New York State DMV - License Express — Local services in New York

The visit could have gone better. Check in was quick. I had my application document signed and ready. Arrived 15 minutes before appointment. Photo was taken. I waited for a while. Then, the challenges began.

Once my number was called, I went up to the counter. Instead of serving me, the agent had me step aside without an explanation. Rather, she worked with someone else who jumped in front of me. I waited and waited….while other numbers were called and the agent finished with someone who was standing on the side. If the agent was not available, I should have been sent to another counter.

The agent did not really know what she was doing. She smiled awkwardly and made a joke about Mondays to the supervisor. Although she apologized for making me wait, her vibe did not match. Her attitude felt like mocking indifference to mask insecurity or lack of experience. I experienced the agent as dismissive vs willing to assist, as if was as if she was being inconvenienced.

When the agent was dismissive, I was patient and asked for the assistance of the supervisor. After a bunch of additional steps, clarification on documents, a bit of rudeness and confusion on documents, the supervisor completed the task.

I spent 1 hour 20 minutes for what should have been a 15-20 min appointment. Excuses were made for why I was made to stand by the side while tasks were redone (my photo had to be taken again because the first one was deleted), information was corrected, and other random people were assisted ( I.e. long story about car insurance problems and advice giving), before finishing my documents. The task was interrupted several times and steps were repeated.

There was not full disclosure about what happens to financial documents which raises red flags. Little information was provided about the difference between a “Real” ID vs the other ID type, other than acceptance on domestic flights.

With these type of services the bar is not set high. My visit fell below expectations. I showed quite a bit of understanding and patience during my visit. Services could have been more effective, efficient...

Update 8/12/18 Returned to this location today to get a replacement Driver's License due to loss, it was a GREAT experience again; the woman Ms. Trezvant (I apologize if I spelled it wrong) who works the front continues to be PHENOMENAL, she is pleasant, helpful, patient and attentive always with a welcoming demeanor. If there is an award that DMV gives to their exceptional worker it should and must go to her. The woman at window 2 who helped me was also kind and very pleasant, I thank the both of you very much. My time spent here today was 8 minutes, no lie, no exaggeration; I walked in the door at 10:57am was given information/form from Ms. T, I filled out form went back to Ms. T, she gave me my number and immediately I was called to window 2 where the woman processed my application and gave me my temporary License at 11:05; in and out in 8 minutes.

My visit at this location today 11/6/17 warrants a five star rating even with the 1 out of 5 Representatives who was "blah", she might have been having an "eh" day or that just could have been her personality.

From entering the clean establishment to exiting everyone was pleasant, helpful and informative. The process to exchange my Out-of- State license was quick and flawless, it was well organized and flowed smoothly.

Dealing with Government and City Agencies could make you want to wig out but this location and its employees were spot on...Kudos to you all and thank you for help making my transaction pleasurable, it was the best and easiest 39 minutes every spent (besides the state I moved from) getting my license.

A special thank you to the women at the door (sorry I don't know your name) who not only took time answering all my questions but also went above and beyond explaining other very helpful information and provided my little one with paper and a highlighter to entertain himself if and when he got bored with his book and toy we brought with us...that was an exceptional move on her...

The office is nice and clean. There is always available spots for the next day. My problem is more with the DMV instructions and guidance. I visited 3 times for one application, which was pretty simple. Firstly, I was rejected because apparently my wife's signature wasn't available on Tax Claim document which wasn't mentioned in any of the instructions and guidance. The interesting part is, there was not even a signature field for co-registrant unlike the other documents. Even the employee herself wasn't sure and she had to check with a supervisor and get back to me. How does DMV expects me to think about this ? Waste of 2 Hours including the commute. In the second visit, I was literally rejected because apparently my wife's signature looked slightly different than the on on driving license. Yeah when I look at it, there is a slight difference but this is literally first time I hear this in 40 years of my life. My signatures tend to be slightly different from bank to official papers and I was rejected. Not even when we sign home loan or smth that has a lot of consequences.. I don't know what the employee was thinking but she definitely rejected it. Independent from DMV's hardship to the citizens, the employee on the second vist was quite rude in the beginning, dictating me what to do instead of politely asking. I was literally more polite like I am serving her. Later, I showed my frustration and explained that I could escalate if she keept talking rude. Then she stepped back and probably noticed she is talking to a human. I know this is not the right place to provide this feedback but I already lost 4H+ for DMV's lack of information, instructions and rude personnel. I won't spend more time to provide this feedback to the...