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Comment by astroalex | Hacker News Reader

> Have been to the DMV? It sucked? There is a human being whose job it is to be in charge of the DMV. They do not care that it sucks.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've actually never had a bad experience at the DMV here in Seattle. The staff have been efficient, fast, and friendly every time.

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I've had experiences with the DMV in three US states, and in two out of the three it was highly efficient and worked great. In one of them it was mediocre to unpleasant, but nothing to write home about.

I suspect the DMVs in LA and NYC are particularly bad and that's why it's a cultural meme.

I find the piling on of the DMV to really be a cheap shot. In a sense it made the entire rant seem like another example of someone not caring.

Patton Oswalt has a bit on this and its too true. The problem with the DMV isn't the DMV or its employees... its the general public who can't be bothered to read basic instructions.

The idea that the DMV is a particularly awful experience does seem like something that would be especially susceptible to selection bias. Why would anyone ever announce "I went to the DMV today and it was fine"?

My experience has been that it sucks but not as bad as private customer service.

Getting a refund from UHaul was fifteen hours of pulling teeth. DMV was a 45 minute wait.

Worse in Texas where they dont fund it ofc.

Well, now that it is a meme, and the DMVs where I live is actually very effient, I've actually heard multiple people say "I went to the DMV, and actually it was fine"

The service is fine. The lines and waits are horrendous and a DMV never seems to have the seating room for that. So you spend an hour before you even get in the door like you're waiting for a new iPhone or something.

DMV in Virginia has been efficient and relatively painless in my experience.

Indiana's BMV used to be the Kafkaesque when I went with my mom in the 1970s. She waited in a huge line only to find out it was the wrong line...waited again to find she didn't have a certain document and had go home to get it.

About 20 years ago the would check to see if you had everything right as you came in.

Now it's almost magical how fast friendly and efficient they've become for the few times you actually have to visit. Most transactions are online or via mail.

I've had wonderful experiences at DOL offices (which are 3rd party contracted), not so much at the DMV. Which one are you going to? Honestly worth a drive (or bus ride, depending on the issue) to go to a a decent one

Ironically, we may look with fond memories of the days when an actual human being handled our DMV paperwork.

An AI chatbot with an unblinking stare and frozen smile is likely to be your new DMV virtual assistant!

Why do people in the US need to go to the DMV at all?

Here in the UK, pretty much any interaction with our equivalent (DVLA - Driver and Vehicle Licensing) can be done online or by phone.

If you want/need to apply in-person for a licence or to pay vehicle tax, you can do it at many post offices.

I guess it is a centralised system, while the DMV is per-state.

Same. Getting a drivers license and car plates in Seattle was a _fantastic_ experience. Start with a simple, fast web app. Finish with a 10 minute start-to-end in person appointment.

Most complaints I hear about the DMV are just about long lines.

Maybe I'm just not American, but I've never had to go at all, it's just a bizarre TV/movie thing.

I think I have dealt with such organization thrice in my life. 3 driving tests. And on all times it was as pleasant experience as possible.

Only complaint I really have with that system is them caring too much. Why does my car need "type certificate" sticker... It is all online and tied to VIN... Replacement cost like 200€ and then tens more for showing them paperwork new one was ordered...

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