Our view: SC DMV deserves applause
It’s amazing what a difference it can make living on one side of a state line, which is especially noticeable in communities like ours. Here in South Carolina, we’re aware of some of these differences.
Drive into Mecklenburg County and the price for gasoline is always significantly higher than our stations.
We get a similar feeling when we open our annual property tax bills and know our northern neighbors are paying a half to two-thirds more.
There are some areas differentiating us that aren’t measurable by dollars, we’ll call it quality of life issues. An example is felt at that Department of Motor Vehicles.
North Carolina residents are subjected to long lines.
But here in the Palmetto State a driving license renewal can be completed in less than 20 minutes from office entry to exiting at Newport DMV branch. The lobby receptionist smile and polite greeting, followed by an explanation of the process.
With a customer call number, clipboard and pen drivers wait in the waiting area, divided into three seating areas for vehicle-related services, license and photo. Several large televisions feature highlight DMV services, road safety information, trivia game and next customer identification.
From reviewing the form, completing a vision check, making a payment and getting a photo, time goes quickly, sometimes in a scant five minutes leaving with a new license in hand.
We would like to applaud the South Carolina DMV professionals who expedite this visit with friendly and gracious customer satisfaction. This office has undergone a facility renovation, including the addition of service windows and an entry awning (useful when waiting line extend that far).
The management of our South Carolina’s DMV should be congratulated for provided training, a comfortable facility and strong customer care, making a necessary but needed chore as painless and brief as possible.
This story was originally published April 3, 2015 at 10:02 AM with the headline "Our view: SC DMV deserves applause."