Q Gary, I read online the positive comments about the California DMV. My husband and I recently relocated to Colorado so needed new driver’s licenses and car license plates.
Diana Doner
A I imagine you’ll tell me about how much better the DMV is in Colorado.
Q In California if I could not take care of DMV business by mail, I went to various DMV locations — with and without an appointment. I never had a long wait and found the experience to be as positive as possible.
Diana Doner
A Really. Please continue.
Q In Colorado, you go to different facilities for driver’s license and car license; they say that improves service. System was not working to make an electronic appointment for driver’s license for some unknown reason, line was LONG first thing in the morning and the wait once inside was also long.
Although my husband and I stood at the same counter at the same time (different registrars), I got registered to vote and he did not. We had to go to the car license facility three times.
The first time we were turned away, as we needed emissions testing and a VIN check (they charge $20 to look in window at VIN number). This was not stated on their website.
The second time was two to three days before our new home closed and we were turned away because we had no proof of ownership. They would not accept driver’s license with our new address or home insurance papers, as they wanted closing papers. They never told us that on the first visit.
When I casually stated that it took three visits to get our license taken care of, the worker stated, “Well at least it is much better here than in California.”
Diana Doner
A And then …
Q I almost went over the counter to strangle her (called counter rage and similar to road rage)! First it had been a much better experience and second, how does she know what the California experience is. We miss California!
Diana Doner
A Especially the California DMV!
Q What do all the billionaires, politicians, movie stars and famous people do when they need to go to the DMV? Is there a private room or do they somehow get to bypass the process the rest of us have to suffer through. I would love to know! Or maybe they don’t drive themselves so they don’t need licenses!
JoAnn Buchanan
Los Altos
A The DMV says that many celebrities and other well-known individuals come to an office just like you and me and that the percentage who request special treatment is minimal. But in certain cases, the DMV will make special arrangements, especially if the person’s visit will potentially create a disruption with paparazzi.
The DMV said recently, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel renewed his driver’s license at one of the Los Angeles offices. He made an appointment and was treated like anyone else. He even talked about how impressed he was with the service on his show.
I hope someone at the Colorado DMV was watching.
Gary Richards is recovering from surgery but welcomes your questions and comments while he recuperates. Write him at [email protected] or call 408-920-5335.
