For Henderson DMV, a tough week to be without air conditioning

By Brian Nordli

Wednesday, July 11, 2012 | 9 p.m.

For many, wait times at the DMV can feel like Hell, but for those visiting the Henderson DMV on a scorching Wednesday afternoon, the temperatures inside felt like it, too.

“We’re burning up,” said one woman as she exited the building.

With half of the building’s air conditioning units on the fritz, customers visiting the branch stepped out of the oven-like weather and into a stuffy humidity. At first, Carrie Everhardt said she felt relief when she walked in, like a cool breeze, but then the stifling humidity settled in. Still, she said the disagreeable climate appeared to keep customers away, possibly cutting her wait time.

“I’ll sweat it out and wait,” said Everhardt, who was 40 numbers away from being called. “I’d rather be in the heat and not wait as long than have air conditioning.”

Most people sat in the rows of plastic chairs fanning themselves with DMV paperwork as the robotic female voice called out numbers. A sheen of sweat formed along the brows of some, while others seemed unfazed. Jose Cervantes said he had worked outside in triple-digit heat all day, so a little warmth doesn’t bother him.

Henderson DMV officials said they are in the process of bringing in new units from out of state and expect everything to return to normal on Monday. Until then, officials said customers should schedule their DMV visits in the morning hours if possible. They said staff will be reduced from 3 p.m. to close due to the heat.

Officials recommend visiting the DMV's website to find other locations.

Once the air conditioning returns, wait times can return as the Henderson DMV's primary nuisance.