4 Tips for Surviving the DMV

If you are like any normal person, you do not enjoy going to the DMV.  Long lines, cranky people, and the monotone voice calling out random numbers over and over is enough to drive anyone insane.

Unfortunately, however, there will be times when you need to go to the DMV.

Luckily, there are some excellent tips you can use for your next trip that are bound to lessen the stress of dealing with the hassle that is the DMV.

Check it out.

Must-Know Tips for Enduring the DMV

1. Make Sure You Really Need to Go

There is nothing worse than waiting in line at the DMV only to find out whatever you needed to take care of could have been done online.

Many DMVs are attempting to make the experience more pleasant for everyone involved.  As a result, there is a lot you can do from the convenience of your home by simply using your computer:

  • Renew an ID or driver’s license
  • Car registrations
  • Change of address
  • Driving record requests
  • License plate renewal

Look online at your state’s local DMV website and make sure a trip down there is really needed.  This alone will save you a lot of hassle and frustration.

Not sure which DMV you even need to head to?  Check out this convenient DMV locator tool and quickly find the DMV nearest you.

2. Come Prepared

Again, no one likes the DMV.  However, those who show up unprepared dislike the DMV even more because they have to leave and come back a second time.

If you are getting a new ID, things like your old ID, birth certificate, proof of address, Social Security Card, and even passport may be required.

For things like car registrations, it is helpful to have your car’s VIN number, proof of car insurance, bill of sale, old registration, car title, odometer reading, and passing emissions test.

Lastly, if you will be making any type of payment, it is a good idea to learn which types of payment your DMV accepts.  For instance, some DMVs only accept check or cash and will not accept a debit or credit card payment.

Save yourself some time and come prepared with everything you need to make your trip to the DMV smooth.

3. Learn About Downtimes

Rarely is the DMV not busy.  In fact, on any given day you can find a long line wrapped around the building before opening time.  After all, people have lives they need or want to attend to and getting in and out of the DMV as fast as possible is a priority.

Here are some tips to follow when it comes to going to the DMV:

  • Avoid the beginning or end of the month when everyone trying to renew their “about to be expired” car registrations are panicking to renew in time
  • Do not go before or after a holiday because the DMV closures always cause a backup
  • Try to avoid the beginning or end of the week when people tend to have the most free time to get errands done (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays are typically the busiest days)

4. Stay Busy

Hours upon hours of waiting is likely to grind on anyone’s nerves.  Make sure you bring something along to distract yourself such as work, a book, or music.

Make sure to eat beforehand or bring some food along.  Unless you want to take the risk of there being something delicious in the vending machine.  Lastly, do not plan anything for immediately after the DMV as you never can tell just how long it will take.

So there you have it, 4 solid ways to reduce the anxiety that the DMV has a tendency to cause even the calmest of people.