Any tips for the DMV? (Huntsville, Athens: transfer, gangs, license)

[cugrad]

I need to transfer my license to Alabama and I've heard horror stories about waiting for hours next to meth addicts and gang members. Any tips for when the best time to get there is?

[gsp4ever]

Originally Posted by cugrad

I need to transfer my license to Alabama and I've heard horror stories about waiting for hours next to meth addicts and gang members. Any tips for when the best time to get there is?

Oh God The driver's license office.
Go to the one in Athens. Don't go to the one in Huntsville. I was warned not to go to the one downtown and when I went (I know, against advice) there were very few cars in the parking lot but the waiting room area was absolutely full. I went to Athens mid-afternoon and still had to wait, maybe about 30 minutes.

Also, the Huntsville office wouldn't take a US Passport as a form of identification, which I thought was absolutely laughable. Things may have changed now, I hope so.

[Southlander]

Here's a thread from last year: http://www.city-data.com/forum/hunts...questions.html

[Burbankhotty]

Originally Posted by cugrad

I need to transfer my license to Alabama and I've heard horror stories about waiting for hours next to meth addicts and gang members. Any tips for when the best time to get there is?

is there a gang problem in Northern Alabama??

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Burbankhotty

is there a gang problem in Northern Alabama??

Gangs of mosquitoes. Gangs of fire ants. That's about it.

[mm42]

Originally Posted by Charles

Gangs of mosquitoes. Gangs of fire ants. That's about it.

Gangs of ladybugs, man! They are out of control.

For Burbankhotty: The original posting was "tongue in cheek". We like to make disparaging comments about the DMV, because it is run like a jail holding cell. One does get to rub elbows with the "common folk" down there as well.

My advice to OP is to go when you have plenty of time on your hands and bring a book, iPod, or whatever helps you pass the time. Avoid lunchtime hours at all costs.

[deesonic]

Gang members and meth addicts, eh? Must have been the month of March when all my family has to renew tags.

[madisonmamma]

Originally Posted by gsp4ever

Oh God The driver's license office.
Go to the one in Athens. Don't go to the one in Huntsville. I was warned not to go to the one downtown and when I went (I know, against advice) there were very few cars in the parking lot but the waiting room area was absolutely full. I went to Athens mid-afternoon and still had to wait, maybe about 30 minutes.

Also, the Huntsville office wouldn't take a US Passport as a form of identification, which I thought was absolutely laughable. Things may have changed now, I hope so.

Yeah, I agree. Go to Athens. It is worth the drive, you don't have to wait nearly as long. They are so nice over there, too.
If you do choose to go to the Huntsville location, I would get there as soon as they open so you can (hopefully) be one of the first. It tends to fill up fast. Also, take ALOT of patience with you

[deesonic]

When I moved back in 2006, I got my new license at the Church Street location in Huntsville. I remember waiting a bit, but it wasn't that bad. I've experienced much worse for sure.

[Burbankhotty]

Originally Posted by mm42

Gangs of ladybugs, man! They are out of control.

For Burbankhotty: The original posting was "tongue in cheek". We like to make disparaging comments about the DMV, because it is run like a jail holding cell. One does get to rub elbows with the "common folk" down there as well.

My advice to OP is to go when you have plenty of time on your hands and bring a book, iPod, or whatever helps you pass the time. Avoid lunchtime hours at all costs.

thanks MM2, the more I read about Huntsville the more it sounds like LA...I'm not leaving LA for more of the same....thanks for clarifying. I'm hoping to get out there the last 2 weeks in April to check it out, Im very excited.