Considered the Lawrence branch of the BMV, this location is actually just inside the Indy city…read morelimits but very close to Lawrence proper.
I've been to this location a few times, though I do try to do most of my business at ATM or kiosk locations whenever possible. However, today I needed to get a title put in my name (Yay, for paying off a car!) and renew my driver's license. This location is always busy, especially on a Saturday, though the old days of long, never moving lines and antisocial clerks are for the most part long gone from the BMV.
This location is located in a modestly sized parking lot next to the brand new Menard's location directly off Pendleton Pike. It's fairly easy to miss if you're not familiar with the area.
There's a couple accessible parking spots in the front row. They're not always open, but today I was able to snag a spot. There's an appropriate curb cut. The entryway has a glass door. It's not automatic, though it's not particularly heavy.
As I arrived, I couldn't help but notice there was a decent crowd. If I'd had a valium, I'd have popped one right then and there.
TMI?
Seriously, though. I parked up front and an employee was out in the parking lot talking to someone. This particular employee, whose name I never caught, was super friendly and asked if I needed assistance (I didn't). However, she still stayed by the door to help me in. It was the first sign I was in for solid customer service today.
As I went inside, I was greeted by another employee asking me the reason for my visit. She checked out the title, it was fine, and made sure I knew that I could accomplish both tasks with one person. She assigned me a number. She was super friendly and very enthusiastic. As the atmosphere is kind of busy/chaotic, she was definitely some calm in the storm.
Once you get your number, you basically wait unless you either have an appointment for a test or have some other unique task. While this used to be an awful experience, I was amazed that even being a good twenty numbers down the wait wasn't long at all. I wasn't even at the clock watching point yet. The room was crowded. The atmosphere probably more chaotic than it needs to be. I'm not sure why they use a method of basically having the clerks should out the next number. I kept thinking I was at an auction. However, it all seemed to work. If you have sensory issues, though, it would have to be overwhelming.
Within a few minutes, they'd called my number and I encountered Heather. Heather had a very calm demeanor. She was matter-of-fact, but friendly. She let me know rather quickly after perusing my forms of ID that I wouldn't be able to get the new federally required "RealID" that will be requires as of 10/1/2020. I'd mistakenly thought you could bring a birth certificate OR social security card. Both are actually required. I confirmed this on their website and it was my mistake. She shared this in a calm but firm tone and actually thanked me for understanding (I'm guessing she's probably been yelled at more than once over this). I opted to go ahead and renew my license anyway - I decided I would tackle the "Real" issue in the near future.
I had to take a vision test, but otherwise had no real requirements as my driving record is spotless. In the past, you left with your new driver's license. Now, they print you out a temporary one (good for 30 days) and you get your hard copy by mail within two weeks. Heather operated quickly, answered my questions, and was friendly. In fact, I didn't see anyone not being friendly despite the busy atmosphere.
They do have security present at this branch. I'm unclear if that's standard these days, but in this area that's probably a good idea. I live relatively close. It's not a bad area, but it's had its share of issues.
I was in and out with everything accomplished easily within 30 minutes and probably even more quickly. While I couldn't get the Real ID today, I'll accomplish that in the near future for an additional $9.
I'm not quite willing to go the 5 star here. The atmosphere is still busier than it needs to be and I'm not convinced having clerks shout out numbers is really the best method available. However, they've got it all done and they made it work. I'm also not completely accepting that a hospital issued birth certificate is insufficient (which I did have). You have to have the county-issued one. That just seems like a legalism that is a bit overboard, but I do also understand being careful.
Anyway, this was a positive experience and I was pleased to spend $32 for both the title and my license renewal. The process is easy, the staff friendly, and the organization MUCH better than in the past. Bravo.