Frustration at the Motor Vehicle Administration = t (number of hours) divided by 100-y (y being the actual people served). Today I needed a calculator to figure it out.
Dumb move on my part waiting until near the end of the month to take care of something in the Maryland MVA (DMV in some States). When you arrive at the Annapolis MVA you have to get in line and explain to the clerk what you are there for, and she issues you a ticket...so you can get in the real line. My ticket number was A97...and they were serving A59.
After sitting there for two hours they were serving A62. Woo, woo. At this rate its like serving a prison sentence, instead of a trip to the MVA. What really ticked me off was the recorded voice telling me what number was being served, every minute. Sounded like a stuck record. What were these people transacting? It didn't take that long to build their darn car.
In my boredom, I began to read the electronic advertising. Lo and behold, there is an ad for something called MVA Express, and its actually in Gambrills, the town adjacent to where I live. The ad claimed 5 minute wait times. Sure enough, I left to go to the MVA Express office, which is actually handled by a private company.
There was nobody in line, nobody. The clerk explained that they charge $25 for their service, plus whatever MVA fees were required. That was the best $25 I ever spent. Cheap at twice the price, but I'll never tell.
Next time I'll know to avoid the State run MVA office for the privately run one. And I'll be glad to pay the $25 and save the time and frustration.
Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114
410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com
Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
Bowie MD Real Estate Specialist
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist
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Rich Iarossi is a full time licensed REALTOR®, working in Crofton, MD. My coverage areas are: Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Calvert, Queen Anne, and Baltimore City and County. I specialize in residential real estate, working with both buyers and sellers. Use the registration free search on my website at www.RichSellsHomes.com. If you’re not already working with a REALTOR®...I can help. Call me at 443-995-9595 (Cell) or 410-451-6255 (Office).
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Oh wow! I wonder if California has something like that as well. With all of the State furloughs, it is impossible to get any business done at the DMV. The next time I'm stuck waiting for something I will remember this blog and make sure I read everything in sight.
That sure beats time wasted in long lines and overcrowded MV lobbies Rich!
Richard,
How sad! That's the government for you! We don't have "government run" tag offices. But we do have an interesting system. The tag agent is appointed by the elected state senator so every time we get a new district senator we get a different tag agent and there's no criteria for being appointed.. SO we cannot currently get a drivers license in the county seat of McCurtain County because the they couldn't make the equipment work. We have to drive to Broken Bow to get drivers license to go to another county!
Richard...I seldom wait more than 10 min on a busy day. I am suprised a riot didn't brake out!
I think two things were awesome. No wait and that it was private and public money wasn't being spent to run it. I think all government offices should go this way.
Yup! I have done the unthinkable too. My car tags expire next week. <sigh> I guess I will wait a week when the lines are shorter...
Interesting report Richard that speaks volumes of the inefficiency of today's government.
Rich Our DMV offices are horrible since budget problems have surfaced and reduced operating hours - we could use a vendor
It's amazing what a private company can accomplish compared to a government organization...or should I say dis-organization!
Thanks for the reminder. Just checked my license and I have another 2 years before it expires.
Margaret
I always head to the MVA express when I can - unfortunately, some things can't be handled there. I swear the MVA was invented as an instrument of torture!
There is a small branch in Prince Frederick with specified hours that can handle some items. I agree that it is really a long horrible wait.