Entry bubble Smile! It's the DMV

By: Nancy | November 08, 2007 | Category: General

Every five years, around birthday time, my state's division of motor vehicles likes to connect with me--show me a little love in the form of a renewed driver's license. When I turn an age than ends with a "zero," like I did recently (40--ouch!) they want me to stop by, get my vision checked and smile for the camera. When I turn an age that ends with a "five," I can reuse my current picture and renew my license online. I like the "five" birthdays. The "zeroes," not so much.

But it was ok this year. For starters, I think the guy who took my picture must moonlight at the mall down the street from the DMV at one of those glamour photo places. My picture looked less "mug shot" and more "America's Next Top Model."model with photo shoot team

Really. Ok maybe I'm exaggerating a little. A lot. I am exaggerating a lot but I passed my license around the office and everybody said "Wow, you DO look better on your driver's license than you do in real life." Um, thanks.

It wasn't just the great picture that surprised me at the DMV, though. The amount of time I was there was a shocker too. I waited about 90 seconds before my name was called to begin the renewal process. My total time at the DMV, from entrance to exit and all paid up, vision-tested and photographed was a mere 11 minutes. On a Friday. At the end of the month. Incredible.

Turns out, it's a new era for state motor vehicle offices as they shift more and more of their services to the Internet. USA.gov has a page with links to motor vehicle offices in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A majority of states let residents renew their licenses and/or vehicle registrations online. Many have even more online services that'll save you a trip to the motor vehicles office. Here's a quick sample of what I found:

Take a peek at your own state and find out what you can do online that'll save you the trouble of standing in line at your local DMV office.

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