The Expert Podcast

Why is it so hard to get processing from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)? Why do you have to wait so long to get titles, registrations, license plates, and driver's licenses? And why is it so hard to deal with the DMV?

Well, it's not unique to your state. We talk to thousands of people every day, and many say, "My state is the worst when it comes to the DMV." But before you say that, think about what other states you’re aware of. You probably only know about your state, and it seems bad compared to other interactions you have—maybe dealing with private companies and enterprises.

That's true—dealing with any government agency is different from dealing with a private company. But why is it so hard with the DMV? Here’s an article from South Florida: People have to camp out and deal with long lines just to get appointments at the DMV.

The reason why? It’s not that the DMV is out to get you or trying to make your life difficult. The problem is that it is a very underfunded government agency. When government budget leaders allocate funds, they don’t prioritize the DMV. They assume the DMV makes enough money from titles, registrations, and other fees. Unlike social assistance programs, the DMV doesn’t have a "squeaky wheel" advocating for more budget.

As a result, the DMV doesn’t have extra money to hire more employees, increase salaries, or extend work hours. This leads to long lines and high turnover rates. When an agency lacks budget, employees don’t see many opportunities for promotions or raises. Good workers may leave for other government agencies or the private sector, leaving behind a workforce with high turnover and less experience.

We get a lot of feedback from our customers, and even when we talk to the DMV, we notice inconsistencies in their information. Sometimes, what they tell you is not correct—not because they are trying to lie or are incompetent, but because they mainly deal with simple, repetitive cases. When something unusual comes across their desk, they often have to guess or go by what they think is correct.

Even something as straightforward as a duplicate title may require you to go in person, sign paperwork, and jump through multiple hoops. That’s why we try to make it easier through our website, cartitles.com. We provide simpler solutions for getting a title. While it may cost a little more or take longer, if you value convenience, there are options besides dealing directly with the DMV.

If you prefer the absolute cheapest way and are willing to deal with some frustration, our website also provides instructions to make the process a little easier. One of our best suggestions is never go to the DMV empty-handed. Have all your documents and forms filled out and prepared in advance.

If you show up unprepared, you might wait in line for hours, only to be told to fill out forms and go to the back of the line. By bringing completed forms, you can save yourself time and frustration. This is just one of the many tips available on our website to make the DMV process less painful.

If you found this video helpful, be sure to check out other videos on our channel. We have more information on this subject and other related topics that could help you resolve your issue.