My experience at the DMV

Photo by Levois J.

How is YOUR experience with the Secretary of State's office (the dreaded DMV).

My experience at our local facility at 9901 S. King Drive has been a very positive one...i'm not sure how it is on the north side & suburbs, but I think we have it good when it comes to this facility.
In a previous trip down there, to renew my sticker, it took me literally 5 minutes from beginning to end.

This trip (yesterday), I had 2 things to do, and took a bit longer. It's literally been years since I had to take a written test, or even get a new license (I was able to use a sticker the last time, to extend it by 4 years). I didn't have the license or paperwork, so more time was definitely factored in.

So I set my timer to begin after I asked the information booth about my situation (having 2 issues, i wanted to know who I should start with)

I started with getting the sticker renewed. I didn't have the card mailed in, so I had to wait a very short time for them to print out a paper to take to the cashier. (if I had it, the SoS personnel directed people straight to the cashier)

That was completed in 7 minutes and 46 seconds.

From there, I walked out the building and to the other entrance for Drivers licenses. 

I began again at 9 minutes and 7 seconds.

The longest part was waiting after checking in at theintake desk, and showing my material(I didn't have my license, so I presented alternate material). I was given ticket A196, with A182.There were also several tickets begging with B-F.

At 43 minutes and 25 seconds, I began the process, going to the visual test, then the cashier, and then the written test , and finally the photo to get my license.
That ended at 1 hour, 5 minutes & 7 seconds. 

So 22 minutes from talking with someone to getting it the actual license.

Overall, a pretty quick process. And everyone was pretty friendly.


How has your experience been?