The DMV is pretty much famous for making you wait and having terrible customer service, but this time they have surpassed even their usual mediocre performance. My husband passed away recently after battling cancer for 9 months; in the craziness, my car registration wasn't renewed. Because it was over 2 months past due -- I honestly didn't even notice as my husband did all of that -- I had to go in person. I tried to go on a Sat. so I wouldn't have to take more time off of work. I got there when they opened (Spotsy. office), but the line was already around the building. Waited my turn; when I got to the window, was told that since my husband was deceased and only his name was on the registration, I would have to bring in a copy of the will to show I was the rightful owner. Drove half an hour home and got it.
This time spoke with a manager, who informed me that because I wasn't on the title or registration, I would have to get a form from my bank! Explained that the bank had frozen the car loan so that I wouldn't have to pay until my husband's insurance came in. Dutifully went to the bank and had the form filled in; went back for a THIRD time. Now I was told that I needed to actually be on the title, so had to go back to the bank, have the loan (that was frozen) refinanced in my name. Manager was not only unapolgetice for me having to come three times, blamed me for NOT LISTENING! AAARgh! Normally titles take 30-60 days, but since I needed the title to renew the registration and actually be able to drive the car, I could get an "emergency" title if I called in on Tuesday morning; it would take several hours to process.
Called Tues. on my lunch; was told it was only good for 24 hours since it was an e-title, so hustled down to the DMV after work. Had been told I could see manager directly; instead, I had to wait. This time I was told I needed a different form filled in or I would have to pay tax AGAIN on the vehicle we already paid tax on when we purchased it! Got irate and asked to speak to the manager, who just kept saying when I complained, "I wasn't there on Saturday, so I don't know what was said," as if I might be lying or stupid, which only made me more upset. The upshot is I now have to take half a day off from work to get the @#*! form filled in before the 24 hour time frame elapses. You can, by the way, write a complaint on the DMV website, although I'm dubious it'll do any good, but I feel better.
If only we had a choice, but we have to go there! And that is the rub! read more