Calling this number for assistance can seem ineffective at first, but the representatives at the California DMV helped fix that and make this a pleasant experience. When I dialed, I was connected to the automated system, known as Miles. Miles introduced itself as an automated assistant and asked me to speak the problem I was calling about.
Thinking this was going to be an information system, I mentioned I was calling for information about California's title and registration process and wanted to inquire about costs. However, Miles said the people who could help with that question were unavailable, and I could only request a call-back when it was my turn. There were no other options available, such as waiting on hold for the next available representative or getting information from the automated menu elsewhere. I could only either go back to a previous menu or request a call back.
I went ahead and hit the button for a call-back, and Miles said that because there were too many calls ahead of me, my call would be returned on the next business day. At that point, the system hung up. As this call was on a Friday, I didn't expect to get a call back at any point.
However, 90 minutes after I hung up, I received a call from a different number and was told a representative from the California DMV would be on the phone with me momentarily. She quickly came on the phone, asked how she could assist me and I told her I was moving to California soon and wanted to know how much titling and registering my vehicle would cost.
The agent said that titling the car costs $21, and registration would cost another $60. She said there were a few other fees that could be added based on the weight and age of the vehicle, but couldn't tell me those because they were different for each car and I'd need to ask when I got the car registered.
Next, she added that in order to get my car registered, I'd need to provide documented evidence of three things. They were a California smog emissions test, an application for a duplicate title and insurance in accordance with California's requirements. I had no other questions at that point, and thanked her for her time and assistance. She thanked me for calling and wished me a good evening.
Overall, I was very impressed with the representative's willingness to call back after hours on her end. She didn't have to stick around to call me back, especially on a Friday. But she did, and she made sure that I was taken care of with all of the information I needed. I got all my questions clearly answered and was done within five minutes.
I'm not a fan of Miles' lack of options, but the California DMV workers were absolutely worth the wait. I would use this number again if I needed assistance without hesitation.