If you hate waiting in line, then you’ll also hate going to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You may have been able to get away with processing most of your usual driver’s requirements online, but some services may require an in-person appointment. Fortunately, you can lessen the hassle by planning ahead. The timing of your visit can greatly affect how long the line is, how quickly you can finish, and how soon you can leave.
What Is the Best Day to Go to the DMV?
To make sure you get in and out of the DMV as fast as you can, plan your visit on a day when it’s open and has fewer people than usual. Here are a few tips to keep in mind, so that you can have a better experience during your next visit to your local DMV:
Avoid Going on Weekends
Many DMV offices are closed on weekends, but some stay open, usually on Saturday mornings. Depending on your work schedule, weekends may be the most convenient time to visit. However, you should avoid visiting the DMV on weekends as much as possible. You may want to consider taking a day off from work for your visit, so that you can get it over with as quickly and easily as possible.
Avoid Going Before or After Holidays
State DMV offices are commonly closed during holidays. It may seem like a good idea to go a day before or after a holiday, but many people also think the same. This means there’s a big chance that people may come flooding in during these days. If you want to avoid crowds and long lines, avoid going to the DMV office on the days before or after holidays.
What Is The Least Busy Day At The DMV?
The best time to visit the DMV is sometime in the middle of the week, also preferably sometime in the middle of the month. Most licenses expire by the end of the month, which means many people will be pouring into the DMV during the early and late parts of the month. Mid-month should be the ideal time to schedule your visit. You can also expect your visit to be less stressful on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The DMV?
Like any other office, the DMV follows a certain schedule to make sure they can accommodate as many guests as possible. Most DMV offices across the country are open as early as 7 a.m. However, you should take note of the worst and best hours to visit their office.
Avoid Going During Your Lunch Hour
It’s true that you can conveniently run quick errands during your lunch break, especially if you’re unable to get a day off from work. Many people take advantage of this, which is why there’s normally an influx of people in DMV offices at lunch time, around 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can try dropping by during your lunch break if you have no other choice, but you should expect long lines and a sudden flood of people.
Your lunch break may not even be enough for you to finish everything because of how long you may need to wait. It may be best to put off your visit to some other time when there are fewer people and shorter DMV wait times.
When Is The DMV Least Busy?
The DMV is definitely a busy place, but there are optimal hours that may help you finish up earlier than anyone else. The best time to visit is early in the morning so you can be first in line, hence you can finish up sooner. You should also let the lunchtime rush end before dropping by. These window hours can be less troublesome. However, other factors may also contribute to how long you spend in the DMV.
You need to make sure you’ve contacted the DMV office you plan on visiting to sort out any details or to set an appointment. You should also inquire about all the necessary documents you need to bring with you on the day of your visit, so that you can prepare them beforehand. Having to work on your documents when you’re already there may take more time, which may even cause you to spend the whole day at the DMV.
When Does the DMV Close?
It may be a bad idea to visit too late in the day. Most DMV offices close sometime in the afternoon from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you drop by too late, you may end up not having enough time and needing to plan another visit. It’s best that you check their schedules online, so that you can find a DMV office with hours that are most convenient for you.
DMV’s COVID-19 Rules and Regulations
Since the lockdowns started, DMV offices across the country have been making operational changes to adapt to the situation. Recently, some DMV offices have opened up, requiring visitors to wear masks within their premises even if face mask rules aren’t enforced throughout the state. It’s highly recommended to contact any DMV office before you visit them. Ask them if they offer the following online services:
- Vehicle registration renewal
- Property tax payment
- Order placement of customized license plate/s
- License renewal
- Vehicle registration
- Duplicate license/ID cards
Use online platforms as much as possible to lessen physical contact inside DMV offices. They may also recommend online payments and other contactless transactions. Do take note that available online services may vary depending on local DMV regulations, so you may want to contact them for confirmation.
Do You Need An Appointment For DMV?
Normally, you’d be allowed to simply stop by the DMV as a walk-in guest. However, due to COVID-19, DMV offices may still require appointments for services that require in-person attendance. This rule is enforced to help lessen foot traffic and crowds within their offices. COVID-19 regulations may change over time, so contact your local DMV office for the most updated information.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
