Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV/RMV) Bend-Kundendienst

Calling this number for the Oregon DMV leads to plenty of information through the available automated system. Oregon's DMV wants to limit wait times for customers by reserving representatives for those customers in need of specific help, so most questions are handled by the automated system.

Additionally, the Oregon DMV segments its callers, and this number is only meant for Bend, Deschutes County and surrounding areas. Each section of Oregon seems to have its own DMV, which helps minimize wait times further.

When you call this number, you are given a choice of English or Spanish and taken directly to the automated system's menu. Once you reach the menu, you need to clearly state your reason for calling, as there are no buttons to press once you've selected your language. The system will take you to that section of its information and ask you if it can send you a text message with the information you want.

When I got connected, I requested information about getting my vehicle registered in Oregon. After being moved to that menu and confirming that I'd want a text message, the system asked me to confirm that the number I called from was the number where I wanted a text. When I did, they sent me a message with a link to the Oregon DMV's web page on renewing a vehicle registration or getting a new one. The site told me I could come to the DMV office with an application and proof that the vehicle had passed an emissions test. It further explained that if I was registering a newer vehicle, the emissions test was not necessary.

It then asked if I had any additional questions, and I said no. The system then thanked me for calling and hung up. Afterward, I called back to check the wait time, and the system said I would wait approximately 18 minutes and 45 seconds for assistance from a customer service representative.

Overall, I thought the system did a nice job presenting information and ensuring anyone could use it. Having a text message sent to me rather than having to copy down a website took all of the guesswork out of the equation and made sure I would directly reach the requested information. It also meant that I didn't have to worry about finding a computer and connecting to the internet.

Even though it seems everyone has access to the web, many people do not have a reliable connection. Oregon makes sure a person can still get information by including a cell phone link, and if a customer would rather not use a cell phone, they can still speak to a live person.

I thought this experience successfully blends the experiences and needs of both web-first customers and those who prefer help over the phone. If I needed assistance with a DMV-related issue, I'd feel very comfortable calling the Oregon DMV.