Wednesday, May 19, 2004

DMVS offers tips for better service The Department of Motor Vehicle Safety continues to organize and evaluate our programs for ways to improve efficiency and better serve its customers amid tough budget times for all state agencies. “We are working to improve the licensing process and develop solutions to the longstanding wait times our customers experience, but it will take time,” said DMVS Commissioner James R. Davis. “Summertime is typically very busy at our facilities with students wanting their first license and the influx of new residents moving into our state. Please plan ahead, and take advantage of the option to renew by mail, Internet or telephone if you receive an application from us,” Davis added. Until new measures can be implemented which will make it easier for Georgia citizens to interact with our many statutory responsibilities, the DMVS would like to encourage all customers to remember these simple tips to help make doing business with the agency easier: • Plan ahead. A driver’s license can be renewed up to 150 days before it expires. Regular business hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday is typically the busiest day of the week at all locations statewide.ÊA day following a holiday closure is always crowded. Arrive well before the 5 p.m. closing to ensure being served. • Check for expiration date. A license expiration date is tied to your birth date. Take a moment to check your license to avoid an unexpected rush to renew. Anticipate your travel and vacation needs, and plan ahead to get your license renewed. • Keep your address current. Georgia law requires that residents notify the DMVS of a change in address within 60 days. Any change of address or name change must be done in person. Failure to receive written communication from the DMVS regarding your motor vehicle business may cause an unnecessary hardship. • Renew by mail, phone or Internet. If you receive an Automated Renewal Application to renew your driver’s license or ID card by mail, Internet or telephone, please complete it immediately. You must allow 30 days processing time to receive your new license or ID. You cannot make any changes, and you will receive the same quality driver’s license or ID card as issued at a Customer Service Center mailed back to you complete with your current photo and signature. If you do not receive an Automated Renewal Application 60 days prior to your expiration, you should visit a Customer Service Center to renew your license or ID. • Reservations. It is mandatory for a 16-year-old to have a reservation for the first on-the-road test and can be made up to three months in advance. The reservation telephone number is 678-413-8500 (select option 3) or toll free 866-754-3687 (select option 3) if dialing from an area code outside the metro Atlanta area.ÊThe phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Appointments can also be made to transfer valid out-of-state licenses for two locations in the metro Atlanta area: one in Marietta and one in Sandy Springs. Appointments are needed for commercial and motorcycle drivers with a valid learner’s permit. • Utilize the DMVS Web site. It is critical for Georgians to have up-to-the-minute and accurate information. Current information on driver’s license issuance and motor vehicle registration including locations and driving directions can be found at www.dmvs.ga.gov. The 2003 Georgia Driver’s Manual is available online.