Going to the DMV is like being loaded up with homework before the weekend. You know you need to do…read moreit, but you'll spend every waking minute avoiding it until it's all of a sudden Sunday night and you're forced into it. Luckily, the Grandview DMV is like having your parents step in and help you through it.
I've had less than ideal experiences here, specifically when I had to move from Kansas to Missouri. The amount of oddly specific documentation I needed was on par for Pentagon clearance, and the staff member seemed to take some joy in the fact that I was one doc shy of approval. However if you're on top of it, it's not so bad.
They do it all here, from registrations, property taxes, licensing, and whatever other beige tasks stand before you. The past few times, it's been licensing and I'm here to offer some pro-tips to make it easy for anyone who comes across this:
- PAY ANNUAL REGISTRATION ONLINE: First off, if you're a MO resident, you get those annual car registration bills in the mail. Bite the bullet and pay for 2 years, online, the minute you get it. This will save you a trip from even having to come here.
-GET IN LINE BEFORE: No matter what you're knocking out, take a look at their website (https://www.grandview.org/government/city-departments/finance/state-licensing-office) and/or download QLess. Both offer the ability to add yourself to the line digitally without leaving the house, saving hours.
-REAL ID: Missouri is requiring Real ID in 2023 for flying (or use of a passport) so if you're renewing your driver's license, definitely come prepared to get this so you're not having to go back. I showed a birth certificate (ordered mine through a company called Vital Chek and it only took a week to arrive), govt check, social security card, two pieces of mail, and a current driver's license. There are other things that will work, like a non-expired passport, etc. but triple check their website before you leave the house so it's not a wasted day.
-COVID: As of writing this, Covid is still a (big) thing, but they're open like normal. The area is large*, there's a temp check on the way in (no one was using it, however), and masks are required throughout.
*Large until you get to the driver's license station, where everyone was crammed in like sardines.
-NEW MO RESIDENTS: If you're a new MO resident, you need to do car registration THEN licensing, in order. Add yourself to the licensing queue while you're handling the first task so you don't spend the full day there.
-WHEN TO GO: Common wisdom is middle of the week, middle of the month. Deadlines are often monthly, so they get more packed at the end of the month especially, or after holidays.
I failed to add myself to the list, and it took four hours to get my license renewal, but had I known, it would've been easy-peasy. The plus side to all of this is their text communications and ability to track your spot in line via the app. I ended up working from my car and listening to podcasts, so it wasn't all bad. You could even go home and come back, no need to sit around all day if the waits are long.
All in all, the ample parking, friendly-ish staff (most of the time), good signage throughout so it's clear where to go, and surprisingly easy jaunt to get there (less than 20 minutes from the Plaza) make this one head and shoulders better than downtown KC or others in more dense, urban areas.