Motorists could experience minimal wait times with a new auto bureau reservation system. Erie County launched the online check-in system at several auto bureau locations Thursday.
The system is expected to improve wait times and make it easier for customers to quickly conduct business. It’s available at the Department of Motor Vehicles locations in downtown Buffalo, Cheektowaga and Amherst.
People can bypass waiting in line for a ticket number at the DMV by logging-on to the www.erie.gov/clerk website under the auto bureau tab. Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs says after filling out your information, motorists will be emailed a confirmation number to take to the auto bureau.
“What it will give you when you confirm the appointment is a simple appointment number and when you come into the auto bureau you will come to the self serve kiosk, print out the wait tag and then get called,” said Jacobs.
Taylor O’Hara was waiting to renew her license when she heard about the new appointment system.
“I think it’s a great idea, especially in downtown Buffalo where it’s a lot of working people where they have a lot of things to be doing on their lunch break. So, I think it would make the process go a lot faster and they could be getting other tasks done,” said O’ Hara.
Emory Winston says he believes the new system will cut down on the crowd of people at the auto bureau.
“Waiting with the ticket, sometimes it’s kind of hectic, because you want to go out and get something to eat, but you never know how long it’s going to be. So, it would be fine with the kiosk. I think that will save time and be much quicker, and move people through the lines,” said Winston.
The reservation system is available 24/7 and motorists can make same day appointments or up to 30 days in advance. Reservations will not be available during busier times at various locations.