DMV opens 2 satellite locations in hopes of alleviating long lines

State DMV officials announced Wednesday the two offices will allow drivers to complete license transactions like applying for a permit or upgrading to REAL ID.

News 12 Staff

Mar 12, 2020, 12:16 AM

Updated 1,504 days ago

Share:

Two DMV satellite locations are opening on Long Island to help ease issues with long lines and issues finding appointments.
State DMV officials announced Wednesday the two offices will allow drivers to complete license transactions like applying for a permit or upgrading to REAL ID. The offices will be on Oak Street in Garden City and at SUNY Empire State College's Selden campus.
As News 12 has reported, DMV customers have been complaining about long lines in relation to the Green Light Law and the forthcoming deadline to upgrade to REAL ID in order to fly within the United States without a passport.
"We are continuously evaluating our operations to make it faster and more convenient for the people we serve, especially as we experience a drastic increase in customers visiting our offices," says DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder.
The original DMV location in Garden City on Axinn Avenue is still open.
The DMV says one of the best ways to avoid waiting for a long time at its offices is to make an appointment online.
"When I came here last time with no appointment, it took about 2 1/2 hours," says Jonathan Vinces, of Rockville Centre. "Plus you're sitting in a crowded room with a bunch of people shoulder to shoulder, which is not what people are looking to do nowadays."
But with an appointment, Debbie Curstio and her son Chris had a successful trip to the DMV.
"We did (make an appointment) online," she says. "And then we went in and did everything and it was great, it was a one, two, three thing. So we're really happy, he got his permit, so we're really happy."
There is also a new mobile testing center at the DMV office in Riverhead where people can take a permit test.
 


More from News 12