Long lines formed Tuesday as license branches across Indiana opened their doors for the first time since March 23, having been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most Hoosiers who went to their nearest license branch faced long lines that took over an hour to get through.
And it’s not over yet.
“We anticipate these high transaction numbers will continue for the next several days, and possibly weeks ahead,” said Christine Meyer, director of communications and public affairs for the BMV.
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At the Columbus license branch at 4445 Ray Boll Boulevard, David Fields and his 15-year-old daughter, Whitley Fields, arrived Tuesday shortly after the doors opened at 8:30 a.m. They saw an extremely long line extend from the west side entrance around the south side of the building, and continue all the way to the east side, David Fields said.
After concluding the line was too long, the two decided to leave and come back later. While the queue was a bit shorter when they returned at about 10 a.m., it still took about 90 minutes for Whitley, a Columbus East High School student, to obtain her learner’s permit.
Despite the long wait, David Fields commended the BMV staff and said he felt they were doing their best under the circumstances. In addition, a number of individuals in line expressed gratitude for the sunshine, low humidity and mild temperatures that prevailed late Tuesday morning.
In just two hours, BMV branches across the Hoosier state had already processed 5,400 transactions, putting them on pace to break the record for single day transactions, Meyer said.
At about 11:30 a.m. outside the Columbus BMV, there were 42 people standing in line, with only one person being allowed at a time into the front vestibule leading to the interior. Only three people standing outside in the line were wearing a protective mask.
Those who anticipate being in these long lines during the upcoming weeks are encouraged to dress appropriately, bring water and something to protect them from the sun, Meyer said. A few individuals outside the Columbus branch brought lawn chairs or umbrellas for shade.
Inside the branch, there were about 26 people sitting in chairs positioned at least 6 feet apart. While every member of the BMV staff had their faces covered, only three customers inside the branch were taking similar precautions.
While Indiana license branches strongly encourage masks for those waiting in line or for those who enter a branch, it is not mandatory.
There was at least one person who had little choice but to stand in line. Jake Barber of Columbus was ordered by his boss to get a corporate truck’s registration updated, which was something he was told he had to do in person, Barber said.
But there were also folks such as Angela Torres, who recently moved to Bartholomew County from Kansas City, Missouri. She was at the BMV to get a new Indiana identification card, she said.
Torres could have waited a few more weeks. The administrative penalty fee for expired driver’s licenses, permits, state identification cards, and vehicle does not resume until July 1. Title transactions and new vehicle registration must also be completed before July 1.
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Hours: Columbus branch of the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles, 4445 Ray Boll Blvd.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Appointments at the local license branch can be made online by going to in.gov/bmv
Phone: 888-692-6841
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The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles reminds Hoosiers that there are several transactions that can be completed without waiting in long lines.
One is using BMV Connect, a 24-hour self-service terminal that is available in the vestibule of the Columbus license branch at 4445 Ray Boll Boulevard. BMV Connect provides services dealing with vehicle registration, driver’s license and ID renewals and replacements, as well as updating contact information.
You can also conduct a number of BMV transactions online. However, using this service called myBMV does require establishing an account that includes a user name and password to complete all but two transactions.
Online transactions that don’t require accounts are renewing license plates or paying reinstatement fees.
The simplest way to reach myBMV is to go to in.gov/bmv – and then under the heading “Welcome to the Indiana BMV," click on the tab that asks to log in or register for an account.
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