What would it be like if the DMV had to operate profitably?

[djmcmath]

I went to the Maryland DMV this morning. Apparently, 4 forms of federally issued identification aren't good enough. Weird.

Anyhow, I was wondering: what would it be like if the state had to operate the DMV in such a way that it turned a profit? Would the policies be more straightforward, efficient, or streamlined? Would the prices be higher? What would our roads be like?

I guess the same questions could be asked of our government at large -- what would happen if we actually held our representatives accountable fiscally? What would it do to our taxes, and what would it do to the policies?

Random thoughts on a Saturday morning. Enjoy, discuss, whatever. Cheers.

Dan

[Noah930]

As much as well all b!tch about the inefficiency and stupidity of the DMV (or RMV, if you live in Mass.), I have to admit that I've never had a horror story going to any of them. Employees were actually fairly pleasant, helpful, and reasonably efficient.

However I do have to admit that the understanding of DMV transaction procedures is not universally shared, even amongst themselves. I changed registration upon moving from one state to another. One day I turned in the plates for one car. The next day, I returned to do the same with another. The way it was done was a little bit different, each time. And each clerk was absolutely convinced of the correctness of her way of doing things.

Next time I moved, I went to AAA. Took just as long, if not longer. And the guy that went outside to inspect my motorcycle actually was quite a stickler about not being able to easily see the engine serial #.

[Moses]

I'm no fan of government "services", but the DMV has come a long, long way. We can schedule appointments online and they are generally really prompt. You can download forms online and the people in our local DMV office are generally helpful and friendly.

Years ago, our DMV employees were surly and rude. Probably as a result of dealing with a pissed-off group of customers. Now that the DMV process has improved, the attitudes of the workers have as well. No complaints from me.

[ChrisBennet]

I don't think that having to turn a profit would make a difference.
Having competition for turning a profit, now that might work better.
Our DMV in NH has been great to me. Actually all the state government departments have been helpful.
-Chris

[Porsche-O-Phile]

It'll never happen.

The DMV exists for the sole purpose of raising revenue. As such, it will never care about profitability. Inefficiency is built into the mission, since it can simply be passed onto the fees levied onto the taxpaying, hard-working slobs that fund it.

Yay government! Another winner!

[Mo_Gearhead]

Quote: "It'll never happen."
___________________

Never say Never.

But in certain small towns in MO. the local DMV is run (very well in fact) by private contractors that submit bids to run the Dept.
Employees are NOT on the state 'teat'.

Perhaps 'never' in Kalifornicated.

[lendaddy]

I had to renew plates a few weeks back. I walked in, was processed and was out the door with my business done in no more than 6 minutes. I bet I was at the counter for less than 200 seconds and I'm not exaggerating.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Originally Posted by Mo_Gearhead

Quote: "It'll never happen."
___________________

Never say Never.

But in certain small towns in MO. the DMV is run (very well in fact) by private contractors that submit bids to run the Dept.
Employees are NOT on the state 'teat'.

Perhaps 'never' in Kalifornicated.

That makes sense. At least privatization would encourage efficiency, since in order to attain maximum profitability, the private agency has to process people quickly and efficiently. They don't get paid any more for being schlubs about it, as with the conventional model.

I don't like the idea of having to pay government for stuff my taxes ought to already cover (roadway use, etc.) but if I have to get double-dipped, I'd rather it be by an (efficient) private contractor than some rude, surly "traditional" tenured state worker that can never be fired and is just doing the job as a virtual welfare benefit to those who would never last five minutes in the private sector.

[RoninLB]

2 fer 1 cost saving photo

[kstar]

I renewed my registration on-line yesterday in less than 5 minutes - excellent.

If I receive my sticker in 5 business days as promised, I will praise the CA DMV!

Best,

Kurt

[porsche4life]

See in Ok its done the privatized way and its not that bad really. Lots of insurance agents do it sort of as a service to their customers. Makes it a nice one stop sort of deal when you get a new car.

[berettafan]

Our local DMV operates pretty darn smoothly actually. It impresses me every time i go there.

[jyl]

Seems my experiences with DMV have gotten steadily better over the years. 10+ years ago, going to the CA DMV was a nightmare of endless lines and surly counterwitches. The last few times, I got my business done and was out in, well, not 200 seconds, but maybe 1/2 hour and the clerks were civil, if not smiley. Now here in OR, my trips to the local DMV are even quicker and the clerks are friendly, even chatty. Kind of weird.

[djmcmath]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

That makes sense. At least privatization would encourage efficiency, since in order to attain maximum profitability, the private agency has to process people quickly and efficiently. They don't get paid any more for being schlubs about it, as with the conventional model.

That's my thought -- the employees, however nice or sane or normal they may be -- are paid by the hour, not by the number of people they can process. There is no competition, so they can be as inefficient as they like, and nobody has any choice. If they only want to be open for a couple of hours on Saturday -- the one time when a majority of normal working Americans aren't working -- nobody has any choice but to line up at the appropriate time.

Private contractors? Not a bad idea. What if you could obtain the same services through contractors for a reasonable fee? How many of us would avoid the gov't services and pay a little extra for the contractors just on principle?

[legion]

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php

We have a lady at our local DMV that I call the "Title Nazi".

I've bought several vehicles over the past 8 years, and every time I have to see her, she won't issue me a title for some reason or another.

[VincentVega]

Our local DMV operates pretty darn smoothly actually.

I had a good experience in college at the Salisbury branch, but HQ and Annapolis are horrid. I think half the problem is customer related. It seems I am the only one that downloads the forms and actually reads them before I get in line.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Oregon DMV operates pretty damn well, I must say. Within 1 minute of calling them on a weekday, I was told everything I needed to do to register my motorcycle, as well as a VIN check to calculate any back registration.

I've never had to wait more than 15 minutes in line either.

[Wickd89]

The California DMV is awesome. Never an issue and everyone knows what they are doing. Any inquires via phone are easily resolved.

It is actually the part of our government that I think is well run!!

[dtw]

I don't see Soup anywhere so I can say this - but our local DMV licensing office is fastazknutz. Had to go 2 or 3 times over the last few years and I'm always in and out so fast my head spins.

[Jeff Higgins]

Our DMV here in Washington also contracts with private business to provide license tab renewal services. I've used an Indian couple that runs a local camera and cell phone kind of shop for years. First rate service, and great folks to visit with. Never a problem.

Our DOL is another story. Still state run, the local office has a reminder behind the counter - a billboard size reminder- that it is illegal to threaten or harass DOL employees. Why would they need such a sign? Because the employees are so listless, so stupid, so wholly unqualified to even hold that level of job, that virtually everyone in there is pissed off at them.

It took me four trips, with about 45 minutes to an hour wait each time, to simply secure a learners' permit for my son last year. It was a different story, with different "requirements" on each visit. On the fourth, on being asked to do yet again something different and return, I calmly asked to see a supervisor. "Sir, do not raise your voice with me...." while gesturing at the sign, was the response. I felt like I was in a bad sequel to "Anger Management".