The Ultimate Playlist for Waiting at the DMV 

Ever been stuck at the DMV? Where time stands still, the fluorescent lights buzz annoyingly above you, and the “NOW SERVING” board seems to jump randomly around the entire number line before finally arriving at your ticket right as the office closes. Yeah, that place. To put it mildly, it’s not exactly a piece of “heaven” on Earth. 

It’s the kind of place where every moment feels like an eternity, and the sheer monotony of waiting makes you question your very existence. But fear not! With the right playlist, even the DMV’s seemingly endless grind can be a little less soul-crushing. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of music to lift your spirits and make the wait feel a little shorter. 

Luckily, this curated DMV playlist will make your DMV experience ever-so-slightly more endurable. From power ballads to the grooviest of jams, this playlist has a little something for every driver. Ready to enter the DMV trenches? Grab your favorite espresso beverage, put on some headphones, and get rolling. 

Don’t forget: You may have to show proof of auto insurance depending on your DMV business. 

Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees 

Nothing screams “DMV survival anthem” like this disco classic. The Bee Gees remind you that while waiting for your number to be called, it’s important to keep your cool, stay positive, and maybe even hum along. Bonus points if you silently practice your best John Travolta moves. Just don’t knock over the coffee of the person next to you, alright? 

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor 

The perfect anthem for when the DMV clerk tells you that the document you brought is “unacceptable,” even though it says “official copy” right at the top. Gloria’s soulful power ballad will have you nodding along … determined to survive the gauntlet that is DMV bureaucracy. Maybe. 

Stuck in the Middle with You by Stealers Wheel 

This groovy tune is ideal for the moment you realize you’re flanked by a stressed-out mom trying to corral her toddler and a guy wearing flip-flops in December. It’s DMV purgatory at its finest, but at least Stealers Wheel can make it bearable with some catchy beats. 

Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper 

Cyndi Lauper’s dreamy ballad captures the surreal, almost ethereal experience of waiting … and waiting … and waiting. UGH. It’s moments like these where you also want to review some of the most misunderstood terms in car insurance. Or is that just us? 

Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey 

When you’re an hour into your wait and starting to question if this is real life, Journey’s iconic hit will keep your hope alive. Remember, the DMV may feel like a black hole, but somewhere out there, your number will be called. Just don’t stop believin’. 

Another One Bites the Dust by Queen 

This one goes out to all of you fine folks who hear the dreaded “You’re in the wrong line” after waiting for 45 minutes. Freddie Mercury captures the heartbreak and resilience of DMV patrons everywhere. Take a deep breath. Channel your inner rock star. And … get back in line.  

Patience by Guns N’ Roses 

Let’s be honest: If you don’t already have patience when you walk into the DMV, you’ll have a crash course in it by the time you leave. Axl Rose’s raspy crooning will remind you to take it one slow, agonizing second at a time. 

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen 

If the DMV ever inspires you to chuck it all and hit the road for good, Springsteen has your back. His anthem to freedom and escape will have you dreaming of wide-open highways and a life where DMV lines don’t exist. (Spoiler: That life doesn’t exist.) 

Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx 

This soft-rock ballad perfectly captures the mood of waiting for a DMV employee to return to their desk after their third break in an hour. No judgment. They’ve earned it. But seriously, Richard Marx knows your pain. 

Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Dusty Springfield 

Dusty’s jazzy optimism will help you stay positive as you silently hope the clerk accepts your less-than-perfect documentation. Hopefully. Wishing you the best, yep? At least you don’t have to sell a kidney to get a driver’s license in Washington State. 

Tired of Waiting for You by The Kinks 

Is there a song more DMV-appropriate than this classic by The Kinks? As the minutes turn into hours, you’ll feel every word of this tune in your soul. Pro tip: Lip-syncing to The Kinks can be surprisingly therapeutic, but just don’t let your neighbors in line hear you humming away — maybe it’s better to keep it all in your head while you wait in purgatory. 

Get Me Out of Here by Third Eye Blind 

For the moments when you’re seriously considering climbing out the window and fleeing the DMV for good. Third Eye Blind’s angsty vibe is perfect for channeling your inner rebel while remaining firmly seated in your assigned row. 

Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer 

If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better system than this,” you’re not alone. John Mayer’s mellow hit is practically the DMV anthem for reform-minded folks dreaming of efficiency. Until that day comes, crank up the volume and keep waiting. 

The Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani 

Dreaming of the moment you finally escape the DMV with all your paperwork in hand to get your Washington license renewed after it has been suspended? Gwen Stefani gets it. Her catchy tune will keep you focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. Just don’t forget your car keys when you bolt for the door. 

I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free by Nina Simone 

Nina Simone’s soulful melody is a poignant reminder that freedom — like getting your new license — is a privilege worth waiting for. Let her vocals soothe your spirit as you endure the DMV grind. Hopefully, your local DMV isn’t so inefficient that you can’t get out before the end of this playlist. 

Escape by Metallica 

For the DMV warriors who’ve been there too long and are teetering on the edge of sanity. Let Metallica’s aggressive riffs serve as your rallying cry as you resist the urge to flip a desk and make a run for it. Not a bad way to close out this playlist — for those moments when you want to rage against the system. Crank up the volume (but, you know, not too much), and let Metallica channel your DMV fury. 

Don’t Forget Your Car Insurance from Vern Fonk Before You Get in Line 

Alright, there’s your playlist for the DMV. And while it’s not exactly anyone’s idea of a fun time, hopefully, these song recommendations can get you through the next waiting game at an office. 

So, there you have it. The ultimate DMV playlist to get you through the waiting game with your sanity intact. Sure, the lines are long, the seating is uncomfortable, and the fluorescent lights are soul-sucking, but with the right music, anything is possible. 

Ready to get started with a customized auto insurance policy? Give us a call today at (800) 455-8276, request a quote online, or visit one of our locations in person (and don’t worry, we’re a lot faster and more efficient than your local DMV for sure!).