,” Garza added.
However, if you do have to visit a field office, officials recommend going on a Saturday. There are 60 offices, including eight in the Greater Sacramento Area, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Garza explains why you might want to avoid going on the first and last day of the month.
“A lot of people are rushing in because they've procrastinated, and they need to get that registration renewal completed on time.”
The day after a holiday also tends to be busier. In addition to Saturday hours and extended hours at some locations, there are other strategies the DMV is planning to roll out to ease wait times.
“In the next couple of weeks, we're going to have a text notification. So when you come to the field office, you give us your cell number, and then we'll text you soon before your number is called up," Garza added.
The department also plans to implement a self-service check-in to bypass the line for those who have an appointment.
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