Drivers React To DMV Changes

Frustrated drivers say South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard’s plan to ease congestion at the DMV is welcomed news.

“And even though it has my name still on there and my military I.D., they still couldn't use that,” Steven Remare said, as he ruffled through the legal documentation required to renew his drivers license.

Remare’s license expired during his year serving in Afghanistan. He is only home a few days before shipping out to Texas to finish his service. Remare expected a long wait. But, he was surprised.

“Did we expect to wait? Yeah we did. We were lucky,” Remare said. “I've never seen it like this.”

But even when the lines are short, everyone in the line will tell you the ride isn't always smooth.

“I spent all day chasing down a drivers license. But I got it!” Jim Witkop said.

Drivers say multiple trips because of waits and missing paperwork are common at the Sioux Falls Administration Building DMV office. In fact, Steve Larsen is on his third trip too.

“I don't have the time to sit here for three hours. It's not like it's a haircut where you show up when they call your name. You've got to be in line,” Larsen said.

News that the state is tweaking its policies, adding staff and making other changes to speed things up is good news for Larsen.

“I'm glad that leadership is taking responsibility to make changes and take action as opposed to saying, ‘Oh well, it is what it is,’” Larsen said.

It's no fast-pass; the state says some of the changes will take time. That’s bad news for those who need their licenses now. Maybe next time lanes in Sioux Falls will be wide open.