I have spent a lot of time pointing out the many problems of California's Department of Motor Vehicles, and I usually put off dealing with this agency when I have business with it. Over the years, it has not been a very customer-friendly agency.
But I think the DMV is getting its act together. I renewed my daughter's car registration online today, and it took about three minutes. I received a notice right after I clicked to submit my credit card payment saying "Congratulations." I was done. Finished. No check to write. No stamp to find. How cool is that?
You might give it a try. There's 24-hour access. Don't stand in line. . . go to the DMV site and renew your vehicle registration in minutes. You can also do it by phone by calling 1-800-921-1117. You can do a lot of business with the DMV by computer or by phone.
Of course, if you like standing in line down at the DMV office, you can do that, too.
I, too, have been impressed with the improvements at the DMV over the past several years. Hopefully, the City of Fresno will catch the vision as well. Only a few online transactions are currently available via the City's website.
While it's a good start, the City is far behind the curve overall. Want examples? How about an automatic debit option for utility bills, online purchase of monthly FAX passes, electronic Dog License renewals, even electronic payments of those dreaded downtown parking tickets?
As the DMV has learned, an organization's image is based, in large measure, on the consumer's transactional experience. The City's Master Fee Schedule lists hundreds of potential transactions that could be made more efficient and more convenient through on-line payment options, and save the City money as well. We can do better.
It's nice that the DMV is becoming more efficient (finally). We'd better enjoy it while it lasts, though. Once the Federal "Real ID" law kicks in, it's back to long lines again.