DMV backlogs caused by pandemic create headaches for drivers
“They wouldn’t answer and it was very frustrating. The DMV is making it impossible to renew a license,” said Steelman, 77. “As of Nov. 23 I will not be able to legally drive . . . despite all my efforts.”
In the Washington region, customers are waiting up to six months to complete routine transactions such as driver’s tests, license renewals and out-of-state transfers. Some services such as driver skills tests are booked through next year.
“It’s a serious problem when you consider that we need cars and without a license, we’re really taking legal risks,” said Steelman, a retired Foreign Service officer. He is planning to take Ubers or taxis to get around in the weeks he will be unlicensed.
Resorting to social media
The departments of motor vehicles in D.C. and Virginia and the Motor Vehicle Administration in Maryland have revamped their websites, making dozens of transactions available