The Department of Motor Vehicles is replacing its toll free number, saving taxpayers a half million in fees. Here is a press release from the DMV:

As a cost-cutting measure, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is replacing its toll-free customer phone number, 1-866-DMV-LINE (866-368-5463), with 804-497-7100 beginning April 30. “DMV will save Virginia taxpayers approximately $500,000 in fees by replacing the agency’s toll-free number,” said DMV Commissioner Rick Holcomb.

DMV customers with an 804 area code have been redirected to the new customer phone number since December 2009. Starting April 30, all DMV customers from across Virginia who call 866-DMV-LINE now hear an automated message telling them the number has been changed to 804-497-7100.

Customers who call DMV are helped by the DMV Direct Call Center, staffed by approximately 95 customer service agents, who answer about 5,000 to 6,000 calls per day. “The majority of calls our agents are taking today originate from the new phone number, 804-497-7100,” Holcomb said. “We’ve had the new number posted on DMV’s website since December, so many customers are already accustomed to the change.” Calls to the toll-free number cost the state three cents per minute.

Two of DMV’s toll-free phone numbers will not be replaced. Deaf or hard-of-hearing customers may still connect with the teletypewriter device (TTY) at 1-800-272-9268. Also, customers who would like to complete their transactions through DMV’s automated phone service may continue to call 1-888-337-4782.

Customers who need to contact DMV have options — they may visit DMV’s website and fill out a secure online form. Or, customers may write to DMV at: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, Va. 23269. The least busy times to call the DMV Direct Call Center at 804-497-7100 are the middle of the week, first thing in the morning. The call center experiences its highest volume of calls during lunchtime and on Mondays.