OT: FULL AWARENESS of New Check-in Process at Michigan Sec of State (DMV)

Submitted by KO Stradivarius on
I recently bought a used car so I needed to physically go to the DMV branch office to transfer the title & license plate.  Last night I looked online for the Michigan Sec of State branch office locations, and it had a new link to "GET IN LINE ONLINE".  I did not really investigate how it all worked, so I WAS AWARE BUT NOT FULLY AWARE   I had just planned to go when they opened at 9am and get in line as usual.  
 
This morning I was just making small talk with a friend here at work at about 8:35am, getting ready to leave, and he clued me in on the new process they are using.  What a fortunate discussion that was.  He said they don't use the old way of taking a paper number anymore.  You either have to check in electronically (computer or smart phone) or call a phone number.
 
So I checked in online at my work computer at 8:45 and then left to go to the SOS branch office about 10 min from work.  They send you a few text messages to your phone, and it said that the wait time was 1 min.  I wondered how this was all going to work...     
 
There was a very long line of people at the door when I arrived at about 8:57, like 50 people at least.  So I got in line, and after a few mins they opened the doors and everyone filed in.  I saw the last 4 digits of my phone no. were on the TV screen showing that I was next.  I bypassed about 98% of the entire line, who were all waiting to check in at the kiosk because I guess they were unaware of the new procedure.  There were about 8-9 people at the counter (they must have been fully aware), so I just waited a couple of mins then they called me, and I was done with my transaction in 3-4 mins.  Wow.  That must be a new record or something.
 
The lesson here is to be FULLY AWARE of this new process if you are going to the Michigan SOS, and save yourself at least an hour or more waiting in line.  I owe my friend many beers, but he doesn't drink and isn;t really a football fan, but he hunts and fishes so maybe some smoked fish or something...
 
It's a slow period until Utah (Harbaugh) so this is public service announcement. 
 
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KO Stradivarius

July 20th, 2015 at 11:57 AM ^

Now that you mention it I don't know why they did not ask for Proof of Ins.  Since it is mom's car I've been driving it for a while while she's still insuring it, with her plate, etc.  So now that I technically own it I need to call the insurance co, which I really should have done already

If you are buying the car from a relative, there is a provision to waive the sales tax, which it sounds like you are doing, so I don't understand why the hassle.  They probably don't get your situation - if so, just tell them it IS a sale from your relative, and you should be good to go.    

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LSAClassOf2000

July 20th, 2015 at 11:01 AM ^

For now, it is only certain offices, I believe. In Wayne County, I am pretty sure the only ones currently using this are the SuperCenters in Livonia and Detroit as well as the Plus center on Ecrose in Taylor. That was my understanding from what I read when I finally belatedly decided to renew my plate a couple weeks ago (slacker, I know). Fortunately, the one in Taylor is about 15 minutes from my office and 10 from my house. 

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Njia

July 20th, 2015 at 11:07 AM ^

The office in Highland Township still does it the old fashioned way with numbers on a tab. Fortunately, I think I only waited about 20 min.

Joined: 09/15/2009

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WestSider

July 20th, 2015 at 12:18 PM ^

prolifically slow customer service offices around. They have made dramatic improvements, however, I was not aware of this digital check in. This is the first I've heard of it.  Thanks, I will surely use it.

Joined: 02/04/2011

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UMgradMSUdad

July 20th, 2015 at 1:06 PM ^

One of the few things that is better in Oklahoma than in Michigan is that here the DMV is privatized.  I have 10 or so Tag Agencies, as they are called here, within a 15 minute drive from home that I can go to.  The nearest one, unfortunately, is poorly run, so I don't use it.  I've had to wait 5-10 minutes or more there.  The one I use most I don't think I've ever had to wait more than 5 minutes except once on the last day of the month I had to wait maybe 6 or 7 minutes.

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softshoes

July 20th, 2015 at 1:53 PM ^

Last time I had to go I was also unaware of this new procedure. As I stood in line though I read signs posted and became aware and called from the back of the line. I passed most of those who stayed unaware.

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BayWolves

July 20th, 2015 at 3:21 PM ^

Now the government has your cell phone number and can easily track you down for any reason from parking tickets to taxes and multiple other reasons. . If you want expeditious service at least go online but forget using your phone.



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GoBlueCA

July 20th, 2015 at 4:40 PM ^

This online appointment service has been implemented by CA DMV for several years now, but available time slots are always weeks out. (Not sure still the case since it's been years I had to deal with DMV personally.) Still, it's a lot better and faster than just walking in.

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Blue_sophie

July 21st, 2015 at 3:05 AM ^

I use the Vallejo DMV where appointment times are much more available. Totally worth the toll to get over from the east bay. Probably could do the same thing in Michigan (reserve a Secretary of State slot in a small town) once more people are FULLY AWARE and appointment times in populated areas become harder to reserve.

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BrotherMouzone

July 20th, 2015 at 8:31 PM ^

Niiiice, Im in the process of trying to sell my car so this will definitely come in handy. Thanks!

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