As summer progresses, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is encouraging customers to use its online appointment system to avoid long waits. Nearly 1,000 people visit each of the DMV’s metropolitan offices daily. The DMV emphasizes that it operates on an appointment basis.
“The advantage of making an appointment is you know you will be served,” said Robin Allender, division administrator for DMV field services. “Appointments are our first priority, with walk-ins being assisted when we don’t have appointments in the queue.”
Many walk-in customers face rejection due to high demand and staff shortages, including those who could have completed their transactions online or at a DMV kiosk. Allender noted, “Right now, with our vacancy rate and the number of new hires we have in training, we cut off the walk-ins based on the number of windows we have covered for the day. See if you can do your transaction online first. If you do have to come in, make an appointment.”
The DMV also advises customers unable to keep their appointments to cancel them so others can take advantage of these slots immediately. In June alone, 93,000 appointments were booked but only 52% were attended.
In Northern Nevada, there is currently a two-and-a-half-week wait for appointments while most Southern Nevada locations are fully booked for the next month. Appointments can be scheduled online at dmv.nv.gov/appointments.htm for offices in Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas and Reno. Rural offices remain walk-in based except for drive tests.
By late June, there were 30 vacancies at the Reno office and 60 across four Las Vegas offices. A New Hire Academy with 35 employees begins next week with another session planned for August. Those interested in employment opportunities should visit dmv.nv.gov/jobs.
