A numbered counter position, as at a DMV, where one clerk serves one visitor at a time. When a queue number is called it is sent to a specific window, so visitors know where to go.
See also: Service counter, Queue number, Station
Service window
A numbered counter position, as at a DMV, where one clerk serves one visitor at a time. When a queue number is called it is sent to a specific window, so visitors know where to go.
Nov 8, 2026
NOWAITN
More in Government
Continue exploring our knowledge base
Service counter
A public desk in a government office where staff handle in-person transactions such as permits, licenses, records and payments. A service counter is usually staffed by several clerks who call people from one queue.
Queue number
The number a visitor receives on arrival at an office to mark their place in the queue, often with a letter prefix for the service, such as B-042. Staff call the number to a window and a display board shows which numbers are being served.
Appointment-only office
A government office that serves visitors only at booked times and does not take walk-ins. Offices move to appointment-only service to control lobby crowding and to give each visit a known amount of staff time.
Walk-in hours
Set hours when an office serves visitors without an appointment, in order of arrival. Offices often combine walk-in hours with appointment blocks so both kinds of visitors are served on the same day.
Case number
The identifier an agency assigns to one matter, such as an application, claim or complaint, so every visit, document and decision about it is filed together. A visitor quotes the case number to continue the same matter on a later visit.