INDIANAPOLIS -- Wait times are down at Bureau of Motor Vehicle branches across the state as more people choose to do business online, a new report showed.

The average wait time is now eight minutes and 26 seconds -- two and a half minutes less than a year ago, according to the BMV's annual report, 6News' Norman Cox reported.

Commissioner Ron Stiver said he believes much of the success in reducing wait times is due to customers doing more business online or at outside vendors, like banks and auto dealers.

"We've had 900,000 less transactions conducted in the branches this year versus last year. So, close to a million fewer transactions," he said.

And more online services are on the way. Stiver said that online customers will soon be able to pay electronically from their checking accounts and that people who forget to renew plates or stickers and need quick service will get three-day turnarounds for an extra charge. The BMV will also extend its $5 discount for renewing online.

In an effort to reduce wait times even more, many branches will get expanded self-service kiosks. The BMV will also expand the number of plate expiration dates, which should spread out the number of people coming into braches at any one time, Stiver said.

Customers to whom Cox talked said they were happy not to wait in line very long.

"We're visiting from another area, and I've never not had to wait in a BMV before in my life," one person said. "We walked in. We were served. We're done."