Montana Drivers Rejoice: New System Cuts Wait Times, Boosts Online Services

Good news, Montana drivers. The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) has revamped its system, making getting your driver's license or ID card a breeze. Since November, over 75,000 Montanans have benefited from the new system, wrote the Montana Attorney General's Office in a recent press release. Here's why your next experience at the MVD should be a lot more pleasant.

MVD/Courthouse in Bozeman. Credit Google Maps
MVD/Courthouse in Bozeman. Credit Google Maps
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No more waiting months for appointments.

A trip to the Montana Motor Vehicle Department has been the butt of jokes for years. Comically long lines frequently led to tedious wait times. Previously, scheduling an appointment could take up to two months, but the new system offers same-day appointments at most locations.

Even better, nearly one-third of transactions can be completed online, saving you a trip to the MVD altogether. Regarding the new-and-improved system, Attorney General Austin Knudsen said,

At most exam stations, Montanans can walk in without an appointment and be done in about 10 minutes. I’m proud of what MVD has accomplished and the excellent customer service our examiners are providing to make everyone’s MVD experience as pleasant as possible.

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Driver Services office in Missoula. Credit Google Maps
Driver Services office in Missoula. Credit Google Maps
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Faster service, happier customers?

In-person visits now take an average of just 7 minutes compared to the previous 22-minute wait. Plus, wait times for scheduling appointments have dropped from 48 days to less than two weeks, with many locations offering next-day availability.

Credit Canva
Credit Canva
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Efficiency goes beyond appointments.

Online transactions have skyrocketed by 750%, and appointment times have been cut by 68%. Here's another huge plus, you'll now receive your credentials within 7-10 days, compared to the previous 4-6 weeks.

The system is part of a multi-year effort to improve your MVD experience. The next phase, launching in March 2025, will streamline the title and registration process, making things easier for everyone from law enforcement to car dealerships.

Have you been to a Montana MVD office since the new changes have been implemented? How was your experience? Reach out with the Chat button on the app, leave a message on Social, or send me an email. Michael.Foth@Townsquarmedia.com

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