Tennessee Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV/RMV) Customer Service

Although some might say the DMV has a questionable reputation when it comes to customer service, calling the Tennessee DMV was not difficult. While there were several directory maps to navigate, by the time I was able to talk to a person, they were helpful. There also aren't any callback options, so if you happen to drop the call then you are out of luck and have to start the entire process all over again. 

The first thing you get after dialing the Tennessee DMV is a message suggesting you go online and submit a helpdesk ticket.  There's a heavy emphasis placed on taking care of simple tasks online, then the caller is advised to make sure they have their VIN available if they're going to stay on the line and want faster service. 

After this spiel, you reach the directory map, which says you can speak to an agent about your title, vehicle registration, salvage or rebuild, or Invictus record. Each option has its own number. In addition, callers are advised that there's another phone number they should call to talk someone about a revoked or suspended line. You're not immediately connected, but the number is offered. Callers are given a different number to call for general questions about anything not covered. 

At this point, I pressed one because I wanted to talk to an agent about an issue I was having with my title. A recorded message reminded me that if I have a VIN plate number available, the process will go quicker. I was then told to please wait to talk to a representative. There was a brief pause and I thought for a moment they had hung up on me, but then the hold music started up. It took about four minutes to get to this point in the phone call, and I was on hold for about eight minutes. 

The agent answered and asked what they could do for me and if I had a VIN number. I didn't since I was not near my car, but they were able to look me up by my name as the car was registered in my name, and they assisted with my questions. It turned out I'd have to file a lost title claim, but they walked me through the process to make sure I would have the right documentation with me when I went down to the physical title office.