Rhonda Lahm, Director of the Nebraska DMV (third from left) and Gov. Jim Pillen participate in the ribbon cutting Aug. 22 at the new DMV Grand Island Service Center.
GRAND ISLAND – A ribbon cutting occurred Aug. 22 for the new Grand Island Service Center for the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles at 3529 S. Locust St.
The office was previously located in one room on the first floor of the Hall County Administration Building at 121 S. Pine St.
Gov. Jim Pillen and Rhonda Lahm, Director of the Nebraska DMV, were on hand for the ribbon cutting.
“This is truly an exciting day for the Department of Motor Vehicles,” Lahm said.
Pillen said, ‘It’s just a gigantic day to celebrate.”
The wait time at the new center has decreased to approximately 1 minute, 20 seconds.
Lahm said there were many partners in the project. DMV partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to analyze its approach to service. DMV worked with other partners including Gov. Pillen; the Nebraska Legislature (particularly the Appropriations Committee); Department of Administrative Services; and Chief Industries.
The building covers 12,000 square feet and serves approximately 150 customers daily. The office has five employees, of which four are permanently assigned. Someone from another county can come to the Grand Island office to renew a driver’s license.
Lahm said another new DMV office will open in Norfolk early next year and after that in Scottsbluff.
Lahm has worked for the state for 45 years, including just short of 15 years for DMV.
“Opening our new service center in Grand Island is a continuing step in transforming driver license service delivery in Nebraska,” Lahm said. “This modern facility allows the DMV to serve customers efficiently for those requiring in-person service. We continue to encourage people to take advantage of our online services.”
The Grand Island office opened on Aug. 20.
Service at the Grand Island office is more streamlined, with people being able to complete their business in a single transaction with the examiner. Previously, customers had to make payments at the Hall County Treasurer’s office.
Matt Coatney, administrator of the Driver License Service Division, said “There have been significant reductions in wait times and an enhanced customer experience at each of our four services centers in Omaha and Lincoln metro areas. We intend to replicate this improved service in Grand Island.”
DMV applicants can schedule an appointment on the Nebraska DMV’s website at: dmv.nebraska.gov. The Grand Island office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The interior of the new Grand Island DMV Service Center is spacious compared to the former one-room office at the Hall County Administration Building. The new location has plenty of parking compared to the former location.