Department of Motor Vehicles — Local services in Williamsburg

Excellent service at Williamsburg, VA DMV Service Center.

This morning I went to the Williamsburg DMV office to transfer my driver's license and to transfer registration of my auto from NJ to VA. In the past, a visit to NJ DMV meant a long wait and service by someone who may or may not be helpful. As a result, I was dreading today's visit. I was amazed by the difference. The representatives who took care of me could not have been better or more helpful. I had a 12:15pm appointment but arrived at about 11:50am. The gentleman at the door asked me to wait in my vehicle. At 12:15 he came to get me and asked me to wait at the door until I was called. In less than ten minutes I was called to the front desk and a polite and capable woman checked to see that I had all the necessary papers. I was ushered into the office and asked to take a seat at widow #7 (Stacie). As soon as she finished taking care of the gentleman in front of me, she called me to her window and efficiently and competently took care of me. Her manner was friendly without being solicitant. By 12:55 everything was completed and I was back in my car.

The new method of scheduling by appointment was started as a result of COVID-19, but should be continued. The staff is less harried without a room full of people waiting to be serviced. The customers, because they did not have to wait, are not impatient and annoyed if the wait is longer than they expected. I see it as a win – win situation.

Thank you to the staff at Williamsburg...

Appointment my...bleep! What is it with this place? I made my appointment online for 9:45. Arrived early, except there are no parking places to be found ANYWHERE! Yet I was still 5 minutes early. Checked in at the front desk where that lady definitely must've woke up on the wrong side of the bed! OMG! I sit and wait, and wait some more. I look at the numbers, and most of them are without appointments (of course). Finally, after 35 minutes I went up and asked, "What's going on?", and I'm told I am still in queue, and I should be second up. So I wait, but then I see 5 more people without appointments walk up. That's it! I ask to speak with a supervisor, and I'm told something about someone with a birth certificate needing to take longer etc. Well, I don't really care! What happened to me being second! This place is a JOKE, really! When I'm finally called, and the woman behind the counter asks me how am I doing today...well let's just say that she should have never asked. From that point on, we were not on the best of terms. I hope I never have to set foot in that DMV again. One hour with an appointment! Unbelievable. I've been told that the Toano satellite office is much better with faster service . If I ever have to step foot in the DMV, that is where I will...

I caught hell at DMV the first three times that I went, things that you have to provide just to get an ID is absolutely ridiculous. ,Not sure of the worker that hands out your "bingo" number but she definitely needed an attitude adjustment and maybe a class or two on customer service, she was extremely rude, and honestly had me contemplating purchasing a fake ID online... LOL! On my fourth trip, must have been the charm... even though I thought third time was the charm- the receptionist was wonderful and extremely helpful to ensure that I didn't have to make a 5th visit. The woman at the window when my number finally was called, was wonderful as well as very friendly and very courteous as she was being pulled in five different directions while helping me. If you can do it online I definitely would recommend starting there and if you can't, well ... good luck! And I have to say I do like the new building, even though the handicap doors don't work, especially the charging station. It's a shame New Attitudes for some of the employees didn't come with the new building. Overall a...