In Oregon the DMV is state run with all the benefits that go with it. the DMV is quiet, calm, smooth, and moves quickly even during lunch hour. When I moved back the DMV had an easy process (that staff helped me complete) to update my info and register everything + get a photo ID. I was in an out over lunch (with lunch still included) and everything was mailed in a week.
In Washington the DMV is split between licensing people and licensing cars/etc (2 locations), plus separate emissions testing locations. It's all contracted out with private companies providing staff and services. Last cycle, it took me over 3 hours to update my ID and registration.
Later, one of these places overcharged me on registration of a new car bought out of state. One near my last apartment in Seattle was running a credit card fraud scheme. Some may not have staff when you need them.
Turns out that when you support and fund the program, the government can do a pretty good job. You can, in fact, pay someone to care.
In Washington the DMV is split between licensing people and licensing cars/etc (2 locations), plus separate emissions testing locations. It's all contracted out with private companies providing staff and services. Last cycle, it took me over 3 hours to update my ID and registration.
Later, one of these places overcharged me on registration of a new car bought out of state. One near my last apartment in Seattle was running a credit card fraud scheme. Some may not have staff when you need them.
Turns out that when you support and fund the program, the government can do a pretty good job. You can, in fact, pay someone to care.