Ca dmv sucks (Thousand Oaks: taxi, living in, license plates)

[steel7]

This is a intresting website. All the comments are true. I mainly blame the horrid ca legislature though. The worse in the nation. http://www.cadmvsucks.blogspot.com (broken link)

[Charles]

I've never had a problem at the DMV other than having to wait in line; Longest was about an hour and that was for a new driver's license including taking a written (only one wrong - didn't study at all), and getting new license plates. I had all my paperwork because I went online and prepared for the visit. This was the Thousand Oaks DMV.

[cdgoldilocks]

The last time I went to the DMV, the wait was 3.5 hours. I am not kidding. There is no excuse for that.

[Ceece]

With 3 new drivers over the last several years I've spent plenty of time at the DVM. Here are some tips for you:

1. Take advantage of their online appointment system. I can't promise in-and-out service but I've never waited more than 15 minutes this way.

2. Join AAA and do as much DMV stuff there as you possibly can. Most of the paperwork, vehicle licensing, registration, etc. can be done there so you can avoid the DMV.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Ceece

1. Take advantage of their online appointment system. I can't promise in-and-out service but I've never waited more than 15 minutes this way.

The first time I did that, I got in an out quickly.

The next time I did that, I showed up, saw the huge line, and told them I had an appointment, expecting to be directed to a different area. The response was something along the lines of "So does everyone else. Get in line." What's the point of an appointment if you share it with 100 other people?

[Ceece]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

The first time I did that, I got in an out quickly.

The next time I did that, I showed up, saw the huge line, and told them I had an appointment, expecting to be directed to a different area. The response was something along the lines of "So does everyone else. Get in line." What's the point of an appointment if you share it with 100 other people?

That's wierd. I know they limit their appointments. Somebody must have had some wrong info there.

[steel7]

The dmv has always been a toilet. If you dont pay your registration on time they hound you big time & the penalities are high. No grace period in ca. My tags for my 90 Tbird are coming up & im going to non op to avoid the penalties. Thats 18.00 i gotta give those bums to not drive my car. I despise the legislature cause those are the greedy cowards who make the laws & rules.

[kettlepot]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

The first time I did that, I got in an out quickly.

The next time I did that, I showed up, saw the huge line, and told them I had an appointment, expecting to be directed to a different area. The response was something along the lines of "So does everyone else. Get in line." What's the point of an appointment if you share it with 100 other people?

The last time I was at the DMV I had to renew my Driver's License. I made an appointment too. I spent 2.5 hours waiting past my appointment time - standing the entire time - because there were no empty chairs in the entire building.

[steel7]

Originally Posted by kettlepot

The last time I was at the DMV I had to renew my Driver's License. I made an appointment too. I spent 2.5 hours waiting past my appointment time - standing the entire time - because there were no empty chairs in the entire building.

Thats uncalled for. Standing 2.5 hrs is total bs. I dont look at any improvements at the dept of moron vehicles any time soon. My renewel is due late 2012. Hopefully im not living in taxifornia & mexifornia by then.

[ladoll]

Originally Posted by eagle7

The dmv has always been a toilet. If you dont pay your registration on time they hound you big time & the penalities are high. No grace period in ca. My tags for my 90 Tbird are coming up & im going to non op to avoid the penalties. Thats 18.00 i gotta give those bums to not drive my car. I despise the legislature cause those are the greedy cowards who make the laws & rules.

Are you serious? Of course there are going to be fines for not renewing your registration on time. That is to discourage you from being late all of the time. California is not the only state that does that. If you don't want to pay a steep fine, then make sure you renew your registration on time. They give you ample notice and you can do it online or via mail - the smog check is the only thing you would have to go to the DMV for (and you can still register your vehicle when it needs a smog check without it to avoid late fees, but you won't get your new tags until the smog check is on file with the DMV).