"It was really convenient, really nice:" Saturday hours at DMV underway



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- As we inch closer to election day, the DMV proves to be a popular place. Two DMV locations are participating in a pilot program with new hours on Saturdays.

It may not be at the top of your list of things to do on a Saturday morning, but now you have options.

"The hours are more convenient for them," said DMV Southeastern Regional Manager, Barney Hall.

The DMV's Milwaukee Service Center on Mill Road, and the Service Center on Grange Avenue are trying out new Saturday hours.

"It was really convenient, really nice," said Peter Ruzicka, visitor at the DMV on Saturday.

Peter and Adrienne Ruzicka are in the process of transferring plates to a new car.

"After work they are only open an hour - it's really hard to get out of work and get here right away," said Adrienne.

Normally, the DMV is only open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. These two locations are opening on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. until noon. If it's successful, the DMV may consider Saturday hours at more locations next year.

"Title and registration, driver's license renewal, IDs - most people can come down and take care of their needs," said Hall.

With Wisconsin's voter ID requirement in place for the November election, the DMV might get even busier -- as those without a photo ID head to the DMV before heading to the polls.

"I'm sure as we get closer to the election, there will be some increase.  Judging on what we've had this week - there hasn't been much of an uptick in it," said DMV Director of Field Services, Jim Miller.

Items like social security card, birth certificate, and proof of residency are needed to get a state issued ID.

"It takes about five business days to get the card in the mail," said Miller.

In some cases, you'll automatically get a receipt that is a valid form of ID -- and just another reason some customers think the DMV is OK.

"Actually, we were really happy because it was open today," said Adrienne.

The DMV's southeast region handles roughly 18,000 customers a week. A lot of the services that the DMV offer, can also now be done on-line.

New Saturday hours are not a response to the voter ID requirement, leaders say plans have been in place for this for the last five months.